
Nana Plaza - Bangkok's Largest Red Light District
TL;DR
Bangkok's legendary 3-story go-go bar complex with 30+ bars and hundreds of working ladies. Located 3 minutes from Nana BTS, this is the city's largest red light district. Bar fines 1,000 THB, short time 4,000-5,000 THB, long time 7,000-8,000 THB. Peak hours 10pm-1am, busiest Thu-Sat. Cash only. Perfect for go-go bar enthusiasts wanting maximum variety in one location.
Quick Info
- Address: Soi 4, Sukhumvit Road (Nana Entertainment Plaza)
- Hours: 7:00pm - 2:00am (bars may run until 3:00am)
- Price Range: Drinks ~170 THB | Lady Drinks ~230 THB | Bar Fine 1,000 THB | Short Time 4,000-5,000 THB | Long Time 7,000-8,000 THB
- Payment: Cash only (most bars)
- Nearest BTS: Nana BTS (3-minute walk)
About Nana Plaza
Nana Plaza stands as Bangkok's most famous and largest red light district - a 3-story entertainment complex with over 30 go-go bars with some large venues featuring 100+ dancers on rotation on busy nights. This legendary venue has been operating for decades and has become a must-visit destination for many Bangkok visitors.
Getting There
The 3-minute walk from Nana BTS station is straightforward with Google Maps. Look for the distinctive Nana Plaza entrance on Soi 4. You can't miss the neon signs and the stream of visitors heading in and out.
Entry Procedures: Upon arrival, there's a standard bag and ID check at the entrance. Any outside drinks will need to be discarded before entry, so finish your street beers beforehand.
Layout
Each floor features bars arranged in a ring or perimeter layout, with the center area open to view the other levels. Elevated counter seating runs along the outer edges of each level at bar height, perfect for people-watching with a bird's-eye view of the action below.
You can grab a high stool at these counter areas to take breaks from bar-hopping, observe the scene, or just plan your next move. The layout encourages exploration - you might find yourself naturally doing laps around each floor, checking out different bars and their lineups.
The complex features almost exclusively go-go bars, with just one regular bar located at the center of the first floor - it's impossible to miss.
Go-go Bar Varieties:
- Full ladies bars (most common)
- Full ladyboy bars
- Mixed bars (though less common)
All the bars covered here feature full ladies lineups, as that's where most visitors focus their attention. The variety between bars is significant - with massive establishments featuring 100+ ladies on rotation throughout the night.
Timing Your Visit
Official Hours: 7:00pm - 2:00am, though the complex effectively closes when the last bar shuts down, which can be as late as 3:00am for some venues.
Most go-go bars open at 8:00pm, but arriving this early means limited selection. The ladies are still arriving for work, some can even be seen having dinner at the outside counter seating, and getting ready for the night ahead.
Peak Hours: 10:00pm - 1:00am is prime time. This is when you'll find full lineups, peak energy, and the best selection. Some ladies arrive late for their shifts, so this window offers the complete experience.
Best Days: Like most Bangkok nightlife, Thursday through Saturday are the busiest nights with the largest crowds and fullest bar lineups.
Pricing & Payment
Cash Only: Most bars operate on cash-only policies, so come prepared with plenty of Thai baht.
Drink Prices:
- Your drinks: ~170 THB
- Lady drinks: ~230 THB
Bar Fines & Policies:
- Standard bar fine: 1,000 THB
- Some bars require a minimum of 2 drinks before allowing bar fines
- Some bars have a minimum 2 lady drink policy to get a lady to sit with you
Service Rates (negotiated with the lady or mamasan):
- Short time (2 hours): 4,000-5,000 THB
- Long time (4+ hours): 7,000-8,000 THB
These are the current market rates - everything is negotiable depending on the lady, your appearance, vibe and your negotiation skills. But don't go in to lowball or hard negotiate.
Around Nana Plaza
The area surrounding Nana Plaza offers additional entertainment options and interesting observations about Bangkok's nightlife ecosystem.
Right Outside: Several bars face Soi 11, perfect for people-watching and observing the steady stream of visitors entering and exiting the plaza. These offer a more relaxed atmosphere if you want a break from the intense go-go bar environment.
Nana Hotel Carpark: Directly opposite the plaza, this area serves as a gathering spot for freelancers. Unlike the organized bar system inside the plaza, this is more like Thermae Cafe's freelancer model but in an outdoor setting.
Soi 11 Scene: Along the soi, you'll encounter additional freelancers, though many appear to be non-Thai workers (Vietnamese and others) who may be working outside the official system. This explains why they're not working in established venues like the go-go bars or Thermae Cafe, which typically only hire Thai nationals.
Additional Venues: The area features several other bars including Hooters (beside the carpark), Hillary 1 and Hillary 2 (with live music and pool tables), and various restaurant-bars where you can grab food between venues.
Practical Tips for Nana Plaza
Money Matters:
- Factor in drinks, lady drinks, bar fines, and service fees
- Some bars require multiple drinks before bar fines are allowed
Timing Strategy:
- Early evening (8-9pm): Limited selection but less crowded
- Peak hours (10pm-1am): Full lineups but maximum crowds
- Late night (1-3am): Smaller selection but potentially better deals
The Good and The Not-So-Good
Advantages:
- Incredible variety - 30+ bars in one location
- Organized, mall-like experience makes navigation easy
- Peak hours offer hundreds of options
- Convenient location near BTS
Disadvantages:
- Crowded during peak hours
- Higher prices than some alternatives
- Touristy, commercial atmosphere
Safety & Etiquette
- Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
- Be respectful to working ladies - they're professionals doing their job
- Negotiate everything clearly upfront to avoid misunderstandings
- Standard nightlife etiquette applies
Is Nana Plaza Right for You?
Nana Plaza suits visitors who:
- Want maximum variety and options in one location
- Appreciate the security and organized atmosphere
- Enjoy the go-go bar experience and environment
- Don't mind tourist-heavy venues
- Want to experience Bangkok's most famous red light district
It might not suit those who:
- Prefer more authentic, local experiences
- Are overwhelmed by too many choices
- Want to avoid heavily touristed areas
- Prefer the freelancer model over go-go bars
- Are looking for budget-friendly options
Final Thoughts
Nana Plaza is Bangkok's most concentrated adult entertainment experience - 30+ go-go bars packed into one complex. It's touristy and can feel overwhelming, but that's also what makes it legendary.
With hundreds of working ladies across multiple floors, you're bound to find what you're looking for. Just take your time, explore different bars, and don't feel pressured to make quick decisions. Have fun!
Last updated: August 2025