Patpong Bangkok Historic Entertainment DistrictFamous nightlife area with night market, international bars, and vibrant entertainment scene
About Patpong Entertainment District
Patpong is Bangkok's most famous entertainment district, a historic area that has been a significant part of the city's nightlife scene since the 1960s. Located in the heart of the Silom business district, this compact entertainment zone features two parallel streets (Patpong 1 and Patpong 2) that combine shopping, dining, and entertainment in a vibrant, internationally recognized tourist destination.
What makes Patpong unique is its dual identity as both a bustling night market and an entertainment district. During evening hours, the streets transform into a lively marketplace with vendors selling everything from clothing to souvenirs, while simultaneously hosting international bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues that cater to tourists and business travelers from around the world.
For Royal Ivory Hotel guests, Patpong offers convenient access via BTS (just 15 minutes away) to experience one of Bangkok's most culturally significant nightlife areas. The district provides a safe, tourist-friendly environment with good infrastructure, police presence, and a fascinating glimpse into Bangkok's entertainment culture and history.
Getting to Patpong from Royal Ivory Hotel
Patpong's location in the central Silom business district makes it easily accessible from Royal Ivory Hotel using the BTS Skytrain system. The area benefits from excellent public transportation connections and is one of the most accessible nightlife districts in Bangkok.
BTS Skytrain Route (Recommended) - 15-20 minutes
- Walk to BTS Nana Station (2 minutes from Royal Ivory Hotel)
- Take BTS Sukhumvit Line to Siam station (1 stop)
- Transfer to BTS Silom Line to Sala Daeng station (3 stops)
- Exit at Gate 3 and walk 2 minutes to Patpong entrance
Total Cost: 44 Baht one-way | Journey Time: 15-20 minutes | Frequency: Every 3-6 minutes
Alternative Transportation
- Taxi direct: 15-25 minutes (100-200 Baht, depending on traffic)
- MRT + walk: MRT to Silom station, then 5-minute walk to Patpong
- Combination route: BTS to any central station, then short taxi ride
🚇 Travel Tip from Royal Ivory: The BTS route is the most reliable and fastest way to reach Patpong, especially during evening rush hours. The area is most active from 7:00 PM onwards, making it perfect for after-dinner entertainment and night market shopping.
Patpong Night Market
The Patpong Night Market is one of Bangkok's most famous street markets, operating nightly along Patpong Road and offering an incredible variety of goods in a vibrant, well-organized setting. This market has become a tourist institution, combining shopping convenience with the excitement of Bangkok's famous nightlife district.
Market Shopping Highlights
- Clothing & Fashion: T-shirts, dresses, Thai silk scarves, accessories, shoes
- Souvenirs & Gifts: Thai handicrafts, elephant-themed items, Buddha statues, postcards
- Electronics & Gadgets: Phone accessories, cameras, watches, portable devices
- Leather Goods: Bags, wallets, belts, and custom leather items
- Jewelry & Accessories: Silver jewelry, gemstones, costume jewelry, sunglasses
- Thai Products: Spices, teas, traditional medicines, beauty products
Market Atmosphere & Experience
The market creates a carnival-like atmosphere with hundreds of stalls lining the street, bright neon lighting, background music from nearby bars, and a continuous flow of international tourists. Vendors are experienced with international customers and many speak multiple languages, making shopping communication easy and enjoyable.
🛍️ Smart Shopping Strategy
Peak hours: 8:00-11:00 PM for full selection and energy
Bargaining: Start at 50% of asking price, settle around 60-70%
Quality check: Inspect items carefully, especially electronics and clothing
Payment: Cash preferred, bring small bills for easier transactions
Entertainment & Nightlife Scene
Patpong's entertainment scene reflects its historical significance as one of Bangkok's original nightlife destinations, featuring a mix of international bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues that cater to tourists and business travelers seeking diverse nighttime experiences.
Bar & Restaurant Options
- International bars: Sports bars, cocktail lounges, and themed establishments
- Rooftop venues: Sky bars with city views and upscale atmosphere
- Restaurant dining: International cuisine from Thai to European and American
- Live music venues: Jazz clubs and bars featuring local and international performers
- Casual drinking spots: Relaxed bars perfect for conversation and people-watching
Cultural & Historical Significance
Patpong represents an important chapter in Bangkok's development as an international tourist destination. The area's evolution from a business district to an entertainment zone reflects Thailand's adaptation to international tourism and Bangkok's position as a major Southeast Asian travel hub.
Dining & Restaurant Scene
Patpong offers excellent dining options ranging from street food vendors to upscale international restaurants, making it easy to enjoy a complete evening of shopping, dining, and entertainment in one convenient location.
Restaurant Categories
| Dining Type | Cuisine Options | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🍜 Street Food | Thai classics, grilled meats, noodles | 50-150 Baht per dish | Quick bites, authentic flavors |
| 🍝 Casual Restaurants | Thai, International, Asian fusion | 200-500 Baht per meal | Comfortable dining, good variety |
| 🥂 Upscale Dining | Fine dining, Western, Japanese | 800-2,000 Baht per meal | Special occasions, business dinners |
| 🍺 Bar Food | Pub food, snacks, finger foods | 150-400 Baht per dish | Drinks accompaniment, social dining |
Recommended Dining Strategy
Many visitors enjoy progressive dining in Patpong: starting with dinner at a restaurant, browsing the night market, then visiting bars for drinks and socializing. The compact area makes it easy to move between venues and experience different aspects of the district in one evening.
Safety & Cultural Information
Patpong is a well-established tourist area with good safety infrastructure, police presence, and experience catering to international visitors. Understanding the area's culture and maintaining standard safety precautions ensures a positive experience.
Safety & Security Features
- Tourist police presence: Regular patrols and tourist police booth in the area
- Well-lit streets: Excellent lighting throughout the entertainment district
- Heavy foot traffic: Busy area with constant activity providing natural security
- Established businesses: Long-running venues with reputations to maintain
- Central location: Located in business district with good infrastructure
Visitor Guidelines & Etiquette
📋 Smart Visiting Tips:
Respect local culture: Be polite and respectful to vendors and staff
Bargain fairly: Negotiate prices respectfully, understanding vendors need to earn a living
Stay aware: Keep valuables secure and be conscious of surroundings
Drink responsibly: Know your limits and stay hydrated
Use registered transportation: BTS, official taxis, or hotel-arranged transport
Exploring the Surrounding Area
Patpong's central Silom location provides easy access to other significant Bangkok attractions, upscale shopping areas, cultural sites, and business districts, making it an ideal base for exploring central Bangkok.
Nearby Attractions & Areas
- Silom Road: Major business street with shopping, dining, and modern Bangkok atmosphere
- Lumpini Park: Large green space perfect for morning exercise or afternoon relaxation
- Sathorn District: Upscale area with sky bars, fine dining, and business centers
- Sala Daeng intersection: Major commercial area with shopping and dining options
- King Power Mahanakhon: Thailand's tallest building with observation deck and shopping
- State Tower: Iconic building with famous sky bar and panoramic city views
Perfect Central Bangkok Evening
Combine Patpong with nearby attractions for a complete Bangkok experience: Lumpini Park for sunset views, dinner in Silom, shopping at Patpong night market, and drinks at a Sathorn sky bar. The excellent BTS connectivity makes this combination easy and efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Patpong famous for?
Patpong is famous as Bangkok's historic entertainment district featuring a night market, international bars, restaurants, and adult entertainment venues. It's a significant cultural landmark and tourist area that has been part of Bangkok's nightlife scene since the 1960s.
Is Patpong safe for tourists?
Yes, Patpong is generally safe for tourists. It's a well-established tourist area with police presence, good lighting, and heavy foot traffic. The area caters to international visitors and maintains safety standards. Standard nightlife precautions apply.
How do I get to Patpong from Royal Ivory Hotel?
Take BTS Sukhumvit Line from Nana to Siam, transfer to Silom Line, exit at Sala Daeng station (15-20 minutes total, 44 Baht). Patpong is 2-minute walk from BTS station. Alternatively, direct taxi (15-25 minutes, 100-200 Baht).
What time does Patpong night market open?
Patpong night market opens around 6:00 PM and operates until midnight daily. Peak hours are 8:00-11:00 PM when the market is most active with vendors, shoppers, and the full nightlife atmosphere.
What should I budget for Patpong?
Budget 1,000-2,500 Baht for full evening: drinks 200-500 Baht, dinner 300-800 Baht, night market shopping 500-1,500 Baht, transportation 100-400 Baht roundtrip. Prices vary significantly based on venue choice and shopping preferences.
Practical Visiting Tips
What to Bring
- Cash in small bills: Bring 2,000-4,000 Baht for shopping, dining, and entertainment
- Comfortable walking shoes: Lots of standing and walking on concrete surfaces
- Light clothing: Bangkok heat and crowded areas make light fabrics essential
- Small bag: Easy to carry while shopping and moving through crowds
- Phone & camera: Document the experience and navigate the area
- Hotel business card: For taxi drivers if returning late
Optimal Visit Strategy
🕰️ Perfect Evening Timeline:
6:30 PM: Arrive via BTS, explore area layout and restaurant options
7:00-8:30 PM: Dinner at chosen restaurant, international or Thai cuisine
8:30-10:30 PM: Night market shopping during peak activity hours
10:30 PM-12:30 AM: Bar hopping, drinks, and socializing
12:30 AM: Return via BTS (until midnight) or taxi
Combining Your Bangkok Experience
Patpong pairs excellently with other central Bangkok attractions: afternoon shopping in Siam or Silom, early dinner in the business district, Patpong night market and entertainment, and late-night sky bar views. The central location makes this combination very convenient.