Has anyone been to Patpong Market?

Question

Im going to Bangok soon and was wondering if i should go to patpong market, apparently everythings cheap there, but whats it like? Is it too "sexy"?

Answer 1

It's totally safe. My office overlooks that area and I am looking at it right now.
It does help if you have someone that speaks Thai and can haggle on your behalf, or have the confidence to do it yourself. My Thai girlfriend always manages to get them down even lower than I (as a British expat) can, just because she is Thai. If you don't like the price, simply walk away. If they really want the sale they'll call you back and agree to your price. Just remember not to insult them by offering too low a price.
It's full of fake gear and tourist souvenirs, but it's not just limited to Soi Patpong. It spills out onto the surrounding roads and pavements too. The stallholders generally start setting up mid-afternoon outside Soi Patpong (some are even there when I go out for lunch) but those in Soi Patpong aren't normally ready and selling before 6pm.
It does have a reputation, as you're already aware, and some of the clubs alongside can be best described as seedy. It is purely aimed at tourists though so you will never be on your own. It's not necessarily the cheapest place in Bangkok but you will always get a bargain.
Other markets you might want to look at are Chatuchak (also known as JJ) Weekend Market and Suan Lum Night Bazaar. Good luck - you'll have a wonderful time here.

Answer 2

Generally yes, but as with any holiday in a foreign country, always precede with caution. The night markets are open from around 6.00pm until 1.00am, I would suggest going around 7.00pm and to be gone before midnight, around 10 or 11.00pm would be best. The market is a full of bargains (as well as plenty of "copies") but if you take a good look around before buying (and of course you can always bargain) then you should come away with some good items. Just be prepared to walk away if you think the price is not right, because somewhere someone else will be selling that same item for a price that makes you both happy. As you are already aware that Patpong is a red light district, at least you have prepared, but Patpong is not the only night market, there are several in fact, so if you have any concerns at all, I would suggest taking a look at the link below, which has info about some of the other markets, as well as info about Patpong. If you are in Bangkok for the weekend, you shouldn't miss the Chatuchak Weekend Market, top market, absolutely huge.

Answer 3

Patpong is actually more known for its sleaziness :-) - go go bars and entertainment. If you are into shopping, there are many places in Bangkok that offers more, and cheaper too. Patpong is a tourist trap, the things there not exactly cheap. Try MBK (Mah Boon Krong), Pratunam, Chaktuchak Weekend Market or even Suan Lum Night Bazaar for better deals. At the end of the day, a good deal depends on how good your bargaining skills are ;-)

Answer 4

Patpong is a good laugh but is really aimed at the tourists , its full of traders and stalls selling all kinds of touristy bits and bobs, Its basically sprung up due to the amount of tourists visiting the gogo bars that surround the area. But its the place you can go and have a few drinks and a laugh, not for serious buyers but a fun night out any way. JJ or chatuchak market is pretty good sells all kinds of things from shoes to sharks , that's becoming one of the biggest markets in bkk, Lumpini night bizarre is also a great place to go , no sleaze and some live performances , you can eat and drink and shop without pressure.
Another great place to visit in that area is MBK centre its a huge shopping centre sells all the usual stuff , has air-con and many restaurants. easy access from the BTS.

Answer 5

yes everything is cheap there, but so are the other night markets in Bangkok. Patpong area is a bit dangerous i would say if you are a female and go alone. i went there few years ago with some friends, but we just window shop around just for the 'experience'.

Answer 6

I have been there several times but not for the market!......LOL

It is sleazy. It is safe there though. All the spinsters and solicitors are all talk. If they start getting on your nerves tell them: "My ow ka!" which translates to 'No Thank you". They should leave you alone after this and may even try to speak thai to you (say it with confidence though!) No need to be paranoid. Just keep an eye on your belongings. I would recommend JJ market. I hear it is the biggest in BKK and probably isnt as sleazy.

Answer 7

It is very touristy and 100% safe. You go there at night (when it opens around 6pm) and in the middle of the street are little vendors that sell fake knock-off Channel, Gucci bags, shoes, wallets etc. Around the sides are go-go bars. You can look in and see the dancers if you like and sexy shows etc. But there are lots of tourists walking around and it is safe and fun.

Answer 8

i've been and bought a fantastic pair of sandals at a fraction of the price compared to here,
there are some ordinary bars to hit
but there are the ones with the 'school girls' the 'ping pong ladies' but you dont' need to go in ,and they are easy to walk past, it's not like they are displaying their wares, unlike the red light district in amsterdam

Answer 9

it really is sleazy.

vist the SUAN LUM Night Market instead. clean and cheap and fun (lots of restaurants at reasonable prices).

Answer 10

dont go alone, make sure you have some one you can trust is behind and with you at all times, make sure you keep your valubles in a front inside pocket that cant be opened easily. other than that go and enjoy, take your time dont forget to haggle, haggle and most important, haggle for anything you buy.