Patpong Night Market, Bangkok Overview

The Patpong Night Market in the Silom region of Bangkok is one of the stellar night markets and famous red light areas famous in the city. Central business district by day and raucous night market by night, Patpong Night Market caters mainly to the tourists, and some may even say that the market does not give you the authentic Thai night market experience.

Even though Patpong is a red light district, it also has several shopping and food outlets, making it a little less out there than the other red light districts dotting Bangkok. Furthermore, Patpong Night Market's location in the downtown area makes it easily accessible and therefore is worth visiting for its souvenirs and articles.

History

In 1946, Patpong was just an alley near a canal that is now filled. The property on the street was bought by Chinese descendants called the Patpongpanich family and were sold for less than 3000 dollars at the time. After attaining these properties which were mainly residential, the family started renting them out as shops in the 1970s.

Patpong Street soon became a place of entertainment for the American soldiers who travelled to the continent for the Vietnam War. This entertainment lifestyle is seen even now on the Patpong street and will continue to live on as tradition as through the decades.

Food and Shopping at Patpong Night Market

Like most marketplaces, Patpong Night Market is known for its street food and shopping. Giants like McDonalds, KFC, Starbucks, Burger King and other Italian and Thai restaurants are found within a few metres of the market. Soi Thaniya, is an important street for food too, especially for those looking to taste Japanese food. Other than this, there are several street food joints found within the market itself, ensuring that you will never find a lack of food.

As for the shopping, the 250 metre long street may seem smaller than other markets but is filled with a terrific amount of shops of all sizes. The market is known for its cheap souvenirs and knock off fashion items. You will find all kinds of knock off brand items here, from clothes, jewelleries, bags and shoes to lanterns, household items and trinkets. Beware that since this is a tourist spot the prices for most items are excruciatingly high so as to rip off the unknowing visitors. However, with some strong bargaining you may get items at half the selling price, maybe lesser. Patpong Night Market is also weaved in with the “go-go bars” as this is a red light district, so don’t be shocked if you encounter a little bit of obscenity.

How to Reach Patpong Night Market

You can reach Patpong Night Market by simply following the lights and lines of vendors after you take a sky train or the subway. Furthermore, all taxis and buses know the way to Patpong and you will face no hassle to reach your destination.

If you take the sky train (BTS). then you must get down at Sala Daeng Station which is 5 minutes from the night market. However, if you wish to travel through the subway (MRT), you must get down at the Silom Station which is also 5 minutes from Patpong Night Market.