Despite its beginnings as a teakwood house along a canal, Patpong Night Market is one of the most famous night markets in Bangkok and is located inside Bangkok’s oldest red light district – Patpong.

The Patpong Night Market is surrounded by go-go bars and beer bars making the shopping experience here… rather unique.

What is now Patpong night market, had its humble beginnings in 1946 when a Chinese family bought a plot of land for about $3000. However, when the Patpongpanich family bought the land, it was just a piece of underdeveloped plot, kilometers from the city center.

Other than a teakwood house and a small narrow canal, there wasn’t much in the area. The family built a small road that is now named Patpong 1 and several shophouses along the road, that they eventually rented out.

It was only in the late 1970s that Patpong began to add entertainment to its portfolio. The Vietnam War, saw dozens of American soldiers drop by in Bangkok for rest and recreation.

Selling sex and alcohol was a quick way to make a lot of money during the war. Cashing in on this, Patpong opened its premises to establishments such as bars, massage parlors, nightclubs, and entertainment complexes.

Thus, came into existence, the Patpong Night Market.

At the Patpong Night Market you’ll find clothes, souvenirs, and kitsch items here, mostly at bargain prices… as long as you know how to bargain and don’t accept the first quoted price.

But, be wary of the quality and prices of most items sold here.

Both the market and go-go bars seem to complement each other well, remember not to be fooled by first impressions and to bargain hard at both.

Patpong Night Market is an interesting place to spend time, watching people from different walks of life scuttling through the market, and there are also a number of bars just steps away when you get thirsty.

Tourists from all parts of the world flock to the stalls to check out the merchandise.

Since the market is located in the heart of Bangkok’s notorious red light area, don’t be surprised to see girls marketing adult style shows, bars, or even attempting to lure you in for a special massage.

The Patpong Night Market shopping can be a fun time, the only real annoying part will be the touts at each end offering tuk-tuk rides or ping-pong shows.

Most Patpong Night Market vendors set up their stalls at around 6 PM and close between 10 PM and midnight.

There’s more to the Patpong Night Market than the bars that surround it. The market is a great place to shop for tourist souvenirs. You can also find a wide variety of fake branded items like Louis Vuitton handbags, Rolex-es, I mean Faux-lexes, and other brand name copies. But you can also find some cheap fashion accessories and other neat trinkets to bring home.

Explore the market and you’ll even find shops that sell underwear.

This night hub also has shops that sell simple handmade items such as woodcarvings that are truly delightful.

The market is also home to several eateries that are open until late into the night, or early morning even.

Bargain with determination when you shop at the Patpong Night Market. No matter what you buy here – you must BARGAIN.

The initial prices vendors quote at the market are notoriously high. Many vendors will quote as much as triple the price of what the goods are really worth. Since many people are unaware of the right prices, vendors will try to sell something for as much as $50 when it is only worth 10.

Apart from street carts, there are a number of international fast food eateries such as KFC, McDonalds, Burger King, and even Starbucks to appease late night cravings. This is a market renowned for its cheap trinkets and knock off branded goods, and there is a spattering of street food options for a quick snack.

Another location to explore nearby is Soi Thaniya. Soi Thaniya is home to numerous Japanese restaurants that dish out very good food.

A word of caution – Watch out where you’re going, as you may accidentally walk into a Japanese entertainment outlet.

To Get to Patpong Night Market

if you’re taking the BTS, alight at Sala Daeng station and exit down one of the right-hand stairs.

Follow the increasing trail of vendors along the sidewalk.

You’ll reach the market on Soi Patpong 2 after about 5 minutes.

If the MRT is more convenient, then take the MRT Blue Line to Silom Station and use the skywalk to reach Sala Daeng BTS Station.

The Patpong Night Market is open nightly from 6PM until 1AM.