I recently spent two nights during the Songkran festival in Bangkok. I tried to find places to drink that were not involved in the Songkran Festival water fights. It wasn't too difficult since I preferred off-the-map locations. I was instantly recognized by the staff at most GoGo Bars I visited. Shockingly they were used to recognizing mostly Thai customers, despite being a weird youngish white dude. These places were close by, girls were available on request, and the atmosphere was…
Loading the full guide…
Checking your membership…
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Avoid the Songkran Water Fights in Bangkok?
I spent two nights at Songkran in Bangkok and avoided the water fights by preferring off-the-map places to drink. It wasn't too difficult. The go-go bars I visited were close by, girls were available on request and the atmosphere was generally fun.
Are Go-Go Bars Open During Songkran in Bangkok?
The ones I visited were. I was recognized by the staff at most of the go-go bars I went to, which surprised me as they were used to mostly Thai customers. It was like Spanky's, but more relaxed and without nudity unless you tipped a girl.
How Much Is a Topless Lap Dance During Songkran?
At the go-go bars I visited, there was no nudity unless you tipped a girl 100 baht for a topless lap dance. It was much more relaxed than the usual bar scene, but prices and rules change, so ask the girl or the mamasan before you tip.
What Is Nana Plaza Like During Songkran?
Lively. On my third night I went to Nana Plaza for a beer and stayed longer than planned because of the party atmosphere, watching people soak each other with Songkran water. I also stopped at No Name in Short Time Alley, which is an excellent place for people-watching.
How Much Do Hand Jobs and BJs Cost at Jungle Jim's and Meet the World?
At the time of writing, these small bars offered a hand job for 500 baht and a BJ for 1,000 baht from the back wall. Meet the World is in Patpong and Jungle Jim's is on Soi Cowboy. Prices change, so check with the bar before you sit down.
What Is Dollhouse on Soi Cowboy Like?
Dollhouse was as buzzing as ever when I visited at Songkran, and it became my first choice on Soi Cowboy. I met the polite American gentleman who had been running the bar for the past six months, at the time of writing. It is a short motosai ride from Soi 7.
Where Can I Drink Late in Bangkok After Songkran Bars Close?
I ended my evening at an underground club in Ratchaprarop, a hush-hush place that is open until 6 am. Freelancers were around inside. I left at about 4 am and headed to McDonald's to soak up the booze, so plan your way home before you start.
How Do I Get from Nana Plaza to Soi Cowboy During Songkran?
After enough people-watching, I made my way through a back alley to a quieter Soi 7 and took a quick ride on a motosai to Soi Cowboy to check out Dollhouse. Agree the fare with the rider before you hop on, as prices change.
Should I Watch Out for Fake Bangkok Punters Social Accounts?
Yes. I post updates on the official Bangkok Punters Twitter handle, and there are fake ones around, so watch out for them. If you want reliable news on bars, prices and what is open, I'd only trust the official account and this site.
