Suan Phlu, Bangkok

Suan Phlu is a residential and office pocket near Sathorn, south of the Silom core, with its own run of massage shops and a handful of bars. It is not a nightlife destination in the way Sukhumvit or Silom are. Visitors who stay nearby find it a short taxi or train ride from the main areas.

Low-key. The listings point to massage shops and a few bars rather than a busy strip, so expect a quiet evening with a local feel and few other tourists. It suits a relaxed rub-down or a drink after a day, not a full night out. For crowds and red-light streets, head to Silom or Sukhumvit.

No. Suan Phlu has no red-light hub in the listings, and there are no gogo bars, beer bars or nightclubs. The adult side is limited to massage shops, so check what each one offers before you go in. Patpong in Silom is the nearest classic red-light area.

Only two types. Of 10 places, 7 are massage shops and 3 are bars. The massage shops include Baan Relax, Indra Massage and The Prince Men's Spa, and the bars include Junker and Bar and Smalls. There are no clubs, markets or sights listed, so the district is a short stop at most.

Suan Phlu is far smaller and quieter. Silom has Patpong, Soi Thaniya, rooftop bars and 98 listings, while Suan Phlu has 10, mostly massage shops. Choose Silom for a night out and Suan Phlu only if you are staying nearby and want a massage or a quiet drink without the crowds.

There is no obvious reason to base yourself here for nightlife. A hotel in Silom or on lower Sukhumvit puts you closer to the bars. If you are nearby anyway, a massage is an easy way to start, then a taxi or train to Patpong or Nana for the evening.

By taxi or Grab from Silom or Sukhumvit, which is the simplest option, or by a train to the nearest stop and a short ride on from there. Side-soi traffic can be slow in the evening. Agree the fare before you set off in a taxi without a meter, and use the app after the trains stop.

The shop, rather than the street. Look at the front and the price board of a massage shop before going in, and ask what is included. Streets here are quiet after dark, so book a ride home rather than waiting on a corner. With so few listings, check a place is open before you travel.