Thailand’s nightlife is a legendary one. It boasts a notorious reputation for racy entertainment in numerous bars, clubs, and special venues, hosting memorable shows full of laughs, music, and dance. However, some venues are more than just bars – but rather a significant part of Thailand’s nightlife. For those seeking to experience the full glory of this country’s nightlife, having discovered a Thai Gogo bar guide will undoubtedly help you navigate through the nights in Thailand.
Continue reading to discover more about these iconic venues!
What is a Go Go Bar?
Thailand Gogo bars are a type of adult entertainment venue that hosts wild parties filled with gogo dancers, often scantily clad or topless, performing a variety of routines that will keep you hooked all night.
Moreover, these bars/clubs are a staple in Thailand’s nightlife, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Pattaya and Bangkok. You can find a diverse selection of gogo bars, each offering unique features to suit anyone’s preference. As their name usually suggests, many of them also follow a theme, like cosplay. For instance, Alcatraz gogo dancers and waitresses role-play as prisoners or guards, while Club Agogo uses a slightly S&M theme involving chains and leather.
Ultimately, the main features of go go bars are stage performances for continuous entertainment, private booths, for those seeking a more intimate experience, and a wide selection of drinks and bottle service. Interaction between patrons and dancers is not only common but often encouraged in these establishments, adding the unique appeal of these iconic venues.
History of Go Go Bars
The true origins of gogo bars are still unclear. One possibility is that the word “go go” is derived from the French word “a gogo” or “la gogue” – meaning “in abundance”, “galore”, or “joy/happiness”. Another possibility is that “go go” originated from American slang during the 1960s, which was “go” or “the go”, indicating something was popular or trending.
Nonetheless, Thailand’s gogo bar scene has evolved significantly over the decades, becoming a widespread industry, especially in major tourist areas. Once catering to a niche market, these bars are now the central part of the country’s nightlife.
Significant shifts in the industry, like changes in regulations or public perception have also impacted the modern Thai go go bar experience.
What Happens In a Go Go Bar?
There’s a lot going on Inside go go bars in Bangkok. To add to it, you have to pay for the entertainment the dancers provide. When you step in, you enter the world of Thai women, lively atmosphere, and adrenaline inducing performances.
Here’s what typically happens inside these venues:
Before the Party
Upon arrival, you are usually greeted warmly with a welcoming smile by the staff.
Patrons can choose their seating, whether to be closer to the dancers for a close-up view of the performance or in a more secluded area. If you’re unsure where to sit, the staff will happily suggest a spot based on your preferences.
The initial interaction with the staff and dancers is typically relaxed and friendly. Shortly after you’ve settled in your seat, a waitress approaches you, offering a menu and perhaps suggesting a drink.
The menu is the key part of the Gogo bar experience. Beyond the standard drink section, you will also see a bottle service offer that allows you to purchase a full bottle of liquor. It usually comes with mixers and a dedicated server that will attend to your table with more personalized attention.
In addition to drinks, the menu also offers additional services, like the option to buy a drink for a dancer, special packages or services that include private settings, VIP passages, and more.
The waitress usually explains all these options so there are no misunderstandings.
During the Party
The main attraction in Thai go go bars are the stage performance, usually involving dancers who may be dressed in themed outfits or more revealing attire. The stage is often elevated and surrounded by seating, allowing visitors a clear view of the performance.
As for the show itself, in some gogo bars, you can expect traditional dancing, where dancers move to upbeat music, while other gogo bars take it up a notch and include themed performances, costume changes, and even fire shows. However, one of the most unique aspects of these performers is the interaction between the dancers and patrons. This plays a key role in the overall experience.
Patrons have several ways to engage with dancers. One of the most common is tipping, whether directly handing them cash, placing money on the stage, or tucking it into a dancer’s clothing. Next, purchasing drinks for the dancers is another common method to show appreciation or to initiate a conversation. Lastly, for those looking to get a more private experience, many gogo bars in Thailand offer the option to negotiate private dances.
After the Party
As the night winds down, a few things start to happen. The music may soften, and the stage performances might become less frequent, indicating that the party will soon come to an end. This is a signal for patrons to start wrapping up the night.
Once closing hours approach, the bar settles bills and completes any closing rituals or customers. This process is usually straightforward—a staff member approaches you and hands you your bill with the orders you’ve made throughout the night. For safety, it’s best to review the bill to ensure everything is accurate before paying.
When leaving, there are several things to remember for a smooth exit. Tipping is a huge part of the gogo bar culture. If you’ve spent time with a particular dancer, it’s a nice gesture to tip her personally as you say your goodbyes. If you’ve had bottle service, it’s recommended to tip the server separately.
Finally, arrange transportation when exiting the bar, especially in the late night hours. In busy areas like Bangkok, you’ll likely find taxis nearby to take you home safely.
What to Expect in a Thai Go Go Bar?
Ambience
The ambiance in a Thai gogo bar can vary depending on the location and specific venue. However, these venues typically feature dim lighting, energetic music, and a lively general vibe.
As for the decor, it can range from flashy and modern to more traditional and sophisticated. As mentioned, it can also feature themend settings, adding to each bar’s unique experience.
Prices
As for the prices, you can expect anything from 80 to 90 Baht for a draft beer to 2000 THB or more for premium cocktails and drinks. However, this largely depends on the bar’s location and reputation. Tourist-heavy areas like Bangkok tend to have higher prices, while smaller bars can be much more affordable.
In addition to this, engaging with dancers does come at a cost, as buying them lady drinks might cost you 400 Baht to 600 Baht per order. Remember, dancers earn commission on each drink you order so it’s only understandable that they’ll keep on talking with you as long as you buy them drinks. Once you stop, they’ll slowly end the conversation and walk away.
Negotiating private dances further adds to the bill, with the price varying from girl to girl along with a bar fine that can be anywhere from 500 Baht to 1500 Baht and more.
Privacy
While the level of privacy varies by venue, almost all Thai gogo bars offer private booths or VIP areas for those seeking a more discreet experience, ensuring a more secluded environment for visitors. While discretion is one of the most important factors for gogo bars, privacy is generally respected. However, visitors can expect a certain level of confidentiality during their visit.
Live Entertainment
As mentioned, live entertainment is what gogo bars are all about. From themed shows to traditional routine performances, the dancers keep visitors hooked throughout the night.
Audience participation and interactions are often encouraged, with mamasans invited to join in and interact with the performers, making it a unique part of the Bangkok gogo bar experience.
The Best Go Go Bars for First-Timers
Ahead, you’ll discover the 3 most prominent gogo bars in Bangkok that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. However, if you’re interested in discovering more about the wild nightlife in Thailand, check out our Complete Nightlife Guide for more tips and recommendations.
With that said, here are the best gogo bars for first-timers:
Billboard – Nana Plaza
One of the best Go Go Bars in Bangkok is located on the third floor of the Nana Plaza complex. This bar is one of the few venues in the Nana Plaza that are packed with patrons and tourists alike every day of the week.
Once you walk in, you’ll see a big rotating stage to the left with over 50 stunning women at any time, and on the right, there’s a huge bathtub where the girls dance in the bubbles.
The prices for drinks are between 145 to 250 Baht for beer and whiskey, while lady drinks sell for 200 Baht and above. The bar fine for leaving with one of the dancers is 700-1000 Baht and private time with any of the girls will cost you form 2000-6000 Baht depending on the type of service you prefer and what they offer.
Baccara – Soi Cowboy
Baccara is an institution not just in Soi Cowboy but in all of Bangkok. The bar is packed with tourists and locals every night from 21:00 to the early morning hours.
When you walk in, you’ll find that the venue has two floors, the ground floor being surrounded byred couches and a fancy bar on the black wall, and the next floor made entirely of glass.
Most of the drinks in Baccara, including beers, spirits, and standard whiskeys, will cost you around 180 Baht and above. While there is no entry charge, you’ll need to buy a drink to stay. Lady drinks cost from 200 Baht and up, while the bar fine is around 700 Baht.
Crazy House – Soi Cowboy
Finally, Crazy House is also located in the center of Soi Cowboy. It’s the newest establishment in the area, just around the corner on Sukhumvit Soi 23.
The venue features three floors, one of which has a large 8-shaped stage on the ground floor with over 10 girls dancing at the same time. The second floor has 2 square-shaped glass floors for performances and the third is yet to be put into operation.
Crazy House is without doubt the most affordable bar out of the 3 with drinks of 150 to 300 Baht, lady drinks from as low as 180 Baht, and a bar fine of 700 Baht.
Final Tips About Thai Go Go Bars
GoGo Bar Etiquette for First-Timers
When visiting a gogo bar in Bangkok, Thailand, for the first time, understanding basic etiquette is essential. Here are several guidelines on how to behave in a gogo bar to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved:
- Respectfully engage with dancers and staff
- Tip appropriately for services and interactions
- Maintain respect and politeness toward everyone, including other patrons
- Follow local customs and expectations
While these bars are casual and laid-back, a certain level of decorum is expected
Safety and Legal Considerations
Staying safe in a gogo bar can be done through various precautions. First, keep an eye on your drink, know your limits, and arrange transportation in advance.
Ensure that the gogo bar operates legally, and be aware of local laws related to adult entertainment to avoid any legal issues. With this in mind, you can stay safe while enjoying the thrilling experiences in Thailand’s nightlife.
Conclusion
In conclusion, visiting a Thai gogo bar can be a unique experience, especially for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Bangkok’s nightlife. With our Thai gogo bar guide, you can find the best venues that provide a lively atmosphere, entertaining performances, and lots of sexy Thai dancers. It’s what makes them a must-visit for any tourists curious about the vibrant nightlife Thailand is famous for – it’s something you will never forget.
Remember to approach your visit with an open mind, a sense of respect, and an awareness of the cultural context!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I feel uncomfortable in a Go Go Bar?
If you’re feeling uncomfortable, it’s perfectly fine to leave. Staff are usually friendly and can assist with any concerns.
