Red-Light Bangkok

Sadly, you don’t have to stray too far from the beaten path in Bangkok to come across the underbelly of the metropolis. Patpong, Nana Plaza on Soi Four and Soi Cowboy (the latter two are in the Sukhumvit area) are notorious nightlife districts where young prostitutes line the streets. On a recent trip, several people told me that Patpong, infamous during Vietnam as the place where American soldiers went when they were on leave, has morphed into a more tourist-friendly market area; however, I still found the sight of girls in four-inch heels who looked no older than teenagers hanging out beside stands of cheap Rolex knock-offs and Thai “crafts” depressing. Skip Patpong altogether and head to the Suan Lum Night Bazaar, in Lumpini, a much more fun experience.