If you are a travel enthusiast who loves to visit new countries and experience their cultures, you should know by now that the nightlife is a crucial piece of the puzzle. From casual dining experiences to unconventional nights out, Thailand has a lot to offer. One of the many entertainment and naughty attractions you must visit is a Thai GoGo bar.
Especially if you are staying in Bangkok, you must reserve a few hours on your agenda to go to one of the best Bangkok GoGo bars. Let us briefly introduce you to the concept of GoGo bars, and give you a brief explanation of how they work so you can decide whether it is a must-experience for you.
What is a Go Go Bar?
A GoGo Bar is a type of venue where alcoholic beverages are served to visitors while they are entertained by female dancers. Unlike other open-fronted bars, the GoGo bars in Thailand are located in closed buildings and you can’t access them from the street.
The majority of the Go Go bars are located in Bangkok, especially in tourist-heavy areas, which makes it easy to find for tourists and locals alike. Many visitors prefer Thai Go Go bars because they are discrete and offer privacy not only for the visitors but for the Go Go girls, as well.
That of a strip bar
The inside of a Go Go Bar
The main stage
The layout of Thailand GoGo bars is not that different from the one of a strip club. In the center of the bar, there is an elevated stage where the GoGo girls dance. There can be one or more stages, and they are the focal area of the bar.
Typically, they dance in groups and use the poles to make erotic movements. The ambiance in some GoGo bars in Thailand is enriched with mirrors on the walls, creating a satisfying visual effect of the entire bar and the girls.
The GoGo girls perform in revealing clothing, and sometimes even fetish costumes. It might also happen that you find girls in GoGo bars dancing with their tops off. As for striptease, it rarely happens, but it is not like they never perform naked.
Sitting area
As a guest, you can sit on booth-style seats placed around the stage. They are specially arranged, commonly in a circular shape, so everyone can get a good view of the main stage. In addition to the booth tables, there might be bar stools around the stage area. Are you up for an exclusive experience? Ask about heading out to the private booths.
Bar
Another key feature of GoGo bars is the well-stocked bars. You can order a variety of alcoholic beverages to enjoy the girl’s company. Generally, you are not obligated to buy a drink right after you get inside the bar. You are free to look around shortly, decide whether you are staying and sit down.
Once you settle down, a dancer would come up to you and keep you company. But the dancer will keep you company for as long they have a shot in their hand. Once you stop ordering, the dancer will excuse themselves and disappear.
The reason behind this is that Go Go bars make the most of their profits from liquor sales. In the same way, the dancers earn the majority of their income from the shots you order. Generally, the dancers earn a 40% commission on each drink you order.
History of Go Go Bars
While Go Go bars are nowadays associated with Thailand, their history doesn’t start there. To better understand what is a GoGo bar, we will explain the term first. There are two theories, one French and one American. The first explanation is that the term originates from the French term “ la gogue” which means joy or happiness.
The other theory is that the term GoGo became popular in America at the beginning of the 1960s. The meaning behind it was simple: something that is currently popular or trending.
In fact, the first GoGo bar was also opened in 1958 in the USA, more specifically in New York City. It was called the Peppermint Lounge, and it featured girls who got on the tables in mini skirts and danced the Twist. After a little time had passed, the girls who danced the Twist were replaced with attractive women who started dancing on a stage.
As for Thailand GoGo bars, they started opening during the Vietnam War. Once the country became a popular destination for sex tourism, the number of GoGo bars in red-light districts started to increase.
Bangkok is considered to be the first city to adopt the concept of Go Go dancing. The GP, or Grand Prix, is considered to be the first club of this kind.
Popularity and perception of GoGo bars
During the first decades, Go Go bars were associated as places with a free-spirited and rebellious atmosphere. As time passed by, the perception of the public started to slightly change, accepting these establishments as mainstream for tourist-heavy areas. However, the sexualized nature of the dancing girls was often subject to criticism from feminist groups and conservative communities.
The opinions about GoGo bars are still divided to this day. There are areas where their work is regulated, and most of the people view them as trendy spots. Yet, there are also people who don’t support such venues because they associate GoGo bars with the exploitation and objectification of women.
What Happens in a Go Go Bar?
If you are visiting Go Go bars in Bangkok for the first time, here is what happens inside, from the moment you enter until you leave.
1. Before the Party
Right after you enter the GoGo bar, you will be welcomed by a female hostess called a Mamasan. In certain cases, a male manager might also welcome the guests arriving. They will lead you to a table and get you seated. The common three seating options available are stools around the podium, booth seats and seats around the service bar.
In some bars, you might be offered a VIP table, which has a minimum order value. Higher-class GoGo bars Thailand even offer services such as table reservations and pre-ordering drinks, so you can have everything ready for you when you arrive.
If you don’t have a reservation and haven’t pre-ordered, someone will come to present the menu and the bar’s services. The menu differs from one GoGo bar to another, but it typically includes beer, spirits, and specialty shots. You might also find bars that serve champagne, wine and cocktails.
2. During the party
During the party, you will get the chance to watch Thai girls perform. The Go Go girls are not only picked for their beauty and dancing skills but also for their ability to seduce the patrons like you and make them feel wanted.
Depending on the night and show, they might perform alone or in groups. The girls on the stage frequently change, and the exact number you will get to see depends on the Go Go Bar. They can be as little as 10 and reach more than 50 in other bars.
One of the specialty drinks on the menu you must know about is the so-called lady drinks. The concept behind lady drinks is to purchase a beverage for the dancers or other staff so you can get privileged treatment.
For instance, if you buy a GoGo dancer a lady drink, she will spend time with you, and might even allow physical contact. There is no guarantee of what you will get, it can be a quick conversation or you might get lucky with an intimate performance. It generally depends on the girl. Buying several lady drinks, and negotiating with the private dancers might get you a step further. When it comes to the price of this personalized attention, you will have to pay a slightly higher price than for a regular drink.
3. After the Party
When the night winds down and the closing time approaches, it will be time to settle your bills. Some Go Go bars Bangkok have computerized billing systems, while others use paper bills.
For the ones that use paper bills, it is extremely important to check your bills as they arrive. The employees tend to bring you separate bills for every round or individual drink you order. It often happens that there are more drinks on the bill than the ones you have ordered.
All the bills as they come are usually placed in small containers on the table. If you plan on staying long, and constantly order new rounds, it is recommended to clear your entire debt once you reach three bills. Remember that tipping is not mandatory, but it is surely recommended if you liked the service and your entire experience.
Once you have settled all of your bills and are ready to go, you can freely leave the Go Go bar.
If you are feeling naughty, you can ask for a bar fine, which means leaving the venue with one of the Go Go girls. There are two types of bar fines: short and long. As the name implies, the short bar fine is to spend around one hour with the dancer, while the long can be as long as the whole night.
What to expect in a Thai Go Go Bar?
Ambience
The truth is that every little aspect can influence the general vibe inside the GoGo bar. Each GoGo bar has a unique ambience, yet there are options for every visitor. You can choose a GoGo bar with traditional decor and a themed vibe or go to a modern bar with tasteful decorations.
When you go inside a Thai GoGo bar, you should expect a dark area with flashing lights. Typically, the lights and the entire ambience revolve around colors symbolizing intimacy and sex. Traditional red often is combined with blue, purple, pink, orange and green.
The type of music that is played while the girls perform differs from one GoGo bar to another. It can range from Thai to techno-disco and electronic dance music. Some bars take it a step further, and instead of a DJ, they might have a live band playing. Whatever the genre choice, expect to constantly hear loud music.
Prices
The prices vary depending on the bar’s location and reputation. But, here is what you can expect to pay:
- Between 150 and 200 baht for ladydrinks
- Between 150 and 200 baht for beer
- 1,500+ baht for bottles, depending on the type
The price to spend private time with one of the girls ranges between 2,000 and 3000 baht for a short bar fine. The bar fines for a long time start at 3,000 baht for regular girls and might reach up to 6,000 baht.
The Best GoGo Bars for First-Timers
As a first-timer, you might find it difficult to choose between the many GoGo bars. City-wise, you can find the best GoGo bar Thailand in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. If you visiting the capital of Thailand, you should know that there are three red-light districts: Patpong, Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza. We have made a shot-list of the best GoGo bars in Bangkok and put them side-by-side so you can easily choose instead of wasting your time searching.
| GoGo bar | District | Known for | Pricing | Full review | |
| Billboard | Nana Plaza | Carousel stage and Jacuzzi | CocktailsShotsLady drinksBottles | 200165-195200Starting at 2,500 | Read here |
| Rainbow 5 | Nana Plaza | Excellent girls selection | DrinksLady drinks | From 150200 | Read here |
| Baccara | Soi Cowboy | Light effects and decor | Beers and spiritsLady drinks | Starting at 180200 | Read here |
| Cowboy 2 | Soi Cowboy | High number of girls performing | BeerLady drinksWhiskey cola | 150200230 | Read here |
| Bada Bing | Patpong | Large stage, VIP rooms and glass ceillings | MixersBeerLiquorsBottles | 601401501500 | Read here |
Check out our Complete Nightlife Guide for more tips and recommendations.
Conclusion
If you are visiting the leader in sex tourism, Thailand, your travel checklist must include a Go Go bar. A Thai Go Go bar is a prominent feature of the country’s nightlife and is an attraction for both locals and tourists looking for entertainment. Approach the experience with an open mind and be aware of the cultural context of GoGo bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to a Go Go Bar?
As a rule of thumb, there is no dress code in Bangkok Go Go bars. However, even though casual outfits are not forbidden, it is recommended to visit Thai GoGo bars in business casual attire.
Are Go Go Bars safe?
Generally, GoGo bars are safe for both female and male visitors. However, the level of safety might depend on the location and whether local laws regulate them. It is your responsibility to respect the bar rules, avoid arguments with employees and guests and stay out of trouble.
How much should I tip in Go Go Bars?
Tipping is not compulsory. Yet, if you want to, you can tip the dancing girls, and they will keep the money for themselves. In addition, if you like, you can leave a tip for the bill, which is afterwards split between everyone. A good practice is to tip between 20% and 30% of the bill.
Can I record in a Go Go Bar?
When you go to a Thailand GoGo bar, be prepared to make memories only in your mind. Taking photos or recording inside the bar is generally not allowed. The no-recording and no-photography rule is taken seriously in these types of venues, and if you break it, you will have problems with security, and they might also get physical.
What should I do if I feel uncomfortable in a Go Go Bar?
First of all, you should remain calm and don’t show signs of feeling tense or uncomfortable. Talk with your friends, get your mind off of the situation that is making you feel this way and grab a drink to relax. As a last resort, you can always leave the Go Go bar and visit a place in Thailand you will feel more comfortable in.
What time do Thai Go Go Bars open and close?
The working hours of Thai GoGo depend on the bar. Most of them open their doors to guests between 6 PM and 8 PM. Their closing times also vary, but they typically close a few hours after midnight.
Are the Go Go girls prostitutes or just dancers?
There are actually different employees in a Thailand Go Go bar. Some of them are just performers and will dance for the visitors, while there are other types of girls that will spend private time with the customers.
Do the ladyboys in the Go Go Bars get naked?
Similarly to Go Go girls, Ladyboys in Go Go Bars typically perform with sexy men’s lingerie. However, that doesn’t mean that they don’t get nude at all. It might happen for them to push their pants down and give the audience a sneak peek of their private parts.