As crazy as it may sound, I threw out the planned itinerary I created months before I arrived in Bangkok Thailand for the first time. Now I know what I did is counter intuitive to my title article summary. You see Bangkok is a city of contrast beyond imagination. You expect the old but pleasantly surprised to find the new. New buildings, new malls and new condos that stand side by side with Buddhist temples centuries old. It's a city with a modest people and culture, yet the red light districts show a distinct other side. Bangkok has lured millions of men from all over the world. And you can see them congregating in groups or alone, patrolling and gravitating to the famous nightlife areas of Patpong, Soi Cowboy and Nana. There are more locations of course. However as a first timer to Bangkok, these are the best places to test the waters before you bravely dive off into the deep end.

First off before I begin I want to say that Bangkok's raucous nightlife has much to offer in adult entertainment. The most infamous offerings is the sex for sale trade, sold mostly by woman from the North East province of Isaan. However, there are ways to have a good time without going down that road. Don't get me wrong. I'm not here to judge. Everyone is entitled to their own decisions. I am though just suggesting that Bangkok is a party capital filled with ultra modern clubs, jazz bars, and other music venues that put western clubs to shame. Thus these types of entertainment venues should never be overlooked. You might even be surprised you have more fun without the funny stuff.

With that said we'll begin our short tour now with the red-light district of Patpong. Patong is situated between Silom Road and Surawongse Road, two major streets that you can't miss because it is packed full of foreign tourist at night. Check out the Night Market where you will find cheap knockoffs of famous goods. Stay away from the Rolex, your friends at home can tell it's fake. Patpong is infamous for the Ping Pong sex shows where woman launch... well ping pongs out of their vagina at moving targets and audience members. You will also find many of the famous established go go bars with names such as Super Pussy, King's Castle and Queen's Castle. Among the seedy bits you can find a smattering of Irish Pubs such as Barbican, O'Reilleys and Bobby's Arm.

The next stop is Soi Cowboy, a block stretch of road filled to the rafters with go go bars with names such as Long Gun and Rawhide. You should start a game with your friends to see how many ladies have tried to pull you into the establishments they work in. Though the smallest in size Soi Cowboy still packs quite a punch. A kaleidoscope of bright lights and blaring music Soi Cowboy is located on Asoke, centered near commercial buildings as well as first rate hotels.

The final stop is Nana, or Nana Entertainment Plaza. A concentrated four story tribute to the sex and sin of Bangkok. In here you will find the most condensed cross section of go go bars and bars with freelancers. The ground floor is an open veranda jam packed with men from all over the world jockeying for position in the search for company. It's really a sight to see and should not be missed.

All of the nightlife hot spots I've mentioned here are easy to find and get to as all are located near Bangkok's metropolitan train system. Even taxi drivers with limited English skill should understand once you say, Patpong, Soi Cowboy and Nana. With so much to do and see, anyone in their right mind should start out with a plan. But as you can see sometime it's best to toss out the plans and just go with the flow. You just might end up having more fun. I certainly did.

For more information on the hotels mentioned in this article that are located near the nightlife of Patpong visit Top 10 Bangkok Nightlife Hotels. http://www.squidoo.com/bangkoknightlifehotels

Edwin M. Clark is a business consultant who travels to South East Asia, specifically to Thailand for over 8 years. His experience and knowledge in the region has provided valuable information and resources for business venturers and mid range to major corporations in the travel industry.