Get me to Soi Cowboy, Bangkok:

Situated just off Sukhumvit Road near the Asoke BTS Skytrain station and opposite the MRTs Sukhumvit Station, Soi Cowboy is one of Bangkok’s best known adult entertainment districts.

Comprising just one short, 400 meter (1,300 foot) street running between Soi 23 and Soi 21 (also called Soi Asoke), Soi Cowboy got its name from a retired American airman, T.G. “Cowboy” Edwards, who opened one of the first bars there in 1977.

During the day the street is about as unimpressive as a Bangkok street can get. Apart form a few regular bars, a handful of street stalls, and vehicles delivering supplies for the night ahead, there is nothing particularly noteworthy about it.

After sundown it’s a different story. As the heat of the day starts to subside the neon lights and billboards are gradually switched on, bathing the street in a, electric purple-pink glow resembling the set of a sci-fi movie. Young women appear as if out of nowhere, hurrying to their place of work, or taking up their positions for the (predominantly male) customers who are drawn to the street each night.

As the number of patrons – tourists and expatriates – increase the young women change into their brightly colored – and sometimes skimpy – swimsuits and amazing array of high-heeled shoes and take to the catwalks and stages to strut their stuff – writhing and gyrating to the beat of the music and wrapping themselves around the stage-to-ceiling poles many of the establishments have.

In other bars the latest sporting game is switched on, or live bands take to the stage in preparation of another nights performance, while out the front young skimpily clad women with welcoming smiles and short skirts hold signboards displaying each establishments drinks specials and attempt to lure customers inside.

Despite being the smallest of Bangkok’s adult entertainment precincts, what Soi Cowboy lacks in quantity it makes up for with enthusiasm – taking on more of a festive and carnival atmosphere the later the hour gets, and the more alcohol that is consumed.

Get me To travel insight :
It’s not unusual for mahouts to take elephants begging along Soi Cowboy. While the chance of having your photograph taken feeding an elephant for a dollar or two might appear to be a bargain, encouraging the mahouts by buying their food is actually contributing to a larger problem. It is estimated that less than 7,000 elephants remain in Thailand today. Each year elephants and mahouts are killed or maimed while begging for food. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is attempting to rid Bangkok streets of elephants. If approached by begging mahouts please say no. There are plenty of other opportunities to have your photograph taken with elephants in Thailand.


How to get to Soi Cowboy in Bangkok:
BTS Skytrain to Asoke Station
MRT subway to Sukhumvit Station
Taxi to Sukhumvit Soi 23.