Soi Cowboy is one of the best-known entertainment night life districts in Bangkok. It is also one of Bangkok’s most visited tourist attractions. It is a short street, approximately 200 metres long, and is closed to traffic at night.
Why is it called Soi Cowboy?
In 1977 a rather larger than life African American, and retired U. S airman, T. G. Edwards, opened a new bar in what was then little more than a quiet back street. The street was dubbed Soi Cowboy by Bangkok newspaper columnist Bernard Trink (The Night Owl). This was due to the large cowboy hat permanently on Edwards’ head, and the fact he named his first bar, unsurprisingly, the Cowboy Bar. As with many sois the name just stuck. (Soi is the Thai name for street).
Where in Bangkok is Soi Cowboy located?
Soi Cowboy runs between Sukhumvit Soi 23 and Asoke Road (Sukhumvit Soi 21). Ask any tuk tuk driver or taxi driver and they will take you there. It is within a fairly short distance from all the major Sukhumvit Road hotels, and close to the Terminal 21 shopping mall. Alternatively you can take the Sky Train (BTS) to Asoke Station, or the Bangkok Subway System (MRT) to Sukhumvit Station. Both are just a few minutes’ walk to Soi Cowboy, with the MRT being closer.
How many entertainment venues are there in Soi Cowboy?
There are currently around 40 on either side of the soi including
- go-go bars,
- restaurants,
- one lady boy bar, The Cockatoo,
- and, of course, one genuine sports and music pub, The Oasis. The Oasis is great for people-watching from their two large patios. That’s when you are not viewing sports on the big tv screens, listening to live bands, playing pool, or just eating outstanding Thai and Western food.
But the number of venues is always changing as some close and new ones open.
Is Soi Cowboy safe to visit?
Generally yes. Just take care in the bars, pay for your drinks as you go, don’t run up a bill. If you feel threatened, don’t argue, and especially do not get into any fights! You will soon find yourself outnumbered. Just pay your bill, leave quietly, and report the matter to the Tourist Police.
Our recommendation is to start off in The Oasis for a meal and a few drinks. With no hostesses or dancers, The Oasis is a safe space for single women, couples, families or anyone looking for a great day or night out outside of Soi Cowboy’s go-go bars. If you feel like moving on, check with the Oasis manager or any of the friendly staff, which bars are currently the best for you to visit.
How does Soi Coyboy compare with the other Bangkok night-time entertainment areas?
Bangkok’s three main tourist night life zones are Patpong, Nana Plaza, and Soi Cowboy.
Patpong is the oldest of the three and seems a little tired with many of the original bars and restaurants struggling to survive. Although it is trying to re-invent itself with some new pubs and bars.
Nana Plaza is the self-styled “world’s largest adult playground”. Like The Oasis, but with a totally different concept, Nana Beer Garden, in the covered area in the centre of the Plaza, is an excellent place for fun and inexpensive people-watching. As are Stumble Inn and Big Dogs near to the entrance on Sukhumvit Soi 4. They feature sports on tv and live music too most nights.
Whichever area you choose to enjoy yourself, remember that in all of the venues mentioned above, you should make sure you get a Bangkok Fun Card for an immediate 10% off all food and drinks!