Nana Plaza Review 2

THIS PAGE IS UPDATED FOR DECEMBER 2012

NANA NEWSFLASH - The Master Lease for Nana Entertainment Plaza has been renewed for 10 more years. This totally squashes all the rumours that Nana Plaza was going to be knocked down. Also, Nana Plaza will get a face-lift with a cash injection for renovations on the way. Although rents have risen considerably, all of the the bars continue trading.

NANA PLAZA GO-GO BARS (GROUND LEVEL)

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RAINBOW 1 GO-GO BAR

Rainbow 1 Go-Go Bar is the first go-go bar on the right-hand side on the ground level, as you enter Nana Plaza. Rainbow 1 is nestled between Play Skool Go-Go Bar (left) and Spirit House Bar (right). With the advantage of prime location, Rainbow 1 Go-Go Bar draws the masses on a nightly basis. A few years ago, Rainbow 1 was fully refurbished, which was a welcomed improvement. The current format is continuous go-go dancing in black bikinis. There are no shows in Rainbow 1 Go-Go Bar. However, quite a few people would dispute the fact that having so many HOT go-go dancers, is a great show itself. Rainbow 1 is quite a small go-go bar when you compare it to some bars like Rainbow 4. However, the Dave The Rave Q Factor, or “a quantity of quality” is very high. Local beers and spirits were raised this high season to 135 Baht, but the barfine remains the standard 600 baht.

WHAT’S HOT – There are so many attractive go-go dancers in Rainbow 1 that it puts most rival go-go bars to shame. It is worth visiting just for the awesome eye candy! Interestingly, Rainbow 1 only charges 110 baht for lady drinks.

WHAT’S NOT – It does get very crowded and with it partly being a ‘Jap Trap’ there is the over-generous Japanese clientele to contend with. Some of the go-go dancers prefer to entertain Japanese customers and their prices reflect that. Remember Dave The Rave’s “Famous Fours Factor” – Four inch dick, Four minutes sex, Four thousand baht!

BUTT OUT BUDDY! Rainbow 1 have introduced a strict “NO SMOKING” policy, which will make a HUGE difference to everybodies health. It is much more comfortable now that the Japs are not blowing up a storm. Well done Rainbow!

Update April 2012 – Rainbow 1 continues to draw a reasonable crowd in 2011. Standard beers and spirits now cost 145 baht. Although labelled as a ‘Jap Trap’ by many Westerners, Rainbow 1 is still worth a visit for babe hunters. The Japanese have returned to Thailand over the last couple of months, but not as many as previously. Rainbow 1 still has a fairly strong line-up of attractive go-go dancers. Similar to a number of go-go bars, it is quieter than before.

RAINBOW 2 GO-GO BAR

When entering Nana Plaza, you will find Rainbow 2 Go-Go Bar in the far right corner. Rainbow 2 sits in-between Obsession Go-Go Bar on the left and Hollywood Rock Go-Go Bar on the right. Rainbow 2 Go-Go Bar was the first offspring of the four Rainbow sisters. It is a medium sized go-go bar, which is mostly populated by a Japanese clientele. Westerners should be aware of this fact, because the majority of Rainbow 2 go-go dancers do prefer Japanese men.

BUTT OUT BUDDY! Rainbow 2 have introduced a strict “NO SMOKING” policy, which will make a HUGE difference to everybodies health. It is much more comfortable now that the Japs are not blowing up a storm. Well done Rainbow!

Update April 2012 – Rainbow 1 and Rainbow 4 remain more popular, but Rainbow 2 still ticks over a fair trade. Probably remains Rainbow Groups biggest ‘Jap Trap’ out of the four Rainbow Go-Go Bars. This means that prices and preferences are steered towards Japanese customers. Some Westerners do take girls from Rainbow 2 but you do have to know what you are doing, so it is probably not advisable for newcomers. The problem with Rainbow 2 is that it lives in the shadow of big brother, namely Rainbow 4.

RED LIPS BAR

A small, unassuming bar on the left-hand side as you enter Nana Plaza. Red Lips Bar is situated in-between Lollipop Go-Go Bar and Pretty Lady Go-Go Bar. This bar is such a nonentity that many people do not know it exists. Red Lips operates as a go-go bar. It is definitely not on my list of recommended go-go bars.

Update 2012 – Red Lips had renovations with Pretty Lady Go-Go Bar. As far as I know, it is a joint venture. An interesting feature inside Red Lips are windows, through which you can peer into Pretty Lady Go-Go Bar.

ROAD HOUSE BAR

Tucked directly behind Pharaohs Bar, you will spot a small beer bar called Road House. This is another one of Crown Groups bars. Currently knocked down along with the other two beer bars that surrounded it. However, this space is under construction and apparently, the beer bars will be rebuilt.

Update 2012 - Road House was knocked down and the central ground level area is replaced by mobile beer bars. It does bring more people into Nana Plaza, so this is a positive move.

SPIRIT HOUSE BAR

Spirit House Bar is located next to the escalator on the right-hand side as you enter Nana Plaza. Right next door to Spirit House is Rainbow 1 Go-Go Bar. Therefore, this tiny beer bar appears to be invisible, because the majority of customers walk straight passed and into Rainbow 1 Go-Go Bar. Little to no change, or improvement throughout 2011.

VOODOO GO-GO BAR

Once upon a time Voodoo Go-Go Bar was a very popular place. Although Voodoo is a large go-go bar, it used to draw large crowds of revellers. In fact, Voodoo ranked alongside the very best go-go bars in Bangkok at one time. Alas, those good old days were years ago. Full bikinis and no entertainment apart from the ’Skytrain Shuffle’ does nothing to entice guys to wander inside. Incidentally, Voodoo is the go-go bar that features in Stephen Leather’s bestselling Thailand nightlife novel ‘Private Dancer.’ In the book ‘Private Dancer’ it appears as Zombie Bar and it is based upon a true story.

Update 2012 – Voodoo has completely changed format to ‘post op’ lady boys (transsexuals). There are a number of glamorous katoeys (Thai for ladyboys) to be found here. Voodoo becomes the fifth lady boy bar in Nana Plaza.

NANA PLAZA GO-GO BARS (MIDDLE LEVEL)

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ANGELWITCH GO-GO BAR

The former co-owners of Angelwitch are the pioneers of the most professionally choreographed go-go bar stage shows in Thailand. Internet columnist ‘Baron Bonk’ rated the Angelwitch stage shows equally as good as Crazy Horse in Paris. As proof of the popularity Angelwitch Go-Go Bar was voted ‘Best Go-Go Bar In Bangkok’ for 3 consecutive years. In addition, Angelwitch attracts a good crowd at Showtime and has done for almost a decade. This is one go-go bar that remains consistently busy all year round. It is quite simply a go-go bar for all seasons; come rain or shine Angelwitch attracts the crowds. During the past few months Angelwitch has taken on a number of new go-go dancers. Also, there are some new faces among the Showgirls, which will help to embellish the stage shows. Currently Showtime starts at 10:00 PM and runs for at least 3 hours nightly.

(UPDATE JUNE 2011) – Despite a drop in bar trade across Thailand, Angelwitch Go-Go Bar remains popular at Showtime (10:00 PM until late). Angelwitch has taken on a considerable amount of “farm fresh” go-go dancers. The dance format is mono bikinis. Nowadays, there is certainly more to see in Angelwitch. Some more new shows have appeared amid the “Bangkok Broadway” repertoire.

(Update June 2011) – Several new faces have refreshed the line-up of the Angelwitch Showgirls. A number of resident Showgirls are present every week. Several Showgirls have stopped working, but the new faces are refreshing replacements. After Dark Asia magazine models Vun, Poo and Meow are examples of the talent level. New shows including the acrobatic Rammstein Show, which is performed by Poo and Jo-Jo. Recently, some very HOT shows have been added to spice it up. A number of wives and girlfriends accompany their men, because Angelwitch will ‘tease’ rather than ‘sleaze’ the audience. Angelwitch is the best choice in Thailand, if you want to see professionally produced stage shows.

Update April 2012 - Angelwitch can hold its own against any go-go bar in Nana Plaza in terms of the quality of the go-go girls, (although individual taste does vary enormously). Angelwitch now has arguably some of the most attractive go-go dancers and remains one of the busiest go-go bars in Bangkok. More importantly for you, the beautiful Miss Nudee and solo showgirl Jo-Jo have returned to the Angelwitch Show Team.

New Times & New Shows – Angelwitch Showtime now starts earlier around 9:30pm nightly. Also, new shows have been added.

BIG MANGO BAR (NOW HOLLYWOOD INN HOTEL)

Closed in October 2007 due to extortionately high rent demands by the lease landlord. However, the Big Mango Bar has since relocated further down Soi Nana. The old Big Mango Bar was knocked down and Hollywood Inn Hotel was built to replace it.

Update 2012 - Hollywood Inn Hotel is still going and is under new management.

BUNNIES (FORMERLY CATHOUSE)

(Update 2011) – New owners have taken over the old Cathouse and renamed it Bunnies. So far it has failed to attract hardly any customers. Bunnies is in desperate need of a concept. However, the majority of the girls are Filipinas and that will be an attraction to some guys.

Update April 2012 - Following the same fate as Cathouse, Bunnies has also now CLOSED. Since then this venue has reopened as a coyote bar under the new name of Strap’s.

CASANOVA GO-GO BAR

This is a classic “Dude looks like a lady” go-go bar. There are some of the tallest katoeys in Bangkok in this small go-go bar. Be aware that whatever your mates tell you, they are ALL lady boys, and bloody big buggers they are too! Whatever you may think, they all have the full landing gear down below!

LADYBOY ALERT - The katoeys in Casanova can be aggressive. Be warned!

DC-10 GO-GO BAR

This is a tiny Thai owned go-go bar that sits in-between Sexy Night Go-Go Bar and Casanova Go-Go Bar. DC-10 Go-Go Bar is not known for attractive go-go dancers, but the DJ plays some classic Western music. Now under new ownership by the Erotica Group.

Update April 2012 - Under new ownership. Chang Beer ONLY 100 baht all night. House Beers ONLY 120 baht and House Spirits and Lady Drinks are 130 baht. Fun and friendly go-go girls. The DC 10 go-go girls get down and dirty, with a particularly ‘hands-on’ approach!

EROTICA POOL HOUSE

Formerly Mercury Go-Go Bar, this quiet go-go bar was sold to the owners of Erotica Go-Go Bar. The new owners have renovated it and turned it into Erotica Pool House. Hooray! Just what Bangkok needs, yet another pool bar! But, it does also have go-go dancers.

(Update January 2011) – The relatively new Erotica Pool House never seems to attract many customers. I was disappointed to see Mercury Go-Go Bar go, because the open-plan design at eye level was appealing. Before it was sold, this place was worth visiting.

Update 2012 – Mercury Go-Go Bar has relocated to the other side of Nana Plaza. At the top of the escalator it is the first go-go bar on the right-hand side. The new Mercury is next to Mandarin Table Dance. Although tiny, this go-go bar has a few lovely go-go girls. Note that Singha, Chang, Leo and Thai whisky is just 90 baht all night long. Check it out!

FANTASIA GO-GO BAR

Located next to Temptations Go-Go Bar on the right-hand side on the middle level. Again, yet another go-go bar ran by the Crown Group. Even though the door staff try hard to get guys into Fantasia, most just walk straight past. A lack of entertainment inside does nothing to attract customers.

G-SPOT GO-GO BAR

Situated next to Rainbow 4 Go-Go Bar in the right-hand corner is G-Spot Go-Go Bar. G-Spot has always been considered the flagship of the Crown Group. It is a large go-go bar that has had a loyal following for many years. At one time, it was said to have the best shower show in Thailand. Alas, there are no more shows in G-Spot. Operates to a standard go-go dance format. Sadly now a shadow of its former glory.

Update April 2012 – Be aware that lady boys are mixed in among the go-go dancers. Be careful, because your go-go girl might not be a girl!

LAS VEGAS GO-GO BAR

Located next to Billboard on the top level of Nana Plaza. Previously this was known as Hollywood Strip (Hollywood 2) and was closed down for several years. The Nana Group who also own Angelwitch Pattaya, Angelwitch Bangkok, DC 10, Billboard and Nana Liquid Disco, have brought this go-go bar back to life. Las Vegas style decor makes this one of the best furbished and designed go-go bars in Thailand. In addition, it features all the glitz ‘n’ glam of Las Vegas, with professionally choreographed show routines. Furthermore, the go-go girls are top class eye candy, which impresses even those who are very fussy about pussy!

MANDARIN GO-GO BAR

Located directly ahead of you, as you step off the escalator. Mandarin Go-Go Bar has ownership connections with Mandarin Table Dance and Shark Go-Go Bar in Soi Cowboy. Although Mandarin is a small go-go bar, it is split into two levels. Mandarin stopped its popular Happy Hour, but it still has some lovely go-go dancers. The go-go girls in Mandarin tend to be more attractive and younger than most of the go-go bars in Nana Plaza. Check it out!

Update April 2012 – The top level of Mandarin is sadly NOT operational, because Mandarin doesn’t have enough go-go girls to operate both levels. However, they do have a good line-up of enthusiastic young dolly birds. Well worth checking out, especially when the ‘students’ are dancing. Currently has a very good line-up of sexy hot babes. Among the most attractive go-go dancers in Nana Plaza can be found here. Well worth a visit for babe hunters!

MANDARIN TABLE DANCE GO-GO BAR

Mandarin Table Dance is under the same ownership as Mandarin Go-Go Bar and Shark Go-Go Bar in Soi Cowboy. With the table dance format this little go-go bar does make a bit of a change to the norm. On a good night Mandarin Table is a fun place with lively dolly birds doing the tabletop bop!

Update April 2012 – Has a bunch of sexy, young go-go girls. If you don’t like crowds and customer competition, this place is ideal. One of the more underrated go-go bars in terms of Thai girl talent. The quality has dropped but the go-go girls are farang friendly.

MERCURY GO-GO BAR

Until it was sold last year, Mercury used to be situated on the left-hand side of the middle level. This has since become Erotica Pool House. I liked the layout of the old Mercury and much prefered it to the tiny new go-go bar that it has become now. The owners of Mercury Go-Go Bar have relocated it next to Mandarin Table Dance. The new Mercury is a very small go-go bar with a tiny go-go stage in the middle. Not many go-go dancers but there are some cuties among them.

Update April 2012 – There are a collection of very farang friendly young dolly birds to be found here.

RAINBOW 3 GO-GO BAR

Rainbow 3 Go-Go Bar is located next to Cathouse Bar on the left-hand side as you walk to the top of the concrete staircase. Rainbow 3 is the smallest of the four Rainbow Go-Go Bars.

Update April 2012 – Rainbow 3 has recently acquired some lovely dolly birds, but only a few of the go-go dancers are farang friendly. Worth a visit for the babe hunters, but be warned it is a Jap Trap!

RAINBOW 4 GO-GO BAR

The mighty Rainbow 4 Go-Go Bar is located in the far right corner on the middle level in Nana Plaza. Rainbow 4 is situated in-between G Spot Go-Go Bar and Temptations Go-Go Bar. Following a buy out, Rainbow 4 took over the space occupied by Woodstock Bar & Restaurant, and Rosemarie Bar. Therefore, this is a BIG go-go bar. Inside there are two go-go stages, which house the largest number of go-go dancers inside four walls in the whole of Thailand. In terms of the Dave The Rave Q Factor (a quantity of quality), Rainbow 4 Go-Go Bar is a “must see” whenever you explore Bangkok’s naughty nightlife. It is the ultimate “analysis paralysis” go-go bar experience! Rainbow 4 Go-Go Bar is deemed by many, as the best go-go bar in Thailand. In terms of eye candy, Rainbow 4 is truly awesome!

WHAT’S HOT – What could not be HOT about two go-go stages packed with dancing dolls? At its peak, Rainbow 4 has to have no less than FOUR shifts of go-go girls. This is incredible in itself, when you consider that most go-go bars have only two shifts of go-go dancers. The sheer amount of eye candy on display makes it a most impressive pleasure palace. Many guys consider rainbow 4, as more “farang friendly” than the other three Rainbow Go-Go Bars. Many of the go-go dancers will go with Westerners and another positive is that they play rock music.

WHAT’S NOT – The design layout looks like a blind man created it. Unfortunately, there is nowhere to view both go-go stages fully. You can sit in the isle between the two go-go stages and turn your head from side to side as if you are at a tennis match. Or, you can pay your bar bill and move around the bar with drink in hand.

Update April 2012 – Still going strong with a lot of go-go dancers on the books. There are slightly less Japanese customers, so Rainbow 4 is also popular with Westerners. Some of the go-go girls wear full bikinis, others wear mono bikinis. Rainbow 4 is still very high on quantity with two stages packed with go-go girls. The Bangkok babe hunters all tell me that Rainbow 4 has dropped a bit in terms of quality, but remains high on quantity. Remains the most farang friendly of the four Rainbow Bars.

SEXY NIGHT GO-GO BAR

This very small, but lively go-go bar sits in-between Angelwitch Go-Go Bar (left) and DC-10 Go-Go Bar (right). The DJ plays some excellent classic rock music. A real treat if you like classic tracks from previous decades. Sexy Night tends to resemble a single mothers club, but the go-go dancers are very farang friendly.

Update April 2012 - Occasionally has a few attractive go-go girls, but it is hit, or miss in terms of Thai girl talent. Sexy Night does have a following and generally a more mature clientele. The rock music makes a refreshing change to the techno trash!

SPANKYS GO-GO BAR

Spankys Go-Go Bar is situated on the left-hand side next to Angelwitch Go-Go Bar. Although small in comparison to some go-go bars, Spankys has brought fun ‘n’ frolics back to Nana Plaza. It also features sexotic shows on a nightly basis. Spankys was refurbished a while ago, with more comfortable sofa seats and a purpose-built shower unit.

Update April 2012 - Spankys has loaded up with go-go girls and are doing a brisk trade. Upon entering, be prepared to get a spanking Spankys style! Still very busy on a nightly basis.

NANA PLAZA GO-GO BARS (TOP LEVEL)

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BILLBOARD GO-GO BAR

An exciting new addition to Nana Plaza that is drawing large crowds, especially on the weekends. Formerly known as Hollwood Carousel, this newly renovated and reopened go-go bar still has the famous rotating go-go stage, with an overhead shower unit. Another unique feature to the go-go bar scene is the only Jacuzzi in Bangkok. Billboard features young sexy Thai girls in their birthday suits in the ultimate bird bath! The music is upbeat dance style and the atmosphere is somewhat reminiscent of the Pattaya go-go bar scene.

Update April 2012 - Billboard now has a noticeably improved line-up of go-go girls, plus some of the hottest showgirls in town. The bubble bath babes are a big hit and the installation of the Jacuzzi was a masterstroke.

CARNIVAL GO-GO BAR

Carnival Go-Go Bar is located on the right-hand side next to Cascade Go-Go Bar. Carnival is a large go-go bar that features a double carousel go-go stage. One other special feature is a mechanical bull, which has proved to be popular with gangs of tourists.

Update April 2012 – The Crown Group has changed Carnival from a lady boy bar back to a girly go-go bar. Why did they change Carnival to a lady boy bar? I thought it was a crazy idea, but at least they have changed it back to a girly go-go bar. Lost their best girls and have never recovered from the change. Carnival only has a few go-go girls doing the infamous skytrain shuffle!

CASCADE GO-GO BAR

Cascade is yep, you guessed it, yet another lady boy go-go bar. Cascade is located on the left-hand side of Carnival Go-Go Bar. Along with Carnival, there are no prizes for guessing that Cascade is owned by the Crown Group.

Update April 2012 – For those that wish to see a lady boy cabaret show, Carnival do a few shows on certain nights. Nothing more than the lip mime shows, but some of the tourists seem to like it, bless ‘em!

EROTICA GO-GO BAR

Erotica Go-Go Bar is located on the left-hand side of the stairs that lead onto the top floor. Erotica Go-Go Bar has two levels and also “bonking booths,” or short time rooms as they are commonly called. Recently Erotica has taken on some very polite and efficient service girls from Mandarin Go-Go Bar. Other girls including some go-go dancers from Mandarin have also joined Erotica. Currently, Erotica has a replenished line-up and there are a few very attractive dolly birds to be found. Erotica still run a Happy Hour up until 9:00pm, where standard drinks are only 80 Baht. Erotica appear to be operating on one level, which does help to enhance the atmosphere. If a go-go bar is struggling to operate on two levels, because of a shortage of go-go dancers, it makes sense to combine the girls onto one stage.

Update April 2012 - Erotica has had a thorough renovation and does still have some lovely dolly birds. However, it can be hit, or miss depending on when you visit. Bottles of Carlsberg are available for ONLY 95 baht all night.

HOLLYWOOD CAROUSEL

On the top level of Nana Plaza, this BIG go-go bar was formerly known as Hollywood Carousel. At one time, it was thought by many people to be the most popular go-go bar in Bangkok. Now under new ownership it has been renovated. Raunchy shows feature throughout the evening from 9:00 PM.

Update 2012 - Go to Billboard (listed above) for further details.

HOLLYWOOD STRIP GO-GO BAR

The former Hollywood Strip Go-Go Bar was the smaller of the two Hollywood Go-Go Bars that lives in the shadow of her big sister. Under new ownership Hollywood Strip was given a complete remodel and renamed Las Vegas.

Update 2012 - Go to Las Vegas (listed above) for further details.