Sukhumvit Soi Nana Review
I was thinking it’s about time I compiled a review of Soi Nana. After all, this Bangkok nightlife area is the one that I know best. I have been a resident of Sukhumvit Soi 4 for 20 years now. How time flies!
Situated amid the heart of lower Sukhumvit, many of you need no introduction to Sukhumvit Soi 4. Located just a stretch further up Sukhumvit Road from Soi Nana is the neon jungle of Soi Cowboy. Now, while remaining popular, Soi Cowboy is the considerably smaller of the two streets. Soi Cowboy comprises mostly of smaller bars (with a few exceptions), situated on a short and narrow stretch of street.
Although Sukhumvit Soi 23 is located at one end of Soi Cowboy, it has far fewer bars, hotels and restaurants than Sukhumvit Soi 4 does. Sukhumvit Soi 23 is renowned more for its massage shops, especially the deeper down the road you explore.
I sometimes refer to Soi Cowboy as ‘Little Las Vegas’ and in terms of total size, it is little brother compared to its big brother that resides down the road.
Soi Nana is a much larger concentration of beer bars, pubs, restaurants, hotels, shops and of course, it is home to the almighty Nana Entertainment Plaza. Being labelled the ‘Largest Adult Playground In The World’ pretty much sums it up in one sentence!
Nana Plaza is a three-storey atrium that is home to some of the biggest and most popular go-go bars in Thailand. It is simply the Big Daddy out of all the Bangkok go-go bar areas.
If you look at Bunnies, Billboard, Butterflies, Twister and Nana Plaza Beer Garden, these BIG bars are anywhere from at least two to six times bigger than most bars in Patpong and Soi Cowboy. Now, this is not to say that biggest is best, but it is impressive nonetheless.
Located directly on Soi Nana, the longer established bars such as Morning Night, Stumble Inn, Bar 4, Chequers Pub, Hanrahan’s Pub, Bus Stop, and the Hillary Bars, continue to attract the crowds. However, bar trade has been rather inconsistent this low season. This explains the quiet nights but the drop in bar trade is nationwide.
Even the international chain of themed bars Hooters opened a branch on Soi Nana, which was previously part of the Nana Hotel. There were rumours floating around that this particular branch of Hooters was going to close down. However, despite this statement Hooters doors continue to open nightly.
As soon as you enter Soi Nana, you can hear classic rock music coming from Morning Night, Stumble Inn and the Hillary Group Bars.
One of the more recent additions to the Hillary Group is Angels 4 Bar. Angels were recently renovated with an extension into the bar next to it that closed down. It is located next to Bus Stop inside the Rajah Broadway Complex.
Rajah Broadway recently opened a couple of new venues, including a coffee shop and the rather eccentric Celebrity Tattoo Shop. The main showcase venue inside Rajah Broadway is the impressive Hillary 1 Bar that serves freshly cooked pizzas. A number of people say the new Hillary 1 resembles a modern New York style bar. It comprises of a beautiful interior design.
Adding some nostalgia, the Heidelberg Pub across the street still opens its doors daily, even after all these years. The Heidelberg is the oldest established bar on Soi Nana. As it has a restaurant license, the Heidelberg is open very late into the early hours of the morning. Useful, if you are seeking a late nightcap.
Just along from the Heidelberg Pub, some of the resident expats gather at The Tavern for their American style Cheeseburgers, Chili Cheese Dogs and a social drink. It’s great to see Scott’s legacy continuing because initially, there was fear The Tavern would have to close.
Just up from The Tavern is a little hole-in-the-wall called Red Zone. Although it has an attractive and modern design, I never see more than a scattering of customers inside. Many people probably do not know it exists and therefore, Red Zone needs to put itself onto the map.
Similar to Soi Cowboy, there are the street stalls or roadside restaurants, which add extra character and atmosphere. The slight inconvenience that Soi Nana has is it can be a very busy road at times. You need to be alert late at night, with Thai road safety being notoriously bad. With that said, you can always weave your way through, when the traffic is at a standstill.
There is a lot to see and do before you even enter Nana Plaza, which makes Soi Nana so appealing to visitors. If you are tired of the go-go bar scene, then there are numerous other options. This is what I love about Bangkok, it has endless options.
Sukhumvit Soi 4 has a long stretch of establishments, leading beyond the Rajah Broadway Complex, and continuing just past the Soi 4/Soi 6 Junction. Here, at this junction area, you will find the Swan Bars and the Country Road Bar. Towards the top end of Soi Nana, the bars and shops fade out and then Soi Nana resembles a normal Thai street.
Some streets in Bangkok have succumbed to consisting of nothing more than a string of 7 Eleven stores, Indian Tailor shops, condominiums and hotels. This really is becoming extremely boring and does nothing for Bangkok’s image or popularity.
Regarding Soi Nana, as a whole, it fortunately retains a good quantity of bars and restaurants for us to enjoy. Let’s all hope that Soi Nana’s legendary legacy continues to thrive.
Watch This Video Below! Guide To Sukhumvit Soi 4
