Showbars Rainbow 1

Over the years, Nana Plaza has seen its share of showbars, but nothing like the all-new Rainbow 1.

Under new ownership since February, Rainbow 1 has reopened as a professional cabaret showbar, introducing choreographed performances unlike anything previously seen in the plaza. While it would seem Rainbow 1 is positioning itself as a direct competitor to showbars Angelwitch or Spanky’s, its target audience is different.

Breaking from go-go bar Nana Plaza tradition, Rainbow 1 show lineup is more diverse than anything seen before, including transgender women (i.e. ladyboys), as well as cisgender women and male dancers. Other showbars have only female performers.

Rather than employing typical bargirls, Rainbow 1 has recruited experienced professional dancers selected specifically for their performance skills. The new showbars management emphasizes artistry, choreography and entertainment above barfines and lady drinks.

While customers can still purchase lady drinks and enjoy the ambiance, management has stated clearly that their revenue focus is on the quality and appeal of the shows rather than traditional bar transactions.

Target Audience: Chinese Showbars Tour Groups

This represents a major shift within Nana Plaza, a nightlife complex long associated with adult entertainment driven by barfines and customer interactions with dancers, even at the major showbars.

The transformation of Rainbow 1 is part of a broader strategy aimed at attracting international audiences, particularly from China who come to Thailand hungry for entertainment such as showbars.

Management has partnered with Chinese tour operators to schedule regular visits by tour groups seeking showbars and entertainment-focused nightlife experiences.

Rainbow 1 has prioritized marketing through popular Chinese social media channels rather than relying solely on local or Western-based social media platforms, clearly indicating its goal to reach a specific global market.

Pivot from Rainbow Bars’ Tradition

Historically, Rainbow 1 was renowned as one of Nana Plaza’s premier go-go bars, frequently attracting Japanese visitors who sought personal time with dancers.

However, recent years saw the venue merge temporarily with neighboring Rainbow 2, creating a mixed environment featuring both natural-born women and transgender performers. This combined format created confusion among patrons and eventually led to a decline in its traditional clientele.

The new owners – a transgender woman and her Chinese husband who also operate the Wonderland and Majestics ladyboy bars in Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy, respectively, as well as the all-girl Ka-Boom on Walking Street in Pattaya – decided to separate the venues again, restoring Rainbow 1’s independent identity and refocusing its purpose purely on high-quality entertainment to make it a choice among showbars.

The newly renovated Rainbow 1 now offers a theater-like atmosphere, with hourly professional performances featuring elaborately designed costumes and carefully planned choreography.

Flashy Shows For Men, Women Alike

Each show highlights a mix of vibrant dance routines and theatrical flair, showcasing the performers’ individual talents and stage presence. The venue is specifically tailored to appeal to an audience looking for premium entertainment rather than conventional nightlife interactions.

Rainbow 1’s move toward professional cabaret entertainment represents a significant shift in Nana Plaza’s overall nightlife direction. By placing professional performances front and center, Rainbow 1 aims to redefine visitor expectations and set a new standard for entertainment in the plaza.

Its unique approach provides a fresh alternative for patrons seeking a memorable nightlife experience focused on artistic quality and entertainment value, distinguishing Rainbow 1 clearly from other Nana Plaza venues.