Nana in Sukhumvit is one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok. In this detailed guide to the Nana area, you will find the essential information about the neighborhood and its red light district, Nana Plaza, such as the most popular things to do in Nana, the best Nana Plaza bars and other nightlife spots in the area, transportation, and a selection of hotels according to your budget.
If you are looking for accommodation in Bangkok and want to stay in the center of nightlife, you can definitely consider Nana and the lower Sukhumvit area in general.
Nana is a perfect choice for anyone looking for entertainment in Bangkok, as it is the central area that is bustling with numerous dining spots, unlimited nightlife, and various hotels suitable for different budgets. It is mainly an entertainment area famous for its nightlife spots such as bars, pubs, and the red light district, Nana Plaza. The area is easily accessible from anywhere in the city, as there's Nana BTS Station on the BTS Sukhumvit Line, which spans along Sukhumvit Road.
Where is the Nana area in Bangkok?
The Nana area refers to the start of Sukhumvit Road, covering the area between Soi Sukhumvit 1 and Soi Sukhumvit 13 in Watthana District (north of the road) and between Soi Sukhumvit 2 and Soi Sukhumvit 8 in Klong Toei District (south of the road).
Nana Plaza
Located on Soi Nana (Soi Sukhumvit 4), Nana Plaza is the focal point of the Nana area and one of the most famous red light districts not only in Bangkok but in all of Thailand.
Nana Plaza is a U-shaped, 3-story building, claiming to be “The World’s Largest Adult Playground.” There are more than 20 go-go bars spread over all three levels of the building. Go-go bars within the venue offer all that Thailand’s red light districts are famous for - go-go dancers, live shows, pole dancers, and a relaxing atmosphere. Nana Plaza is known for having the biggest selection of ladyboy bars as well. There are also several beer bars on the ground floor.
Nana Plaza opens daily, and the action there usually starts at around 19:00.
You can explore rooftop bars with stunning city views, walk the neon-lit streets of Soi Cowboy, and end the night at the iconic Nana Plaza by joining this superb Bangkok Nightlife Tour.
Bars in Nana Plaza
The following well-rated go-go bars are considered to be the best bars in Nana Plaza:
- Angelwitch - the original show bar and home to the Rock Dancers, which is the go-go bar to go to if you want some good rock music for a change.
- Butterflies - the largest go-go bar in Nana Plaza, providing a nice environment with comfy sofas.
- Spanky’s Go-Go Bar - a Nana Plaza bar that has various shows to entertain customers (singing, dancing, lesbianism, paper airplane flying, etc.).
- Billboard - a go-go bar that boasts a great interior with the large circular dance floor that rotates and a Jacuzzi, as well as awesome sounds and lights, and is often regarded as one of the best go-go bars in Bangkok and Thailand.
Around Nana Plaza
Many other bars can be found just outside the entertainment complex of Nana Plaza, along the street of Soi Nana. You can expect to see many girls hanging around the streets here, as this area is a very popular spot for Bangkok freelance prostitutes.
The pavement on Sukhumvit Road in Nana at night becomes an improvised market. You can find street food and other goods there. What makes shopping on the streets in the area around the Nana Plaza area special is the vendors selling various adult entertainment-related goods just on the street. Here you can find sex toys, sexy lingerie, and various men-empowering medicines.
Things to Do in Nana, Bangkok
In addition to the Nana Plaza adult entertainment complex, the area is offering many other activities and places to visit from day to night, so you will always find various things to do in the Nana area.
Soi Arab (Soi Sukhumvit 3/1): A small alley close to Soi Nana, with Halal restaurants and numerous shops selling Arab products.
Soi Sukhumvit 11: A popular nightlife spot in Bangkok, with numerous nightclubs, bars, and restaurants.
Rooftop Bars: Nana is home to several rooftop bars, where you can enjoy nightlife with a spectacular view. The most famous rooftop bars in this part of Sukhumvit are the following:
Above Eleven: A rooftop bar and restaurant on the 32nd floor at Fraser Suites Hotel Bangkok with breathtaking views.
Spectrum Lounge & Bar: A vibrant rooftop bar on the 29th and 30th floors of Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit.
RedSquare Rooftop Bar: An affordable rooftop bar on the 25th floor of Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 4, a popular hotel on the same street as Nana Plaza.
Muay Thai Class: An interactive Muay Thai class lets you practice the art of self-defense and get that adrenaline rush. In the Nana area, Thai boxing classes are offered by Watchara Muay Thai Gym, a popular gym on Soi Sukhumvit 1.
Places to Stay in Nana, Bangkok
The Nana area has a great choice of accommodation, from luxury 5-star hotels to hostels. It's pretty easy to find a hotel you like at a price that suits you.
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Nana
Nana Hotel: An affordable hotel opposite the entertainment complex of Nana Plaza.
Dynasty Inn: A hotel within a 1-minute walk from Nana Plaza, as it is located next to the nightlife venue.
Majestic Suites Hotel: An affordable 3-star hotel combines contemporary décor with state-of-the-art technology and is close to Nana.
Aspira Sukhumvit: A cheap hotel situated on Soi 7/1, 1 minute from BTS Nana station and within easy reach of the adult-oriented Nana Plaza. This boutique hotel is NOT for families but appeals much more to adult single male travelers or groups of men.
Le Fenix Sukhumvit 11 Bangkok: 3-star hotel featuring 147 cozy and comfortable rooms with contemporary furnishings. This hotel is located on Bangkok's vibrant street Sukhumvit Soi 11, within walking distance of Nana BTS Station.
Mid-Range Hotels in Nana
Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11: A hotel just steps from vibrant attractions, nightlife, clubs, and bars, featuring loft-inspired rooms and suites.
Citadines Sukhumvit 8: A well-rated residence mere steps away from Nana BTS Station, which is perfect if you are looking to soak in Sukhumvit’s famed nightlife and pop into a trendy club or bar for a tipple or two.
Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 4: A popular hotel on Soi Nana, suitable for travelers looking to shop and chill during the day or somewhere to drink and dine during the night.
SureStay Plus by Best Western Sukhumvit 2: One of the most popular hotels near Nana Plaza, conveniently located between Phloen Chit and Nana BTS stations.
Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Sukhumvit 11: A hotel situated along a lively stretch and surrounded by an exciting range of dining, nightlife, and entertainment options, just a 5-minute walk from Nana BTS Station.
Luxury Hotels in Nana
The Landmark Bangkok: A 5-star hotel offering accommodation with Bangkok City views behind the entertainment complex of Nana Plaza.
JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok: A 5-star hotel and luxurious city retreat offering a pampering spa and an outdoor pool in the Nana area.
Transport in Nana, Bangkok
The Nana area is one of the best connected by public transport areas in Bangkok, making access to sightseeing and attractions easy.
The BTS Skytrain line spans along Sukhumvit Road, and Nana BTS Station is the main transportation hub in the area. Located just one station from Nana, Asok BTS Station is directly connected to Bangkok MRT Sukhumvit Station, which makes getting around the city very easy.
How to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Nana
By Train: The Airport Rail Link train connects Suvarnabhumi Airport with the BTS SkyTrain at Phaya Thai Station. There you can transfer to the BTS and get off at Nana Station on the Sukhumvit line.
By Private Transfer: Enjoy a premium and hassle-free experience going from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Nana with private transfer service. The all-inclusive price includes a ride with comfortable seating and ample luggage space.
By Taxi: A Bangkok taxi ride from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the Nana area takes approximately 1 hour but can take more during heavy traffic.
How to get from Don Mueang Airport to Nana
By Bus: Bus A1 can be used to transfer from Don Mueang Airport to BTS Mo Chit Station within 30 minutes. From there you can take the Skytrain to Nana.
By Train: The SRT Red Line from Don Mueang Airport stops at Bang Sue Station, which is connected to the MRT Blue Line, passing MRT Sukhumvit Station. Nana BTS Station is just one station away by Skytrain from there.
By Taxi: A taxi ride from Don Mueang Airport to the Nana area takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Tips for a Stay in Nana
Nana is full of life. If you like a modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere, choose the Nana area to stay in Bangkok.
However, if you are not a party lover, it might be better to avoid staying too close to the red-light area of Nana Plaza (Soi 4), which can be quite annoying due to street prostitution.
As it is the central area, traffic conditions in the Nana area can be heavy, meaning that a 15-minute trip can turn into a 1-hour-long journey. Public transportation such as BTS should be your preferred choice if you are not willing to waste your time in traffic jams.