While Patpong is internationally known as a red light district at the heart of Bangkok's sex industry, it is in fact only one of several red-light districts with some catering primarily to Thai men while others, like Patpong, cater primarily to foreigners.

Thailand does not have a single "red light area"; instead, several cities house famous districts known for adult entertainment. In Bangkok, the three most prominent areas are Soi Cowboy (famous for its neon-lit go-go bars), Nana Plaza (often called the "world’s largest adult playground"), and Patpong (the oldest district, which also hosts a famous night market). In Pattaya, the epicenter of nightlife is the world-renowned Walking Street, a high-density zone of clubs and bars that becomes pedestrian-only at night. In Phuket, the equivalent is Bangla Road in Patong, which features a similar atmosphere of loud music and street performances. While these areas are a major draw for some tourists, it is a peer-to-peer essential to know that they are heavily policed and generally safe for curious visitors, provided you follow standard "tourist safety" protocols like agreeing on prices upfront and being mindful of your belongings in the high-density crowds that gather every night after 7:00 PM.