The bright lights of Bangkok’s infamous Patpong area is not just about the sex industry - although it does seem that way as people continually try to lure you in to see the delights of what some of the ladies can do with a ping pong.

The bright neon and signs are just as much an attraction as the scantily clad girls and vest-topped boys that showcase their wares. Well that is our story and we’re sticking to it.

We headed to Patpong earlyish (around 8pm) before the loud music started pumping but the hassle from the club/bar touts is just as much at this time as later on. You can just hear what they are saying clearer - which isn’t always a good thing.

It doesn’t matter if you are on your own, in a couple or a group (although groups of men do seem to get more hassle) either way if it isn’t someone trying to sell you a fake Rolex or a Tuk Tuk ride then it is sex shows and girly bars.

The prices are much higher here for drinks (120bht for a regular-sized bottle of beer as opposed to 70bht for a large bottle from Khoasan Road) and the market traders seem less likely to haggle down as much as some of the others for goods.

If you like the idea of seeing the lights and the girls but without the hassle then Soi Cowboy is a friendlier, smaller and cheaper bet and without the market through the middle.