Like it or loathe it, Bangkok is famous for its ping pong shows and thousands of tourists flock to see these shows every year. Unfortunately a lot of tourists will end up getting ‘ripped off’ as they will end up paying more than they expected for drinks or get hit with extra hidden charges.
I thought I’d share a number of tips to hopefully make sure you don’t fall into any of the traps:
1. Before you enter the club make sure you ask how much entry is, and how much drinks are
2. When you get in the club, ask how much the drinks are BEFORE you order them
3. If any other drinks arrive at your table (i.e. shots) that you haven’t ordered then tell them to take them away straight away and do not drink them
4. Ensure your bill is delivered to the table with your drinks and pay for them straight away before you have taken a sip
Of course, men beware – if you buy a drink for a lady it may end up stinging you for more than the cost of a normal drink!
Whilst at the show, make sure you use your common sense – do not take any photos whilst in there, if you get caught your likely to land yourself in a whole lot of trouble.
We went into the show together as a couple as we were intrigued and we actually found two other couples in there, intrigued like we were. Although there was also a seedy group of business men as well like we had expected.
After travelling through India before our visit to Bangkok we’d already developed into savvy travellers and we asked the price of everything before taking it. We checked the price of drinks and only drank what we had ordered, but we still ended up running into problems when we went to pay the bill. They tried to charge us £50 for what should have only been £5 – they insisted that our first drinks were £50, and only if we bought more drinks were they at the reduced rate – this was extremely sneaky and news to us! We gave them their £5 and walked out as we knew we were in the right, but they did become quite aggressive because we wouldn’t pay. Another couple saw us arguing with them at the bar and so decided to pay up and leave at the same time; unfortunately they weren’t so resilient as us and ended up paying the £50 they demanded.
Remember: be firm and ask the price, and pay the bill BEFORE you have taken a sip of your drink. If you are not happy then leave and pay the money that you agreed before hand – not the money they demand at the end! You are in the right so stand up for yourself.
Great tips guys. I was honestly tired of hearing “wanna go to ping pong show” at Khao San road. We never made it there, but I’ve heard from others that you can easily get ripped off. Some guys woke up the next morning with empty wallets and they didn’t know what happened last night. Insane, please, be careful!!
Agness recently posted..Postcards from I AMsterdam
“Although there was also a seedy group of business men as well like we had expected.”
How do you know the business men weren’t intrigued like you?
I’m sure they were intrigued! They just fitted the stereotype that we expected.
Just because they were business people doesn’t mean they are seedy!
People who work in business are normal people too
You have to agree its very cliche!
Please, if you can handle not to go there.. please don’t go
Mafia group of Patpong-Silom is very dangerous
they will say that you will just pay for your beer but afterwards, they will give you a ridiculous receipt with a total amount of bullshit that you did not consume…
I was there 2 weeks ago with my friends, since we were the first customers, they cheated on us and said we had to pay 5000 Baht for 5 bottles of beer
and they were about to attack us about 10 men with baseball bats
Mafia assholes
Hahaha!!! “Ping Pong Show?!” Christ how many times have I heard that? Always really wanted to go but I’m not sure if the missis would be up for it 🙂
Rob recently posted..Comment on Best Places for Kids in Bangkok by rockderk
I have a big issue with these Ping pong shows. What most people don’t realize is that this is a mafia-run industry, which also funds prostitution, in many cases that of minors.
Do you honestly think that the girls “performing” in these shows do so proudly? Or that they do it on their own accord? Keep in mind that most are forced to do this, and the high earnings go directly to the mafia, not to the “performers.”
Not to mention the physical damage that this girls have to endure in order to put on the shows- not to mention the devastating mental damage. Just think about it.
Thailand has a huge problem with sex slavery, and if we continue to support the mafia, we are part of the problem. During my visit to Thailand I chose not to go to this kind of shows as easily as I chose not to support direct prostitution. Yes I’m only one person, but I believe every person makes a difference. If there was no demand for this, there would be an end to it.
Forget about how you’ll be “ripped off” a few pounds, and be aware that by visiting these shows you are sadly directly contributing to human trafficking and child exploitation.
Claus Gurumeta recently posted..Día de los Muertos 2014
I’ve been to Bangkok many times but didn’t watch any ping pong show… and this is not gonna change my mind. Seriously, I don’t think it’s worth it. I’ve been scammed in the Philippines at the shooting range, so thanks but no thanks !
Mat recently posted..20 choses à faire absolument à Florence
I think your tips are very useful. ALWAYS ask the Price or you’ll be shocked- not ina good way either!
here is my own story about a night Patpong btw
adventure in PatPong- a night at the S+M show hope you enjoy too.
RB recently posted..Bike Ride Down the Andes Mountains on the Inca Jungle Trek