Every city in the world has a corner where the urge of libido dictates business. Every corner has a niche where flirting is not considered licentious but away of life. Surely, in Bangkok we should have a space where we can be a little wayward, if we get bored as saints sometimes.

The No. 1 nightspot for men (and some women 'nightwols' and 'barhopper') is Soi Nana on Sukhumvit Road. More aptly named Nana Entertainment Plaza, it is the present-day star of the night scene rivaling the famous Patpong red-light district.

Undoubted, what made Nana as popular as it is today is due to the lower prices of drinks, apart from the beautiful girls and good music. The bars usually do not charge entrance fees and posses no hidden charges, and no rip-off.

Nana is tamer, even gentler than Patpong. There is no forcing you to patronize their services, neither to buy something. You can walk in a bar without even asking for a drink and nobody will mind. You can sit and walk out any time, as well if that's what you wish., with hardly a fuss… unless you have had one too many and have forgotten to pay your "check bin," of course.

Nana was originally envisioned as heaven for expats who dislike to be mistaken for the moneyed tourists. Now, however in the last two years since its popularity rating has surged - Nana caters to all sorts of customers. From suit-wearing Japanese and Western businessmen to mobile phone-toting Thais; from rough, coolie to suave, clean shaven sophisticates.

The regulars who go there seem to have become part of the scene.

If you go a to bar a few times, these expats will recognized you, and welcome you with a smile, willing to waste a bit of time, swap a story or two with you, or even take you on a tour around the plaza, their favorite watering hole.

They seem to have lost any inhibitions they might have in their homelands, and feel safe on this peace of turf.

Special thanks! for information from "What's on after dark" and "What's on this week"