Carnival
Carnival occupies a ground-floor position near the main entrance of Nana Plaza, making it one of the first bars visitors encounter when walking into the complex. The open frontage faces the central courtyard, giving it more natural airflow than the enclosed upper-floor venues. Seating wraps around a compact stage, accommodating roughly 30 customers. The bar employs around 10 to 15 dancers per shift, with sets rotating every 15 minutes. The decor is straightforward, no elaborate theme, just standard go-go bar fixtures with colored lighting. What makes Carnival work is its location and accessibility. Tourists exploring the complex for the first time often sit here because the open front makes it feel less committed; you can see what you're getting before you walk in. Drink prices are at the lower end for Nana Plaza, and the staff don't engage in the high-pressure tactics that some upper-floor venues are known for.
Where to stay near Carnival
Hotels and rentals within walking distance.
What to Expect
Walking through the main gate, Carnival's open frontage is visible immediately to the right. Music spills into the courtyard, and you can see the stage from outside. Inside, the compact layout puts you close to the action regardless of where you sit.
Open, casual, and less intense than the enclosed upper-floor go-go bars.
Thai pop and international dance hits at moderate volume
Casual. Anything goes on the ground floor.
First-time visitors to Nana Plaza looking for a low-commitment starting point
Cash (Thai baht). Cards not widely accepted at ground-floor bars.
Price Range
Beer 140 THB, cocktail 200 THB, lady drink 170 THB, bar fine 600 THB
Beer ~$4.20/~3.80 EUR, cocktail ~$6/~5.50 EUR, lady drink ~$5/~4.60 EUR
Hours
19:00-02:00 daily
Insider Tip
This is a good first stop when entering the complex to get a feel for the atmosphere. The open front means you can watch the courtyard action while drinking. Prices here are among the lowest in the complex.
Full Review
Carnival's strength is its position. Being one of the first bars you see when walking into Nana Plaza gives it a built-in advantage. The open frontage means you don't have to commit to entering a dark, enclosed space; you can assess the vibe from the courtyard and decide whether to stay.
The bar itself is simple. A small stage, colored lights, a bar counter with stools, and a handful of tables. Nothing fancy, and that's fine. The dancers rotate through short sets, and the music stays at a level where conversation is easy. Drink prices are among the cheapest in the complex, with beer at 140 THB and lady drinks at 170 THB.
The crowd is a mix of first-timers getting their bearings and returning visitors who prefer the ground-floor simplicity over the sensory overload upstairs. Service is quick and the bills are straightforward. The bar fine at 600 THB is the lowest I've seen in Nana Plaza.
The trade-off for the open layout is that it doesn't have the stage production or large lineup of the flagship bars upstairs. If you're looking for spectacle, Carnival isn't the answer. But as a starting point for an evening in the complex, or as a quiet spot to regroup between visits to louder venues, it fills the role well.
The Neighborhood
Ground floor of Nana Plaza, near the main entrance from Soi 4. The courtyard beer bars and food vendors are steps away. Upper-floor go-go bars are accessible via the complex's internal staircases.
Getting There
BTS to Nana station, exit 2. Walk south to Soi 4, enter Nana Plaza through the main gate. Carnival is on the ground floor to the right.
Other Venues in Nana Plaza
Angelwitch
Long-running go-go bar known for themed stage shows and elaborate costumes. Three floors with different performance areas.
Rainbow 4
One of the larger venues in the plaza, spread across multiple floors. Popular with first-time visitors for its straightforward format.
Billboard
Mid-range go-go bar on the upper level of the plaza. Draws a steady crowd with competitive drink prices and regular rotations.
Spanky's
Smaller go-go bar with a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the flagship venues. Drink prices sit in the mid-range for the complex.
Obsessions
Well-known ladyboy go-go bar with high production value shows. One of the few transgender-focused venues inside the Nana Plaza complex.
Twister Bar
Second-floor go-go bar with a spinning stage and fast-paced rotation of dancers. Draws a younger crowd with its loud music and party vibe.