Among Soi Cowboy’s neon names, Cockatoo has built one of the street’s most distinct identities. This compact little go-go has long been the soi’s dedicated ladyboy bar - and it knows exactly what crowd it’s playing to.

The room is small and close-up, which means there isn’t much distance between you and the performers once you’ve taken a seat. The girls are lively, playful and quick to get involved, but the overall atmosphere tends to stay surprisingly relaxed. It feels less like a giant stage production and more like everyone in the room is sharing the same party.

That intimacy is really Cockatoo’s charm. You know exactly what sort of bar you’ve walked into, and it makes no attempt to be anything else.

On a street full of bright plumage, Cockatoo still manages to stand out.