Nightlife in Pattaya

The nightlife in Pattaya is incredible.  It is beyond anything you can imagine.  It's like New Year's Eve every night.

Pattaya is one of the best locations on the planet for exciting nightlife.  Tourists come from around the world to enjoy this special place to meet, mingle, party, flirt, dance and more with the wonderful Thai ladies.

You can go to the world famous Walking Street or almost as famous Soi 6.  Or explore the Central Pattaya nightlife.

In addition to enjoying drinks at multiple options like the world famous Walking Street and Soi 6, or in the hundreds of Pattaya bars packing Central Pattaya nightlife, you can enjoy the sunset, see the city from a higher vantage points, listen to free live music or go to a special show.

You can take a break from the drinks with a stroll on the beach (sometimes there are huge events too with fireworks, displays, food, shops, etc.), a rejuvenating massage, shop at a night market and of course, enjoy a delicious evening snack or two at the countless options.  

Nightlife - Don't Do's

First a few rules so that you don't get off on the wrong foot.

When you go out in Pattaya, it isn't anything goes.  Here are some tips to help you avoid spending too much money or get into trouble.

To Avoid Spending Too Much Money, Don't:

• Ring the bell in bars.
• Buy a lot of people drinks.  When asked, just shake your head and say "No, just a drink for me."
• Over tip.  I stay at about 10% of the total bill.
• Forget to scrutinize your bar bill.

To Avoid Getting in Trouble, Don't:

• Drive, i.e. don't rent a car, motorbike or scooter and drive when you've been drinking.
• Take pictures of the ladies or other nightlife venue patrons unless you ask politely and receive permission.
• Overdrink.  I prefer to drink within my limits and not get drunk.  I'd call it pleasantly buzzed.
• Antagonize or be rude to other tourists.  Be a gentleman, friendly and easy going.
• Make unreasonable demands.
• Forget you can just walk away.

To Avoid Getting Hurt or Sick, Don't:

• Take too many motorbike taxi rides.  I’d prefer to not use them at all, because of the higher risk of what would happen in an accident, but sometimes it’s the only way to get across town in a reasonable time and/or I am too exhausted to walk.
• Forget to be careful when getting on and off the baht bus.
• Forget to be careful when walking (traffic, holes, wires, obstructions, etc.)
• Eat too many sugary foods.  I get a cold easily from too much sugar.
• Keep drinking when you've had enough.
• Overeat. The food is so good here and mostly inexpensive.  But I try to avoid digestive issues by being careful with how much.

That is a lot of don'ts,  but don't worry, Pattaya is safe if you keep your wits about you and be calm, cool and collected.  You can have the time of your life, like I do, and still remain in control of yourself.

The Most Famous Nightlife in Pattaya

Walking Street scene. It is always going to be packed like this later in the evening

There are 2 main locations in Pattaya that are known worldwide for incredible nightlife.

1. Walking Street
2. Soi 6

Walking Street is completely closed to vehicles at night, making it a very safe area to walk.

Soi 6 is mostly closed to traffic.  But every time I've been there, a vehicle has been passing through.  Perhaps it was a delivery.  So, you still need to be watchful of cars.

Both areas are jam packed with bars and clubs with hundreds of scantily clad ladies lining both sides of the street, trying to entice you to come into their bar and buy drinks.

It's very overwhelming and many men find it intimidating on their first few times there.  Some of the bolder ladies (and ladyboys) will be grabbing your arm trying to get you to come in for a drink.

Don't get angry.  Just smile, say "No Thank You" and gently keep walking.

You really can't linger in the street too much in these 2 busy areas, you need to keep walking or just pick a venue, go in, have a drink and enjoy yourself.

Just a normal night on Walking Street

Nightlife in Pattaya - Drinking Options

Open-Air Beer Bars 

This is classic nightlife in Pattaya Thailand.  With the heat, the overhanging building roof provides shade. These are not air-conditioned, but with multiple fans running, it is comfortable. Usually there will be some ladies calling to you to come in for a drink.  There will be plenty of bar stools and chairs and some small tables scattered about.  Most will have pool tables and bar games. Some will have a bar you can belly up to.  I love bar hopping from one of these to another enjoying a cold one and seeing what happens.

A handful of the open-air beer bars along Beach Road in the early afternoon. These fill up around sunset

An example of an open-air beer bar with the tables and stools. This is from early in the afternoon before things get rocking

Closed Door Gentlemen's Clubs

Another Thailand special.  Some of these you need to knock to enter.  In most cases there will be no ladies out front trying to entice you in.  But once inside, there will be ladies.  There will be rooms available if you meet a lady you hit it off with.  

Go-Go Clubs

There may be some gorgeous ladies outside trying to entice you in.  These are similar to Exotic Dance Clubs in other parts of the world, with very good looking ladies dancing in skimpy clothing up on a stage.

Hybrid Bars

These types of bars are kind of a cross between open-air beer bars, gentlemen's Clubs and Go-Go Clubs.  There will be ladies outside enticing you in.  Once inside, there will be ladies dancing on a stage.  There will be rooms available if you meet a lady you hit it off with.  Many of the bars on Soi 6 fall into this category.

Live Music Venues

There is live music at these bars almost every night of the week.  Some may take a day or 2 off.  But you should be able to listen to live music, usually Classic, Soft Rock, or Hard Rock from the west every night, for free.  I love to pop into 1 or more of these for a few songs, or a beer, or a set at some point in my night.  The music usually starts by 8 or 9 pm.

High Class Places

These places have a professional staff, much more comfortable seating, usually a view, higher prices and some good reason the prices are higher.

Drink on the Street

You can go the other way, get a beer or drink from 7-11, or from your hotel room and drink out on the street or while walking.  I prefer to get my drinks in a bar and drink sitting down in the bar to avoid the risk of being careless on the street with the traffic.  

Drinks at the Beach

This would be similar to drinks on the street.  There are 7-11's down on Beach Road.

Around the Pool at Your Hotel

You can arrange a party at your hotel pool.  Normally the pools stay open till nearly midnight.  You and some friends could pack in some beers.

Party one afternoon at the hotel pool

Nightlife in Pattaya Wrap Up

Spending a week or two partying every night in Pattaya is my idea of a great way to spend my deserved vacation and hard earned money. 

You can have more fun on a short stay in Pattaya than 10 years (or a lifetime) in your home country, it is that good.