Pub Crawl in Pattaya
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Whoever comes to Pattaya can not ignore it. If you want to drink a quiet beer, want to go out for a while or even drink alcohol, you automatically end up in Walking Street.
At least you would think so. Walking Street, unique all over the world, is known for its many entertainment options, such as restaurants, beer bars, a gogo tents and discos. If you come to Pattaya for the first time, you must have seen the spectacle in this street, which is always busy at night. Then you can decide for yourself whether it is indeed the place for you to go out or whether you belong to the group that detests Walking Street.
Walking Street
Now, about 25 to 30 years ago, Walking Street was almost the only place in Pattaya where you could enjoy yourself. Elsewhere there were some bars here and there, but most of it was concentrated in Walking Street and some side streets. A lot has changed since then, because Walking Street no longer has the monopoly of an entertainment center. Hence this story about a pub crawl through Pattaya.
For a good orientation we start in the North, from the so-called Delphin roundabout and go from there via Second Road to the South until the area around Walking Street. Before heading in that direction, we first make a detour further north, Naklua Road. This major thoroughfare to Naklua is a pleasant mix of restaurants and beer bars up to Soi 25. Many Germans in this area, which is reflected in the German restaurants - some of which are very good and worth a visit - and in the bars you will also find many German-speaking guests. Not everything is German, because I also know Ryan's Bar (Ireland), Barracuda Bar (English) and there is also a Dutch bar.
Second road
We start on Second Road and after a few hundred meters it starts – for newcomers – spectacularly. A bar complex of about 20 bars in a cluster, where you will be served in a neat manner by a ladyboy in almost every bar. In a bar within a bar complex you have to imagine a rectangular bar in four parts, placed in such a way that the waiting staff are, as it were, enclosed by this usually simple structure. This bar complex has a kind of communal terrace in the middle, from where you can watch a mini-show by transvestites. A nice warm-up for a visit to the big shows of Alcazar or Tiffany's.
A little further on, another bar complex called “Drinking Street”, again a cluster of 20 to 30 bars, often with a pool table. We still have a long way to go, so we keep walking and pass Soi 2. That was also the site of a bar complex with once-popular bars like The Classroom (by Limburger William) and The Honeypot, but the territory is prey cases to investors. All the bars have been demolished and the site is now a bare space that probably houses one hotels will be built.
Self 3
Soi 6 PattayaSoi 3 still has a bar complex with the Atlantic Bar (managed by a Belgian) as the main attraction, but I fear that this complex will also be destroyed by the hotel or office expansion of Pattaya. A bar complex between Soi 4 and 5 suffered the same fate, where popular bars such as U-too and Frenzi have been replaced by a small shopping centre.
Self 6
Soi 6 is our next goal and that is a special street. No bar complex, but long stretches of bars with fantastic names. To be honest, those bars are a bit disappointing on the inside, but the bar is not the most important thing. Every bar has a number of ladies sitting in front of the door and it is the intention that you do business with one of them as soon as possible, usually without any loving or romantic touch. Agree price, possibly while enjoying a drink and then upstairs for a short stay in the bedroom, pay afterwards and go. A “short time” in the jargon. I know a few Dutch people who try their luck in this catering branch. When I am asked again: “Pai nai mai” (where are you going) I often answer Soi 6, in jest of course, because I am a “good man” and hardly ever go to that street. Years ago I sometimes had to play pool in an English pub and my wife always went along, afraid that I would take the wrong entrance.
Self 7
Okay, so no Soi 6 today and we walk to the next bar complex, which is a bit further away than the name Soi 7 suggests. Here and there we see some bars on the left, you could say mini-complexes. We pass Pattaya Klang, immediately see another bar complex on the left and are then at Soi 7. This Soi is connected halfway to Soi 8 and forms a large collection of beer bars. Quite a cozy neighbourhood, lots of bars - I estimate at 100 to 150 -, of course many "available" ladies, who say "Whats your name?" Where you from? holiday? How long do you stay? questions, but still being able to be nice company without immediately asking for a drink or more. A nice area, as I said, where you can also have a pleasant evening with your own wife, because Thai ladies love European women to chat with, drink or play a bar game.
Self 8
Pattayaland – Boyz TownOn Second Road, opposite Soi 8 is another bar complex (30 bars), which is also busy. That crowds are probably due to the very low prices there, which attracts quite a few “Cheap Charlies”. The next bar complex is “Made in Thailand”, a cluster of 30 to 40 bars, the place where I visited a lot in the beginning of my Pattaya time.
Bar owners from all over Europe do their best to make a living, but it's not easy. I've seen quite a few bars in this complex change hands, many farangs start with great enthusiasm and sometimes after a few months the fun is over because money has run out. Now I have to add that all bar complexes are owned by a Thai. He rents out the bar and the new owner takes care of the 'interior' himself. He either builds the bar at his own discretion or takes it over with the purchase, whereby he also has to pay a kind of goodwill. Whether he can keep his head above water is his business, but the rent will be paid, that's for sure. Deferral is not granted and if it is not complied with, it is by definition the end of the story.
Soi Honey Inn
We have already covered a kilometer or two, but the end is not yet in sight. Soi Honey Inn on the left is the next target, which also offers a lot of entertainment in beer bars, just like the complex on the right opposite this Soi. The special thing about Soi Honey Inn is the large number of massage parlors, well, parlors? They are more small places where willing ladies offer massage with the accompanying “happy ending”. How that happy ending is performed is the choice of the visitor, because everything is possible in this street.
Soi Diana
A little further Soi Diana, a long street - where Megabreak Poolhall is also located - with a beer complex at the beginning and then numerous small or larger beer bars. Leading to Soi LK Metro and Soi Buakhow, this area is a true alternative to Walking Street. Many beer bars, but also a gogo tents, and kayote bars. It is therefore always pleasantly busy, because the many guesthouses and hotels in the area do provide the necessary public. Those who stay here do not necessarily have to go to Walking Street.
Continue on and see another fairly new bar complex on the left side of Second Road and that is the last one on this side. We cross the street and walk past some very popular bars, such as the Bodega Bar, on the right at Soi 11 and 12. A large crowd, good live music and from the bars a nice view of the ladies present, but also of the busy traffic from Second Road.
Pattayaland
Will it never end? Well, we're almost there, another mile. First along Soi Yamoto and Soi Post Office, with a large number of beer bars and the like and then Pattayaland 1 and 2, where there is no shortage of beer or other alcoholic beverages to report. A side street of Pattayaland 1 is Boyzz Town and I don't think I have to explain what entertainment can be found there. I once went to one of those boys a go go with my wife and two girlfriends from the Netherlands. What I thought of it? The English have a nice expression for this: it is not my cup of tea.
So, walked about 4 kilometers and, including the side streets, we walked past, I estimate, 500 to 600 beer bars. They are by no means all in Pattaya, because in other parts such as Third Road, around the new Big C Extra (formerly Carrefour), Pattaya Klang, Beach Road, East Pattaya, etc. you will find several hundred and then you have I'm not even talking about Jomtien yet,
So, Walking Street is a "compulsory track", but the entertainment of Pattaya takes place in many other places in this cosmopolitan city with village-like airs. I'd say Cheers, to your health!
About this blogger
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Bert Gringhuis (1945), born and raised in Almelo in the beautiful Twente. Later lived for many years in Amsterdam and Alkmaar, working in export for various companies. I first came to Thailand in 1980 and immediately fell in love with the country. Been back many times since then and moved to Thailand after my (early) retirement as a widower. I have been living there for 22 years now with my somewhat younger Thai lady Poopae.
My first experiences in Thailand as a kind of newsletter sent to family, friends and acquaintances, which later appeared under the name Gringo on Thailandblog. Many, many articles followed those first stories and that has grown into an almost daily hobby.
In the Netherlands still an avid footballer and football referee, but the years are starting to tell and in Thailand still avid, but the pool billiards is really of inferior quality, ha ha!
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If I ever come to Pattaya, I will hire you as a guide.
Welcome, Dick, the price is only a few beers!
I have lived in Pattaya for over a year, and now live near Chaiyaphum.
I would like to come back to Pattaya to soak up the atmosphere again.
I am in Pattaya at the moment. Where can I meet you tonight or tomorrow night to buy you a beer?
Welcome Hans G! Tonight we play a pool billiards tournament in Megabreak in Soi Diana.
I am co-organiser, so walk to the scoreboard at the back of the hall or ask for Albert from Holland.
There are still a lot of bars, but they are probably not that big?
And yes, you're doing a wonderful job of figuring all that out and then for us to do that
perfect to write down and send to the members of Thailand blogh ,Grtjs Luc
I believe that the Beergarden is also becoming a household name. Nice waterfront, nice price for drinks, good food and not unimportant for many: Many freelance women present and 25 mtr for the beginning WS. Would like to get there in the early evening.
Sure, Marco, Beergarden is pretty good, but it kind of belongs to the Walking Street area and it's not a place, what you would call a pub.
The story is mainly about beer bars and beer complexes elsewhere in this beautiful city and that is why I have not mentioned the beer complex with Thai boxing for Beergarden. .
My compliments for always defending Pattaya @ Gringo. Now again with "this beautiful city". We sometimes read differently about it. I certainly agree with you!
Dear Gringo,
A few years ago I came to the Buffalo Bar very often, Good music and more importantly very beautiful girls, can you tell me which road it is, can drive there in a bit, but I forgot the name of the road.
Greetings, Rick
3rd road @ Rick. T is no longer the buffaloo bar of years ago, sadly. Was great then.
Yes, that's right, was on the 3rd road, incomprehensible that it is, was full every night.
Then 40 beautiful ladies,
Thanks for the info.
The Buffalo Bar is indeed not what it used to be a few years ago. Still, I've had some fun evenings there lately. The prices are certainly friendly and there are also many beautiful ladies working there.
Third street, I used to go there a lot but never anymore. Left last year after a discussion with an arrogant girl who worked there. And the girls wrestle a lot for booze, keep whining for a drink for her, sis, extra drink for bartender, stop it.
Hi rick,
The Buffalo bar is located on Third Road diagonally across from the fire department.
Grts, Chris
I'll be in Pattaya in 9 days, I'll be surprised.
Pattaya, my home town, cool city indeed where everything is possible and the possibilities
be unlimited. Something for everyone including families.
It is not because you live in Amsterdam that you have to go to the "Walpjes" every day.
Was 4 years ago the last time in soi 6 at the “my friend you bar”. Know the Fleming well, cool guy from Antwaaaaarpen.
Enjoy it guys, also Jomtien(submerged candle).
Greetings to everyone,
Bart.
Nice story, Gringo! Been to Pattaya a total of five times, one of which I lived there for two months. That was on the other side of the Sukhumvit, also called the Dark Side. There are also many bars here that many tourists don't even know about 😉
I won't be surprised @ Harold if the dark side will be the entertainment center in terms of bars in a few years and the bars that are now beach road / 2nd road have been exchanged for hotels / shops as Gringo already described in his story
@ Harold, can only endorse your opinion. Think soi 6 idd is next. Just drive all the way to the end of soi muslim and soi siam country. The nicest bars are in the middle of nowhere
Good story Gringo, clearly written and very informative for tourists who visit Pattaya for the first time and want to go out.
I disagree with you on one point.
You can call Pattaya a fascinating city, a cozy city, a unique city, a fascinating city, a dazzling city,………..but a beautiful city??
Gr. Leo Bosch
I arrive Saturday 28-1 and have booked pattayagardenapartments for the first 10 nights. I don't know what I'm going to do after that. Drinking beer is always fun.
Been to Pattaya before?
Around the 28th I probably just got back from Samui
No Wim, 1st time in Thailand. I'm still thinking about what I'm going to do after the first 10 days. I fly back 24-2.
I don't know your age etc but you can contact me
wimkon add hotmail
I now live here from 2005 in one of the many parks of the Soi Kaonoi, I come to Pattaya from 1981 and after an interruption of 13 years of marriage with a compatriot. I know all the periods and also all the changes. I've actually been a walker all my life, whoever, for fun, but also as a catering man [40 years] who likes to get new ideas. The choice for Pattaya East was quickly made and in the 7 years of living, an enormous amount of catering has been added, especially on this side of the Sukumvit, also around Lake Marpachan. But especially the Walking Street is for the vast majority of compatriots, actually, completely 'off', what you see there, they are mainly Russians, with beer with them, groups of Arabs, who get their hands on more and more things, first at the end, own area, but already, va. the once famous Marinebar, what you see from there are water pipes and more water pipes. Totally not fun for us anymore and we come there another 2 to 3 times a year. We like to drink a beer in the city, on the Soi Bukaou, market, the Paddy bar, diagonally opposite Tops [Pattaya Klang]. Also the Wonderfull on the 2nd street, where some Dutch people have their daily drinks. 16.30:6 pm. For a bit of fun, we choose the Buffalo, where it is indeed quite changeable, but many "ladies" also go home for the rice harvest. And sometimes there are richer groups, who immediately buy out 6 of them. Soi XNUMX there are still a few, but mainly through some bars, such as the “Clickbar” run by Leo, from Alkmaar, also to the business of the deceased Huub, the Tornado bar.
We usually stick to this region, with all kinds of things, including this street that continues to the top of Soi Katalo with at least 15 shops, where anything is possible. There are also many options in the vicinity of Rayon [an hour's drive], from the 'connoisseurs' I hear, as it used to be in Pattaya
You see this kind of development all over the world and not just or specifically in Pattaya. It is a form of repression that is also called by tourism experts: 'bad money drives out good money'. This is well known in the hospitality industry: the bad customers push out the good customers. If it were to be 1 case, that would not be so bad, but in tourist areas it often concerns entire streets or entertainment areas. Add to that in Pattaya that there are also mafia practices of warring groups (from home and abroad) and that you really don't have to go to the bars for your comfort (every 7Eleven employee or maid likes to go with a foreigner for a few hours) and it really is 1 minute to 12 to turn the tide. Otherwise, Pattaya will perish from its own image and reality.
"Any 7Eleven employee or maid is happy to go with a foreigner for a few hours," you write. Is this statement based on your personal experiences or does it come from somewhere else? Reminds me a lot of what I often heard from a foreigner's mouth 'You can buy any Thai woman'.
It won't be the case for every lady, Tino, but it will be for most. At most you have to put in a little more effort, but money does open many doors.
Many take a job at the 7/11 or something so that the family does not notice that they have other activities. But in the evening they can often be found around walking street, etc.
Just check it out. A lady with such a job will earn around 8000 baht per month and they really don't make ends meet in Pattaya. Then they have to be in a room with 2 or more and really live very minimally. What clothing, make-up, etc. is not affordable. Let alone send money to parents and the like. Getting around there might be a little easier in Isaan, but not in Pattaya.
2 months ago I was visiting her home village with my girlfriend. Her old girl next door also works in Pattaya, same idea, at a restaurant. Her sister supposedly with a travel agent. According to the family, all honorable jobs, they also both had a falang boyfriend. All well and good until 1 of the (now ex…) boyfriends posted a few photos on the internet showing that both sisters had themselves taken in a hotel room. That was of course sensation guaranteed in the village 🙂
There are exceptions though, I know a lady from Pattaya who has a fairly wealthy Thai husband and still works at a Spa. Doesn't need the money but bored at home. It is therefore not tempted to provide extra service.
All well and good, dear BA, and you're probably right, but I'm trying to imagine (never been to Pattaya myself). Doesn't this mean that every young Thai woman in Pattaya is outlawed and can be approached at any time? Doesn't sound like fun to me. Sorry for chatting, moderator.
Every woman outlawed? It's quite black and white.
I would call it more of a gray area. With a woman who works in a bar, you know she says yes. The barmaids themselves are of course a lot more assertive.
For the ladies with a normal job but who are up for a break, things are usually a bit more subtle. If you ask them directly in the 7/11 or hotel lobby in front of colleagues or acquaintances then it will be a NO, if you keep it a little more private then it will be a yes more quickly. Also partly dependent on your own appearance of course. If you come across them in their free time on Walking Street or at one of the other prominent places, chances are that something is possible.
It is also not so much always about the money (but since the Thai are very practical, a nice bonus) but also sometimes to 'just' get the Farang. You simply encounter them more in Pattaya than in a village in Isaan.
Moderator: The article is about a pub crawl, not barmaids.
dear moderator… Please measure with equal measures. This reaction from Tino is no longer about a pub crawl in Pattya, but about the Thai women there….
True what you say. That's chatting. I therefore close this discussion.
Walked the neighborhood flat for a week, recognize the whole story without taking years, I'm not a beer drinker, but I'm not a sleeper either, so I could go out all night and it didn't really bore me, but I'd rather see some other things too then all those bars, what struck me : few thai men : all farangs !
Hello…
@Gringo…
I arrive in Bkk on December 13th, and stay there for three weeks, from January 1st I will stay in Pattaya for the whole month… can you help me on my way, and say, for example, which establishments in both Bkk and Pattaya have Belgians or Dutch people? come in such a way that they can help me on my way?
Any good advice is welcome…
Sincerely…
Rudy.