For
the majority of first time visitors to Pattaya the entertainment area of
interest is contained in a small area starting at Walking Street in the south
and extending about 3km north to Soi 2. The area occupies a strip extending
back from the beach approximately 400m. This is not the whole bar scene in
Pattaya but is the majority of it as far as visitors are concerned. In fact
most visitors will not even think of venturing further in the early days of
exploring Pattaya. On a first trip some people don’t even venture away from
Walking Street.
Soi 2 and 3 Area
This
area is dominated by open beer bars forming large complexes. In the area you
will find most of the well known soapy massage parlours. This area has seen a
decline in the number of bars. Most of the bars that where on Soi 2 have now
dissapeared. Most of the bars are now located on Second Road.
Soi 6
If
Pattaya is unique then Soi 6 is a unique soi in a unique place. This place is
infamous for it short time bars and debauched behaviour. A trip to Soi 6 is a
must on any visit to Pattaya.
The area
contains a mixture of closed air-conditioned bars and open bars
similar to those in other areas of Pattaya. The open air bars tend to be
drinking bars. There are some bars that have some gogo elements
to them. Added to the mix are some normal pubs similar to those at
home. Many of the bars have rooms upstairs for short time engagements
which is very convenient.
Beware that
visiting this soi for the first time is very intimidating for a lot of guys.
You are unlikely to experience anything else like it. It would be a good idea
to meet someone to show you around.
Sois 7 and 8
Crossing
to the south side of Central Road are Sois 7 and 8.
Like
the soi 2 and 3 ares this area is dominated by open beer bars. There are a
number of gogo bars and some larger bars. The bars extend along the whole
length of both sois and onto both Beach and Second Roads.
There
are a lot of options in this area to keep most people happy for a long time.
Unfortunately, like other similar areas, conflicting music from bars is a
problem.
Over
the years the number of bars in Soi 8 has declined due to development.
Soi 13s
This
area comprises Sois 13, 13/1 and 13/2. Soi 13/1 is commonly known as Soi Yamato
and 13/2 as Soi Post Office.
This
areas contains a mixture of open air bars, closed air-conditioned bars and
small gogo bars. Some of the bars are short time bars with rooms available
should the need arise.
Pattayaland Sois
Sois
13/3 and 13/4 are known as Pattayaland 1 and 2. This area is dominated by gogo
bars with small open air beers in the mix.
This
area is become more and more the domain of the establishments catering for gay
visitors. The small L-shaped soi between Pattayaland 2 and Second Road is known
as Boyz Town for obvious reasons.
Walking Street
If
Pattaya has a heart then Walking Street is it. For many people this area is
Pattaya. You will see all sorts of people in this area from mum and dad with
the two kids to hard-core mongers. They all come for one reason and that is the
sex trade. For the family visitor it is to look at it from the outside and for
the single guy the reasons are obvious. You may at times feel like you are a
zoo exhibit.
The
main entertainment area on Walking Street extends for about 500m. On it you
will find many gogo bars, open-air bars, pubs and discos. Some bars have live
music while some are like those in the Soi 7 and 8 area. Prices are generally a
bit higher here to compensate for higher rents.
Off
Walking Street there are many sois to explore. Some of Pattaya best gogo bars
are located on these sois so make sure you explore. In fact the bars make it
easy for you as you will find people promoting the establishments at the corner
of their soi and Walking Street.
No
matter what your preferences Walking Street is a must do on a first trip.
However, don’t get stuck there as it may be the heart of Pattaya but there is
more soul elsewhere.
Soi Buakhao and Soi Diana Inn
A
little bit out of the way is the area along Soi Diana Inn and onto Soi Baukhao.
The area contains many open air bars and gogo bars. The L-shaped soi
between these 2 sois (Soi LK Metro) shouldn't be missed.
The
area is fairly laid back and has somewhat of a different feel to it. There are
a few good hotels in the area which make it a great place to stay if you want
to be a little off the beaten track. This area is being discovered more and
more by people.
In recent
times many open-air bars and guesthouses on Soi LK Metro have been converted to
gogo bars. There are about 16 gogo bars on this soi of varying quality. It is
worth making the trip to check it out.
