Pattaya is synonymous with partying. Even if you’re coming here to kick back by the beach, you’ll probably want at least one night to let your hair down. You’ve certainly got no shortage of options. Walking Street, arguably Pattaya’s best-known attraction, is a neon-lit strip home to countless gogo bars, nightclubs and beer bars. The bothersome touts, competing soundtracks and general seediness of the area can be a little too much if you’re not in the mood, but there are definitely fun times to be had here. We’ve included some of our Walking Street favourites below, as well as other clubs, pubs and cocktail bars that’ll ensure your night is a success. For Pattaya’s best craft beer bars, head over here.
808 Club
At a glance: Hiphop and house music are the name of the game at this nightclub perched above Pattaya’s Walking Street.
How it looks: Take the escalator up a floor from the street and you’ll enter a mirror-lined corridor that’s as gaudy as they come. There’s an outdoor lounge, but most of the action is in the cavernous club with its circular bar at the center surrounded by various tiers of seating. There’s quite a laser and light show.
What you dance to: Depending on the night, DJs pump out of-the-moment gangster rap and energetic dance music, often joined by twerking ladies on stage. International guests drop by from time to time, including The Prodigy’s Leeroy Thornhill and Aussie EDM duo Mashd N Kutcher, to name just a couple.
When to go: Things only really get moving after midnight, so you’re better off chilling at the downstairs Candy Shop (same owners) before then.
Drink this: Come in a group and you’ll probably want to order a bottle of something potent to go with some mixers (check for promos), as is the usual Thai clubbing style. They’ve also got shisha. On certain nights staff may prowl the dancefloor with oversized bottles of Belvedere vodka to pour down the throats of hardcore revellers.
Walking St., Pattaya
Tel: +6681-175-6031
Open daily 8pm-4am
Credit: Bone
Bone
At a glance: Probably Pattaya’s most cutting-edge club is known for hosting big-name international acts.
How it looks: This big, warehouse-like space fits up to 2,000 people. The soundsystem is pretty special (they claim it’s the same one used at EDM festivals like Tomorrowland), but what’ll stick in your memory most is the crazy 4D LED chandelier that shimmers above your head.
What you dance to: EDM, duh. Over the past couple of years, they’ve welcomed a bunch of DJ Mag-approved international acts like Bassjackers, Yellow Claw, Rave Republic and Headhunterz, as well as Thai rock stalwarts such as Bodyslam.
When to go: Like a lot of clubs in Pattaya, things don’t really get popping until towards midnight unless there’s a special event.
Drink this: It’s more about the club experience than any whiz-bang mixology. Drinks are pretty standard.
98/101 Moo 6, Phettrakul Rd.
Tel: +6694-439-9969
Open daily 10pm-4am
Candy Shop
Candy Shop
At a glance: A nightclub on Pattaya Walking Street that’s prime for people-watching.
How it looks: The sister club to Lucifer Disko and 808 Club stands out for its candy shop theme (those neon lollipops) and its open-fronted patio area that lets passersby have a good look inside and, by the same token, lets punters watch the seemingly endless Walking Street crowd. There’s a sizeable stage inside.
What you dance to: Live bands take the stage from 9pm to play a mix of R&B, funk and soul. Expect plenty of club bangers from DJs.
When to go: Candy Shop is a good spot for a few early drinks in the open air before the likes of upstairs’ 808 Club really swing into gear.
Drink this: As with many spots on the party strip, we’d play it easy with local beers or simple mixed drinks.
Walking St., Pattaya
Tel: +6695-551-2004
Open daily 8pm-3am
Car Bar
At a glance: Funky decor meets punchy drinks and pumping techno at Siam@Siam Pattaya’s lobby bar.
How it looks: Like a scene out of Mad Max with added neon. Car plates and upcycled motor parts provide a dystopian backdrop to your drinking session, while a mini dancefloor lights up when DJs get their groove on.
What you dance to: Usually a feel-good mix of tropical house and funk during the day, ramping up as night falls. Saturday nights are for the throbbing Techno Car Party (from 8pm till late) helmed by international DJs.
When to go: What’s better than happy hour? Two happy hours. Drop by from 8-9pm and then midnight-1am for buy-one-get-one-free on beer, cocktails and other drinks.
Drink this: The potent Adios Materfocker (light rum, tequila, dry gin, vodka, blue curacao and fresh lime juice) will do wonders for you dance moves. Trust us.
G/F, Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya, 390 Moo 9, Pattaya Sai 2 Rd.
Tel: +6638-930-600
Open daily 7am-2am
Differ Pub
At a glance: Head here for clubbing Thai style. Open since 2004, this nightlife institution welcomes live bands and DJs seven nights a week and is a particular hit with the local university student crowd.
How it looks: Behind the neon-lit facade, the spacious venue is split into several zones. Beyond the cavernous main room where most of the action happens, there’s an outdoor area that’s more laidback. Here, you can expect acoustic cover bands and TV screens to catch the football action. To welcome the weekend crowds, a second floor opens on Fri, Sat and Sun.
What you dance to: Big-name Thai pop-rock acts like 25 Hours and Da Endorphine are known to drop by, while DJs play chart-friendly club hits.
When to go: Bands usually hit the stage from about 10pm-midnight, but there are DJs before and after. Entry is typically free, except for special events.
Drink this: Differ encourages social drinking in true Thai style—order up a bottle of something, some mixers and ice, and you’re sorted for the night.
463/98 Moo 9, Liabchaihat Rd.
Tel: +6638-362-467
Open daily 8pm-2am
Empire Club
At a glance: A “luxury private club” complete with walk-in humidor.
How it looks: Swanky. Though it is open to the public, Empire is a good choice if you want to get away from the crowds. Dark woods and plush leather lounges give off something of a speakeasy vibe conducive to kicking back with cigars and a good whiskey.
What you dance to: This is more of a sit-down-and-tap-your-foot kind of place. Live music veers in a vocal jazz direction, while DJs spin a mix of chillout and lounge tunes.
When to go: You don’t go here to go wild. Empire is the kind of place for chill pre-drinks or to keep it classy with a nightcap on the way home. Note that members are given seating priority over guests and the dress code is smart-casual.
Drink this: They’ve got a great selection of whiskey, rum and wine, while cocktails are definitely more elevated than most in town.
2/F, 306/64-68 Thappraya Rd.
Tel: +6695-997-8924
Open Wed-Mon 5pm-midnight
Hollywood
At a glance: One of Pattaya’s oldest nightclubs is a hit with the locals. Toto, we’re not on Walking Street anymore.
How it looks: In a word, BIG. Apart from sheer size, what stands out about Hollywood is the next-level light and sound systems which will set your head spinning. The tables are crammed together, which is not exactly conducive to dancing, but it does give you an excuse to clink glasses with your neighbours! There are also private karaoke rooms should you be that way inclined.
What you dance to: Dancing is a bit of a stretch, but the big stage hosts everything from live pop-rock brands (playing covers of Thai, Korean and English hits) to techno DJs.
When to go: The earlier the better, if you want to claim one of the “best” tables. Note that there’s an entrance fee, though your THB500 does get you two drinks
Drink this: Like Differ (see above) and other Thai-style clubs, as a group you’ll get the best value for money by ordering a bottle of liquor with mixers. Fair to say, the drinks here are… not the cheapest in town.
78/107 Moo 7, Phettrakul Rd.
Tel: +6681-330-7504
Open daily 10pm-5am
Lucifer Disko
At a glance: This Walking Street staple serves up nightly live music.
How it looks: What first appears to be your typical open-air beer bar has a hell-inspired, cavern-like design that runs throughout. Grab a tall table at the entrance to combine Walking Street people-watching with front-row seats for the live bands–the best of both worlds.
What you dance to: Local bands play chart-topping pop hits, with a somewhat strange fixation on Pitbull collaborations from the early ‘10s.
When to go: This one that heats up a little earlier than most, so visit from 10pm to ensure you snare a table.
Drink this: Local beers start at a cheaper-than-average THB 75 (less that US$2.50). Cocktails are a fairly basic batch.
Walking St., Pattaya
Tel: +6695-075-4302
Open daily 10pm-3am
The Roof Sky Bar & Restaurant
At a glance: Bring on the jello shots! Siam@Siam Pattaya’s rooftop-slash-poolside bar (the highest in town) serves up just the right amount of chill.
How it looks: Those ocean views stretching on forever and ever kind of speak for themselves. Split across two colourful floors (the 24th and 26th), this is in no way your average pool. Choose from a comfy lounge, a deckchair, a barstool or a regular old table and chair, and order up some smoking cocktails and comfort food to go with the live DJs and regular movie screenings.
What you dance to: Soundtracks don’t get much more diverse. As a hint, on weekends Sky Bar hosts Despacito Friday (starting 6pm) promising the hottest Latin sounds in Pattaya, from reggaeton to salsa to bachata. The next night sees Hip Hop Mixtape Rooftop Saturdays kick off from 7pm.
When to go: Love sunsets? Happy hours? Of course you do. Head to Sky Bar (27th floor) early for buy-one-get-one-free on drinks from 4-5pm and claim the best seat in the house. Keep the party going when the same deal is available at Sky Restaurant (24th floor) from 7-8pm. Winning! Note: entry for hotel outsiders is THB 500, which you can spend on food and drink.
Drink this: Cocktail names like Ice Bomb and SOS Flambe hint at the creativity on show. Of course, there’s also ice-cold beer, wine and mocktails.
24 and 27/F, Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya, 390 Moo 9, Pattaya Sai 2 Rd.
Tel: +6638-930-600
Open daily 7am-1am (27th floor), 7am-2pm (24th floor)
