The Ultimate Guide to a Night Out in Soi Buakhao, Pattaya: What to Expect & Where to Go
When you think of Pattaya, nightlife is likely the first thing that springs to mind. While the city boasts beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants, vibrant markets, bustling shopping malls, and charming cafes, its vibrant nightlife scene takes center stage. In contrast to Bangkok’s renowned Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy areas in Sukhumvit, known for their (in)famous GoGo bars, Pattaya offers similar attractions on Walking Street, with more in LK Metro and Soi 6. However, not everyone seeks that kind of experience, and that’s precisely where Soi Buakhao stands out with its unique offerings.
Welcome to Soi Buakhao: Pattaya’s Dynamic Nightlife Hub
Soi Buakhao is more than just a street; it’s an ecosystem of entertainment, dining, and social interaction that captivates both short-term tourists and long-term expats. Its unique character sets it apart from other nightlife districts in Thailand and around the world. It is popular amongst western expats, so some of the bars do have a slightly older clientele.
Soi Buakhao vs. Walking Street: Understanding the Vibe
While Walking Street is a high-energy, concentrated strip filled with large clubs and go-go bars, Soi Buakhao presents a more expansive and diverse nightlife experience. Its atmosphere is generally more laid-back, social, and budget-friendly. Rather than mega-clubs, you’ll come across numerous open-air beer bars where conversations are easy and inviting. Walking Street feels like a themed attraction made for tourists; in contrast, Soi Buakhao exudes the spirit of a vibrant community, with nightlife seamlessly integrated into daily life. A notable distinction is that Buakhao retains its Thai ownership, adding authenticity to its establishments, whereas Walking Street has gradually shifted its focus, catering increasingly to Indian tourists. This shift reflects the evolving tourist demographics of Pattaya, drawing more visitors from India, who bring distinct preferences compared to their European counterparts.
Why Soi Buakhao is a Must-Visit: A Blend of Local Charm and Expat Hangouts
Soi Buakhao captivates with its rich variety. Here, you can sip a 70-baht beer at a cozy street bar, savor a gourmet dish at a Western-style restaurant, groove to a live rock band, and find a tranquil spot for a late-night snack, all within close proximity. This fusion of rough local allure and inviting expat conveniences makes it both accessible and thrilling for all. Stretching over 2km, Buakhao offers a myriad of venues. Including nearby hubs like Treetown, LK Metro, and the many sois branching off Buakhao, there’s truly something for everyone, but when compared to other bar areas of Pattaya it is much more laid back.
Location & Accessibility: Nestled in Central Pattaya
Perfectly situated, Soi Buakhao runs parallel to Pattaya Second Road and Beach Road. It stretches from Pattaya Klang (Central Pattaya Road) in the north to South Pattaya Road in the south. This prime location in central Pattaya makes it incredibly easy to access from almost anywhere in the city, serving as a central artery for the surrounding network of smaller sois (alleys).
Navigating Within Pattaya: Songthaews, Motorbike Taxis, and Ride-Hailing Apps
The most common and affordable way to get around Pattaya is by songthaew. These dark blue pickup trucks operate on fixed routes. To get to Soi Buakhao, you can hop on a songthaew running along Second Road or South Pattaya Road and get off at the appropriate junction. Motorbike taxis are faster for solo travelers, and apps like Grab and Bolt offer convenient, fixed-price car and bike services.
What to Expect: The Soi Buakhao Night Out Experience
Spending an evening on Soi Buakhao is an adventure for the senses. With its ever-changing energy, sounds, and bustling activity, each moment brings something new as night unfolds. Stretching nearly 2 kilometers, Buakhao is packed with diverse experiences waiting to be discovered!
The Atmosphere: Neon Lights, Bustling Crowds, and Electrifying Energy
As dusk falls, Soi Buakhao transforms. The glow of countless neon signs illuminates the street, reflecting off the pavement. The air fills with a cacophony of sounds: the thump of music from bars, the chatter of multiple languages, the roar of motorbikes, and the sizzle of street food stalls. The energy is palpable, creating an atmosphere of excitement and possibility.
The Crowd: A Melting Pot of Tourists, Expats, and Digital Nomads
The crowd here is notably diverse. You’ll find tourists from every corner of the globe, seasoned expats who have made Pattaya their home, and a growing community of digital nomads. This mix creates a friendly and cosmopolitan environment where it’s easy to strike up a conversation with people from all walks of life.
Understanding the Pacing: From Early Evening Drinks to Late-Night Revelry
The night on Soi Buakhao unfolds in stages. The early evening (6-8 PM) is relaxed, perfect for grabbing dinner and enjoying a few happy-hour drinks. From 9 PM onwards, the energy ramps up as bars fill and live music venues kick into high gear. The peak hours are typically from 10 PM to 2 AM, when the street is at its most crowded and vibrant.
Where to Go: Diverse Nightlife Venues in Soi Buakhao
Soi Buakhao’s main draw is its incredible variety of nightlife options. Whether you’re looking for a quiet chat, loud music, or dazzling entertainment, you’ll find a venue that suits your mood. Take a walk along both sides of the street and just pop in a few bars, they are all quite similar, to find one you like you need to just pop in.
The Iconic Beer Bar Scene: Socializing and People-Watching
The quintessential Soi Buakhao experience is found in its hundreds of beer bars. These open-fronted establishments line the street and its side sois, offering affordable drinks and a prime spot for people-watching. They are social hubs where patrons, staff, and passersby mingle freely, making them the lifeblood of the area’s nightlife. As well as literally hundreds of bars there are also, restaurants, burger joints, massage shops, BB gun ranges, tattoo parlours, gelato shops and so much more.
Lively Go-Go Bars: Adult Entertainment and Dancers
While not as concentrated as on Walking Street, Soi Buakhao and its connected sois, particularly LK Metro, feature a number of go-go bars. These venues offer adult entertainment with dancers performing on stage. Each bar has its own theme and atmosphere, catering to those seeking a more high-energy, visually stimulating experience. If however you want a regular bar, with a pool table and a good friendly atmosphere, The Billabong is a great venue on a corner in LK Metro, impossible to miss.
Live Music Venues: Rock, Reggae, and International Sounds
For music lovers, Soi Buakhao delivers. Several live music venues feature talented local and international bands playing everything from classic rock and blues to reggae and pop hits. These spots provide a fantastic alternative to the typical bar scene, offering a dynamic atmosphere where you can enjoy great performances with your drink. A prominent sign outside will usually advertise the band and genre for the night. There are several Rock Bars on Buakhao and The Matador Bar is always busy with good bands, this friendly bar is a good place to start if you are looking for Rock Music. On a side Soi there is a also the famous Triangle Bar which has an excellent band playing covers through the night, its best to get here fairly early as tables fill fast and people tend to stay for the night.
Modern Entertainment Complexes: Tree Town and Beyond
A significant addition to the area is Tree Town Market, a large, modern open-air complex filled with dozens of bars, food stalls, and a central seating area. It’s a popular meeting point and a great place to start the night, offering a clean, organized version of the classic beer bar experience. Similar, smaller complexes are dotted throughout the area. Treetown is a horse shoe shaped area with bars on either side of a wide pedestrian area ( the odd car will drive down here ). In the centre you will find street food vendors, motorbike and side cars with dresses precariously arranged for sale, theres another that sells teddy bears that are stacked to the sky. But the real attractions are the bars, Long Hang 35 has the best pool tables and the owner and staff can play well, Basilisk has good live music, Dannys Sports Bar has so many screens you can watch any live game comfortably.
Then we have a large seating area surrounded by food stalls, not the mobile street food vendors, these are permanent set ups that sell all kinds of foods. It’s a good place to start a night out , eat some delicious Thai food washed down with a couple of Chang and then walk around TreeTown stopping in.few bars.
Treetown bars tend to be larger and more spacious than bars on Buakhao, many have at least one pool table and screens showing sports.
Authentic Street Food: Quick Bites and Local Thai Tastes
All along Soi Buakhao, street food vendors set up their carts, offering an array of delicious and affordable Thai classics. You can find everything from grilled meat skewers and sausages to Pad Thai, Som Tam (papaya salad), and fresh fruit smoothies. These stalls are perfect for a quick snack or a full, casual meal on the go. I personally think the food offered in Treetown combined with the seating makes it a much better bet for street food, but im familiar with the sudden craving for food on a night out drinking and you will find plenty of options on Buakhao.
Diverse Restaurants: From Western-Style Diners to International Cuisine
Catering to its large expat and tourist population, Soi Buakhao is home to numerous restaurants serving international cuisine. You’ll find excellent British pubs offering Sunday roasts, American-style diners with burgers and fries, Italian pizzerias, and Indian curry houses. Of course, there are also plenty of fantastic Thai restaurants for a more traditional sit-down meal. One venue that I really rate is Prime Burger, located next to McDonalds opposite the entrance to Treetown, the difference in quality is wide. Prime burgers are fantastic, you can enjoy a sit down meal, a few beers or whatever alcoholic drink takes your fancy and a dessert if you are hungry still. Obviously more expensive than its more famous neighbour but as said the difference in quality is far far wider than the difference in price. There are more and more restaurants springing up in Buakhao and also in Treetown.
Cafes and Casual Eateries: Day-to-Night Options
The area also features a variety of cafes and casual eateries that are open from day to night. These spots are perfect for a pre-nightlife coffee, a light meal, or a place to relax and plan your evening. Many transform into casual bars as the night progresses, offering a more laid-back alternative to the bustling beer bars.
Relaxing Thai Massage Shops: Unwind After a Busy Day
Dozens of massage parlors line Soi Buakhao, offering a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate. You can get a traditional Thai massage, an oil massage, or a simple foot massage for a fraction of the price you’d pay back home. These shops provide a tranquil escape from the bustling street outside.
Convenient Stores and Late-Night Shopping
You’re never far from a 7-Eleven or FamilyMart on Soi Buakhao, perfect for grabbing drinks, snacks, or any essentials you might need. There are also various street vendors and small shops selling clothing, souvenirs, and accessories, allowing for a bit of late-night shopping between bar stops.
Exploring the Side Sois: Hidden Gems and Local Spots
Some of the best experiences on Soi Buakhao are found by veering off the main road. The many side sois, like Soi Lengkee, Soi Chaiyapoon, and Soi Honey, are packed with their own unique collections of smaller bars, guesthouses, and local restaurants. Exploring these alleys often leads to discovering hidden gems. Soi Lengkee for example has 3 excellent steak houses, so if you fancy a change from all the excellent Thai food, these are a great choice. All the side roads have bars and it’s fun to take a wander and find somewhere hidden that suits you, there are so many bars it would be a never ending mission to see them all.
Budgeting Your Night: Understanding Typical Costs
Soi Buakhao is known for its affordability. Local beers in most beer bars cost between 70-100 baht. Cocktails and imported drinks are more expensive but still reasonable. Street food meals can be had for 50-100 baht, while a restaurant meal might range from 200-500 baht. It’s wise to carry cash, as many smaller venues don’t accept cards. Most of the bars run a tab, its worth keeping an eye on it, or just paying as you go, its not unheard of for mistakes to happen and they always tend to happen in the favour of the bar. Accidental or not it always leaves a bad taste and the ‘debate’ can spoil an otherwise good evening.
Safety First: Awareness and Polite Refusal of Aggressive Touting
Pattaya is generally safe for tourists, and recent safety initiatives have led to a noticeable drop in crime rates. However, like in any busy nightlife area, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure. You may encounter touts for tailors or bars; a polite “no, thank you” is usually sufficient to move on. I have never had an issue of any kind here.
Buakhao Bars
1 Geordie Bar 1 & 2 as the name suggests these two bars pay homage to the Toon. Quality pool tables, plenty of seating and friendly staff make it a good bar to visit. When the footballs on its all black and white inside.
2 Dannys Sports Bar There are two, one in Treetown and the other on Buakhao. They are both great and cater to people who want to watch live sports. Its also a slightly better decorated bar than most.
3 Matador Bar This is a rock bar, and you could find it if you were blind. The bands are local playing well known songs and they are very good, it doesn’t matter if its a Monday night or a Friday night, Matador is busy and everyone is having a blast.
4 Mafia Bar Mafia is one of the smaller bars, and I have only been here a few times, but I think its worth a mention as the atmosphere is always good and you will enjoy yourself.
5 Beer Hubb Its a beer bar come restaurant, its definitely a peaceful haven in Buakhao. The pizza and Steaks are excellent.
6 Trench Town Rasta Bar this is a Reggae themed bar that has a unique vibe for Pattaya.
7 Boss Bar One of the more chill bars found in Buakhao.
Bars in Pattaya change owners and new ones crop up all the time, the best bet is to walk along it and try a couple, you will find one you like.
Conclusion
Soi Buakhao is far more than just an alternative to Walking Street; it is the authentic, energetic soul of Pattaya’s nightlife. It offers an unparalleled variety of entertainment, dining, and social experiences that cater to every taste and budget. From the friendly chaos of its beer bars and the electrifying performances in its live music venues to the delicious aromas of its street food stalls, the street provides a complete and immersive experience. Whether you are a first-time tourist or a seasoned expat, a night spent exploring the neon-lit expanse of Soi Buakhao and its labyrinth of side sois is an essential part of any trip to Pattaya. Armed with this guide, you are ready to dive in and discover the vibrant, unforgettable world that awaits.