Emergency measures in the wake of Covid-19:

See the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Embassy locations, Thai PBS and TravelBans/Thailand websites for updates.

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American soldiers who came looking for rest and relaxation during the Vietnam War helped to transform what had been a small fishing village, into the sprawling resort dedicated to pleasure of today. The city thrives providing travelers with some basic human comforts that still lie beyond the pale in many societies. Visitors arrive in their millions each year to experience such delights, along with a variety of other diversions such as water sports, fishing, and deep sea diving, taking walks through ancient temple grounds, tropical gardens, or busy marketplaces, or just enjoying lazy time on the beach.

Gorgeous beaches they are too, set along the beautiful bay and extending some distance beyond. Many luxury hotels have opened here in the past few years, but the city still has the feel of a frontier boomtown, with narrow street that bustle with pedestrians, food-sellers, motor bikes, tourist-oriented bars, clubs, and services of all kinds.

Most of the gay scene is to be found in South Pattaya. It was joked that bars changed their names when the toilet paper ran out, but recently there have been many more closures, and far fewer replacements. Each bar varies a bit in style, ambience, and performers. Some have explicit stage shows - sometimes more, sometimes less erotic, depending on the political winds of the day - very chilly winds of late. Some typically provided rooms for private or group frolics with dancers, or those who agree to a romp chez vous, with a tip to the house known as the “off” charge.

Economic downturns in the West, and political turmoil in Bangkok have meant fewer tourists in recent seasons. As Nicky’s Guide noted before it too closed, of a dozen or so entertainment bars in Sunee Plaza just five years ago, only four now remain. November through February are the most comfortable months, when the weather is warm and dry.

 

Getting here

Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the new airport about 20 miles east of Bangkok, has been taking over all international flights from the old Don Muang Airport. The Airport Rail Link began operations in August 2010, offering local service every 15 minutes, and express departures every half hour, 6am to midnight. There are eight stops throughout Bangkok between Phaya Thai and Suvarnabhumi, taking 15-30 minute trip for the full distance, depending on the line. From Phaya Thai there is a Skytrain connction to Ekkamai, the Eastern Bus Station.

PattayaBus departs from this and other Bangkok stations with air-conditioned coaches, costing only a few dollars, departing every half hour. Limos and taxis cost are another option. Pattaya is a two-hour drive from Bangkok, but only 90 minutes from Suvarnabhumi should you rent a car. In Thailand, as in neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia, they drive on the left side of the road - obviously not a problem for British, Irish, Australian/NZ or Japanese drivers.

Getting around

Pattaya's Baht Buses are less than a dollar for "in route" trips; a tour will cost a couple of bucks. Motorcycle taxis are inexpensive, but have correct change handy and agree on the price before leaving.

 

Neighborhoods

In South Pattaya, the neighborhoods of Pattayaland, Sunee Plaza and Jomtien Beach are home to the majority of gay businesses. At Dongtan Gay Beach, near Jomtien Complex, vendors ply the sand offering souvenirs, food and massage. Rent two deck chairs with your umbrella and you won't wait long for company.

 

Currency and Money

The local currency is the Thai baht (฿). Each baht is divided into 100 satang. For current exchange rates consult an online site such as XE. Exchange rates have ranged between ฿29 and ฿36 per $1 in the past ten years. You’ll find ATMs, but mostly in urban areas. Inform your local bank of travel plans before departure for smooth credit card transactions, and ask if Thai partner banks can save on cash withdrawal fees.

 

Media and resources

Local gay sites include Pattaya Gay Passport in English, and GayPattaya.de in German and English - the latter being the most recently updated.

Dreaded Ned's has guide listings for five Thai destinations, including Pattaya. GayTingTong is a chat forum with listings.

Thai Puan is a magazine-style website with news and features about gay life in Thailand.

Travel Gay Asia and Utopia websites have gay listings for South, Southeast and East Asia, with good coverage of Thai destinations, including Pattaya.

GayButtonThai is a website forum about gay life in Thailand, Asia and beyond covering local scenes and other topics of interest. Sawatdee Network, another online forum by local expats and recent vistors, has news about the Pattaya scene, along with other destinations in Thailand, plus Cambodia and Vietnam.

PattayaCityExpats website and monthly newsletter has many tips on living in Thailand, both the good things to enjoy, and potential problems to avoid.

Siam Roads offers the services of holiday travel companions, guides and drivers in several countries; local guys in their 20s, with hospitality/ tourism experience and English (and other) language skills to help with almost everything you need for a stress-free vacation - excluding sexual services. Rates average about $40-50 per 8-hour day shift minimum.

Pattaya People, Pattaya Mail, and Pattaya Today are local English-language mainstream newspaper websites.

Canterbury Tales Cafe has used books for sale, many in English; also food and drinks, guesthouse rooms, plus legal services and general information.

The Jomtien Dive Center offers snorkeling day trips and courses in SCUBA diving, including the extreme side of diving, to greater depths and rarely-seen realms.

Nicky's Gay Pattaya website guide to Thai cities CLOSED. Nicky Stewart writes about the scene he covered in his Cocktail Boys series of books, in paperback or for Kindle, at Amazon.

For locations and website links to businesses listed below, see our Pattaya gay map & listings pages.

Language note: the variety of spellings for business, place, or street names may confuse you. With no standard transliteration for Thai words, they are written in many different ways in our Roman alphabet. You'll soon get the hang of it.

 

Gay rights and Pride

Pattaya Pride celebrations once took place with gala dinners and events continuing throughout the year, but things appear to have been on hold since 2015. See coverage of that most recent Pride Festival, with photos.

Western concepts of gay identity are changing this society, but traditional beliefs persist. In a world of troubles, one sexuality or another just isn't as much of a big deal to Buddhists. The role of lady boys and displays of affection between males don't quite fit western definitions of sexual "orientation," and the sudden freedom to indulge can disorientsome foreigners who binge, having only a few days of opportunity. Locals might say euphemistically: if hungry one should eat - but in moderation, as in all things. For most Thais sexuality remains a deeply personal affair, and importantly, a family matter.

Traditionally Thai culture has been open to  more fluid sexual and gender expressions. Thai men, while as appreciative of youth, vitality and beautiful physiques as anyone, seem less obsessed with body types or age than their European and American counterparts. Sodomy was decriminalized in 1956, and gay and transgendered people have been able to serve in the armed forces since 2005. There is not total equality, however. Sex among men is not particularly remarkable, but self-identified gay men may not become monks and there are no same-sex marriages or partnership rights. People in rural areas are less hospitable to gay-identified men than urbanites or those in coastal resort towns, but it is "identity" that most clearly differentiates East/West and city/country perspectives.

 

Cruising

Throughout the gay districts you’ll notice many young men who seek your company for sex; most are commercial. Prostitution is technically illegal, but widely tolerated, and an important part of the economy - but only for those over 18. Whatever the official age of consent is among Thais, visitors should consider it to be 18, since gifts are usually a part of most encounters. Undercover tourist police do keep an eye on things, and visitors found with someone underage can face heavy legal penalties, both here and at home on your return. To be safe, always ask for identification. See Squirt.org for more specific information, and locals' reports on cruising areas. Recreational drug use is another, best avoided area of danger.

 

Accommodations
Lodgings options here can start at as little as $15-20 per night for a clean but simple room in Sunee Plaza, to something on the beach for between $20-60. British, German or Dutch managements may provide home comforts from full English breakfasts or German beer, to cable TV channels, books or DVD movies in various languages. Many have kitchenettes, and supermarkets and 7-11 convenience stores are usually nearby with familiar provisions. At top ranges you can live a life of luxury in the finest of facilities, waited on hand and foot, for a fraction of the cost at comparable European or North American establishments.

The Agate Hotel Pattaya Boutique Resort (413/93-96 Moo 12, Jomtien 2nd Rd; 38-250-797-8), gay-friendly luxury resort rooms and suites, two swimming pools, fitness center spa/massage, restaurant.

Ambiance Hotel (Pattayaland soi 3; 38-424-099), affluent feel, quiet rooms, penthouse suite, Thai and international 24-hour restaurant, bar/lounge, massage services. Gay nightclub next door.

Baan Dok Mai (20/248-249 Day Night; 38-723-364), small affordable gay owned/operated guesthouse and coffeehouse.

Baan Souy Resort (308/3 Moo 10, Nongprue; 38-364-580), gay and straight-friendly suites and apartments, lush tropical gardens, roof deck, swimming pool and Jacuzzzi, café and bar. Tuk-Tuk shuttles to Dongtan Beach, Jomtien Complex and Boyztown; airport limo transfers.

Copa Hotel (325/106-109 Pattayaland soi 3; 38 488-694/5), quality full-service rooms and suites/ kitchenettes at good prices at center of Boyztown, penthouse apartment, massage.

DD Inn (410/46-48-50 Moo 12, Dongtan Beach; 38-232-995), 16 clean, basic, inexpensive gay-friendly rooms at the beach; TV, AC, WiFi, fridge, restaurant and bar comfort food, sandwiches and pastas, plus billiards table, library, guest laundry.

Double Dutch Inn (334/3 Moo 12, Jomtien Beach; 846-777-014), 8 bright modern double rooms 50 meters from Dongtan Beach; Dutch ambience restaurant/bar, near clubs/restaurants of Jomtien Complex. Moped rentals, billiard table, free WiFi.

East Suites (413/51-53 Thappraya Rd, Jomtien Complex; 89 005-0012) serviced suites and loft residences near Dongton Beach; in-house Pagoda restaurant, kitchenettes, WiFi, video gizmos, and easy access to gay nightlife.

Elephant Plaza Hotel (273/74-76 Moo 10, Sunee Plaza; 38-713-840), large, comfortable, inexpensive rooms and suites, standard and deluxe, swimming pool, international restaurant/bar with patio open 24 hours/day.

Flamingo Hotel (20/182 Soi Day/Night; 38-427-1613), small inexpensive hotel, 26 rooms in central location, many with balconies.

Lonops Gay Paradise (80/58 Moo 7 Soi Siam Country Club Pattaya; 819-019-762), private retreat rooms and suites, 24/7 access clothing-optional pool, English-speaking German/Thai couple gay owners, hot breakfast, no-charge overnight second guest permitted, free shuttle service to center, safes, AC, TV, WiFi.

Hotel Ibis Pattaya (463/79 Moo 9, Pattaya 2nd Rd; 2659-2888) big, bright, colorful and modern euro-style hotel, pool, balconies overlooking beach, restaurant, bar, shopping/nightclub district nearby. When in Koh Samui check their sister hotel on Bophut Beach, the Ibis Samui Bophut.

Mangoes Guesthouse (Sattahip; 38-238-519) small bungalow guesthouse in village just outside Pattaya, near Wat Yansangwararam. Bikes and motorcycles rented here for exploring local fishing village beaches.

Marina Inn Hotel (273/13-15 Soi Yensabai, Sunee Plaza; 38-429-232) newly renovated rooms, budget rooms to spacious suites just at edge of all the Sunee action, pool, restaurant lounge/bar.

Orchid Guest House (403/62 Moo 12 Jomtien Beach; 81-929-2536), 4 room guesthouse, near beach and Jomtien nightlife; TV and DVD player, books and DVD libraries. Was gay, now mixed.

Palm Grove Resort (Sukhumvit Rd, Najomtien; 38-709-444) luxury resort 15 minutes south of Pattaya, private beach, chauffeur services. Pool Villas Suites here include fully equipped units, and personal chefs.

Poseidon Hotel (413/3-5 Moo 12, Thappraya Rd, Jomtien Complex; 38-303-698) German and English speaking gay boutique hotel with rooms, studio apartments and suites, near gay beach, bars; in-house bistro restaurant, pool, sauna, inexpensive rates.

Rabbit Resort (Grand Conotel, Dongtan Beach; 38-251-730), tranquil village of Thai beach bungalows on 4 acres of Dongtan Beach frontage, lush gardens around two pools. Very affordable doubles promotion prices.

Sansuk Sauna & Guesthouse (391/66 Moo 10, Soi 11 Thappraya Rd; 33-145-664), 70 room hotel/ guesthouse between Jomtien Beach and Boyztown; hot and cold Jacuzzis, two steam rooms, two saunas, pool with bar, gym, international restaurant, Wi-Fi.

Siam House (413/6 Thappraya Rd, soi 1; 967-198-787), Jomtian Complex modern guesthouse, en-suite rooms, private balconies and courtyards, cable TV, WiFi, DVD and book libraries, affordable rates.

Three Elephants Boutique Resort (403/162-166 Jomtien Palace, Moo 12; 38-303-056), five quiet, gay-friendly villas, each with private terrace, breakfast area, open-air kitchen, lounge chairs and Jacuzzi, stereo DVD system, WiFi.

Tui's Place (318/77-78 Thap Praya Rd, Moo 12, Jomtien Beach; 38-251-432), small comfortable gay seaside guesthouse at north end of the gay beach, bar/restaurant, swimming pool. Located within the Soi Muban Grand Condotel complex at the beach end of soi Thep Prasit.

Two Guys Guesthouse (504/497 Soi Yensabi, Moo 10, South Pattaya; 38-713-652), homey, gay-friendly guesthouse near Sunee Plaza, short walk to Boyz Town. Well-equipped rooms, restaurant, all-day breakfast from 7am, overnight guests permitted.

The Venue Residence (413/24-28 Jomtien Complex; 38-303-787), gay-owned, straight-friendly boutique hotel and cabaret show bar near gay beach, three room categories, all with Japanese-style large shower bathrooms, and first class extras.

Zing Resort (413/85,86 Moo 12, Jomtien Complex; 38-38-304-037) 74-room resort, and spa complex with all the amenities, pool bar/cafe; near the beach at budget prices. Former Ganymede - change in ownership made them less gay, more family-oriented.

CLOSED: Bondi Beach Bar & Guest House (Jomtien Beach), rooms overlooking water, terrace bar, restaurant, bingo and entertainment; Eldorado Guesthouse (Sunee Plaza), ten-room guesthouse/ restaurant with a Swiss accent; New Cafe Royale Hotel (Pattayaland), Boyztown rooms/suites, restaurant, cabaret show/boy bars, sauna; Room-Club Hotel (Jomtien Beach), rooms/suites at gay beach, balconies, restaurant/lounge bar.

 

Nightlife

In the gay club scene the dancers and waiters are usually available to spend some time alone with you, should they strike your fancy. Ladyboy mamasans will often help with the arrangements. Each bar has its own style, and ambience. Some have rooms in back or upstairs, for private or group frolics. Restaurants, and massage shops by the dozens are interspersed among the many bars and nightclubs.

 

Going Out, Boyztown/ Pattayaland

One of the three major gay nightlife districts are centered on and around three streets or "soi" 1, 2, and 3 between the beach and Pattaya 2nd Road. On soi 3, most are a part of the Boyztown-Pattaya hotel, sauna, massage, and nightclub group.

360º Men Club (325/44-46 Pattayaland soi 3), go-go dancers, host bar, shows, many guys of all kinds.

A-Bomb Boys (soi 2), with stage entertainment, tends to feature bigger, more muscular and mature go-go dancers than some other clubs.

Boyz Boyz Boyz (Pattayaland soi 3), well-established Boyztown bar, cabaret and go-go shows; dancers of all kinds and body types, provocative "close-ups," chill-out terrace and rear bar for conversations.

Castro Bar (325/106-109 Pattayaland soi 3), ladyboy show bar and cabaret acts, male hosts and performers, swim tank shows, food, WiFi and terrace. Occupies the former Copa Showbar space.

Cupidol Bar (244/15 Pattayaland soi 3), animated go-go dancers, older but lively hosts, special show events. Moved to the old Castro Bar location as they moved to the Copa site.

Dream Boys (325/44-45 Pattayaland soi 1), large gay entertainment club, go-go boys on stage, erotic shows, mixed ages and types.

Kawaii Boys (soi 1), younger go-go dancer, on-stage "jiggle shows."

Prisma Bar (325/94-95 Moo 10 Pattayaland soi 13/4), former host bar, now with go-go boys on stage.

Toy Boys (soi 3) large club, varied dancers, comfortable seating, central stage, laid-back pace.

CLOSED: Funny Boys (soi 3), dancers, variety of ages/ body types, intimate stage, sexy underwear night; Vassa Boys (Pattayaland Soi 1-2), energetic boy go-go dancers; X-Boys (Pattayaland), go-go boys in underwear, erotic shows.

 

Pattayaland host bars and restaurants

Ambiance Bistro (325/89 Pattayaland Soi 3), breakfast - English or Continental - 8am to 2am, with soups, sandwiches, burgers, authentic Thai meals; bar terrace

Oscars (325/109 Pattayaland soi 3), homey cocktail bar with terrace, light meals and entertainment.

Panorama Pub (Pattayaland, soi 3), good place to start, fun staff, international crowd, games, lots of parties.

Serene Pub (Pattayaland, soi 3), laid-back host bar for a time out to escape the maelstrom of the surrounding scene.

CLOSED: Cafe New Orleans (Pattayaland soi 2), steaks, ribs/ racks, Cajun/ Creole, Italian, seafood; New Cafe Royale (Pattayaland soi 3), cafe, ladyboys and male dancers, terrace, breakfast, lunch and full dinners; special parties.

 

Going Out, Sunee Plaza
This compact district has for years packed many bars, restaurants and hotels into a few blocks, spilling out into streets just off Soi VC. The beer bars and cafes are more laid-back where staff are available for companionship, but not so aggressively. At the entertainment nightclubs the dancers are more focused on one basic imperative -- hooking up with you as quickly as possible. Some, for a small tip, get frisky, flash the goods, or allow curious customers' hands to wander and caress.

Down from eight not long ago, there were just four clubs at last report in Sunee Plaza with go-go boys on stage: Eros Boys; Nice Boys; Power Boys and a new club at the old Sunny Boys spot, Winner Boy Bar. Many websites for these clubs went dark in January 2017 - soon after recent changes in Thai law concerning the internet - so it's sometimes hard to know what is or isn't open at any given time.

Host and karaoke bars at last report included: All of Me; Diamond Bar; Double Shot; Duc's Bar/Coffeeshop; Eden; Euroboys; Forest House; Good Boys; Marina Pool, Nak’s Blue Chilli; Ouds Cafe/Bar; Rainbow Bar; Sky Bar/Restaurant; Sunee Plaza Bar; Swimming Pool Bar; The One Bar; and Ting Tong Red cafe/bar and guest rooms.

CLOSED: Colonial Bar; Come In; Crazy Pub; Eldorado Guesthouse restaurant/bar; Happy Boys; Jasmine; JoJo Bar; Krazy Dragon; La Marina; Lek's; Little Mango; Mic My Boy; New Queens; Redgy's Place; Sunny Boys; Up2u; and U-Turn.

 

Sunee Plaza cafes and restaurants

Elephant Plaza (273/74-76 Moo 10, Soi Sunee Plaza), 24-hour restaurant, good, affordable International cuisine, full meals, snacks, German beer and gemuetlichkeit;  wines, breakfast cafe, bakery, take-out. Also hotel rooms.

Oud's Cafe full bar and cafe, sandwiches and burgers, snacks, shakes, comfortable indoor or outside terrace seats.

Sanong, good Belgian restaurant at the Yensabai edge of Sunee, breakfast through late evening snacks, Thai and international set-menu lunch bargains.

Two Guys (504/497 Soi Yensabi, Moo 10, Pratamak Rd), small, popular 8 room guesthouse short walk from Sunee, restaurant withz all-day breakfast, good food, good value.

Volterra Restaurant (504/517 soi 17, Moo 10), Italian pastas, extensive pizza list, cheese, wine, desserts.

There are also dozens of food carts in the streets of Sunee Plaza, most any evening, selling local foods such as pork, chicken, seafood, fried insects, hot dogs, pancakes, sticky rice, fruit, ice cream, tea and more - and cheap too.

 

Day-Night District cafes and restaurants

Near Sunee, in a cluster of streets between South Pattaya Road and Soi Sip Chet, the area has few bars but boasts a number of restaurants. These include:

Grottino Gourmet Bakery, European cafe food, good prices, blackboard daily specials, breakfast, breads, pastries, Swiss cheese, fondue, cold cuts and sausages.

Le Bordeaux (soi Day Night 2, 20/57 Moo 10), French cuisine and wines from Parisian restaurant veterans of 20 years - look behind Tukcom Mall.

La Cuisine Au Beurre (20/38-9, Soi Day-Night, Pattaya South Rd), serving French and Thai cuisine, good value for money, popular breakfast.

La Petit Planete (Pattaya South Rd), three couse French meals, seafood and daily specials, terrace tables, next to Tukcom Mall.

Osaka Japanese Restaurant (soi Day-Night 3, South Pattaya Rd), Sushi, Sashimi, Tempura and other authentic Japanese favorites.

Salt & Pepper (soi Day Night 2), popular Thai and American breakfast-lunch-dinner, large menu; meals, burgers, sandwiches, veggie options.

 

Going Out, Jomtien
A gay scene of over 20 bars, clubs and restaurants thrives around Jomtien Complex, a taxi ride away from the older and more established areas. At the north end of the sand, at Dongtan Gay Beach, vendors offer souvenirs, food and massage. Look for the rainbow flag at Tui's Place. Rent two deck chairs with your umbrella and you won't wait long for company. See the Gay Jomtien blogspot for updates.

Angel Boys (413/17 Thrappraya Rd), gay host/ beer bar, Angel Boys, food; new in late 2017.

4T Bar (Jomtien Complex Soi 1), beer host bar, friendly easy-going staff, conversation volume-level music, special theme events.

Bamboo's Bar (410/35 Thappraya Rd, Moo 12), friendly gay/ mixed host/ beer bar at the beach; live music, sidewalk seating.

BC Bar (413/11-12 Jomtien Complex), 4pm-late gay host bar, food, good drinks prices, many guys, from areas throughout the region.

Big Kiss Bar (413/37 Jomtien Complex), popular beer host bar at the edge of Jomtien, friendly and attentive staff.

Cocka2 (Jomtien Complex), gay guesthouse, beer bar, cafe/coffee shop, terrace seating, showboys, WiFi, pool table, Australian vibe; formerly Two Faces Bar.

Dick’s Cafe (413 / 129 Tappraya Rd, Jomtien Complex), Thai and Western food, breakfast/lunch/dinner and snacks, wide range of foreign and local beers, wines, spirits and cocktails, 10am-1am daily.

Festival Pub (Jomtien Complex), near Dick's, boys offer their company and services, drinks, terrace seating.

@Home Bar (413/ 22 Jomtien Complex), friendly gay beer host bar with terrace, free bingo games, WiFi, music entertainment nights, massage services arranged.

Let’s EnJoy (413/38-39 Jomtien Complex), mixed crowd beer bar, friendly hosts, terrace, food;

Pig & Whistle (soi 7, Jomtian Complex), British pub, Guiness on tap, TV sports, restaurant, big breakfasts from 8:30am, fish and chips; guesthouse rooms.

Question Mark / QM (413/15 Jomtien Complex), small bar, cabaret shows, pool table, massage by friendly boys who take you upstairs for private sessions; breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and other snack food.

Tommy’s Boy Bar (413/127 Thappraya Rd, Jomtien Complex), open air terrace bar and cafe; friendly bar boys, ladyboys, food, WiFi access. The former Tam Teng location.

The Venue Cabaret (Jomtien Complex), cabaret show bar and lounge in gay hotel, open 7 nights a week, three nightly full-production ladyboy shows, sexy male dancers; terrace and poolside seating.

Zing Resort Cafe (413/85,86 Moo 12, Jomtien Complex), coffee shop and restaurant, breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7am - 10pm daily food and drinks from around the world; mixed gay/straight crowd.

CLOSED: Pour House, (Jomtien Complex), cheap drinks, terrace, boy hosts, theme parties, pool games, restaurant, massage services - find some old regulars at @Home Bar. Also: Bondi Bar & Guesthouse (Dongtan Beach Rd), 24-hour club/restaurant, all-day breakfast, Sunday roast; Boy Gaga gay host bar; L & N Bar; The Loft; Mixer Bar; New Life; Sun; Two Faces; and X-Men. Man Bar and Your Bar gay host bars appear to be closed.

Thappraya, Jomtien & other area restaurants

Au Bon Coin (soi 9, Phratumnak soi 5-6, Phratumnak Hill), traditional style bistro/ brasserie cuisine française; wines and cocktails.

Bella Italia (Thappraya Rd at Jomtien Complex), pizza, pasta, meatballs, fish and seafood.

Bruno's (Thrappraya Rd, 300m on right from Thepprasit Rd), near Buddha Hill, upscale dining, lavish European and Thai lunch and dinner, extensive wine selection.

Cafe des Amis (391/6 Thanon Thap Phraya), fine dining, gourmet steaks, 20 wines by the glass, 160 kinds of gin.

Dick's Cafe Jomtien (Jomtien Complex), affable unstressed atmosphere near beach, tasty cocktails, wide range of foreign and local beers; Thai and Western breakfast, lunch, dinner, late-night snacks.

Double Dutch (Jomtien Beach Rd 344), Dutch restaurant and guesthouse, breakfast, lunch and dinner, English speaking.

East Tapas Lounge (413/51-53 Thappraya Rd, Jomtien Complex), formerly Pagoda, al fresco terrace, bar/restaurant; Mediterranean/European tapas and Thai cuisine, considered among best in town, not too expensive.

Dolce Vita (413/45-47, Moo 12, Thappraya Rd, Jomtien-Complex), German and French restaurant and terrace host bar at Haus Mewie Guesthouse; weekend all-you-can-eat grill/buffet.

Froggy’s French Bistro (soi Paniad Chang 2, soi Yumen), crepes, quiches, Beef Wellingon, steaks, Egg Cocottes, seafood, pork, chicken, deserts and wines at reasonable prices.

Linda's Restaurant (Jomtien Complex), Norwegian-influenced nouvelle cuisine, fish/seafood, hearty breakfasts

Mata Hari (Moo12 Thappraya Rd), innovative menu, traditional European cuisine, exotic influences; steaks, meat and potatoes, pasta, Thai food, wines, terrace seating.

News Steaks & Grill (306/89 Chateau Dale Plaza), Australian/NZ steaks, seafood, international dining with a Scandinavian twist.

Rainbow Gay Beach (Dongtan Beach, by Rabbit Resort) friendly beach boys bring food, drink, offer foot massage, arrange for water sports and other activities.

The Wine Cellar at Poseidon (Thappraya Rd, Jomtien), hotel bar and terrace tables, big breakfasts, lunch, dinner; good wine list (former Bistro Oscar).

Yupin’s Restaurant (Jomtien Complex Soi 1), Thai and European food and wines (former Oleys).

 

Nightlife, beyond main districts & Late Night Afterhours Clubs

The several gay-friendly dance clubs and late-night after-hours venues come and go, with elaborate shows, cayote boy dancers, and dancing. Staff at other gay clubs often end up here after work. Generally more Thai than tourist crowd. Check with locals for the latest hotspot.

Muze (Second Rd Soi 4), large, newly remodled late-night gay/mixed dance club with live bands, shows and male model reviews; formerly ID and Idol clubs.

Nab Men Club (Pattaya Second Rd, Soi 6) - CLOSED -  late night gay-favorite dance club, lady boys shows, cayote dancers, foam parties.

SoDom Fetish Club (406/26 Third Pattaya Rd), new all-male Fetish Club, first of its kind in Thailand, for the experienced in BDSM along with the curious.

CLOSED: Dave Man Club (off Pattaya Central Rd), late night weekend disco, "Big Banana" dance teams, sexy cayote dancer shows; Guess Club (8 Moo 10 Pattaya Tai), late night gay club, ladyboy and cayote shows; Magazine Club (Second Rd, soi 15), late night gay dance club, sexy cayote shows.

 

Cabaret
There are plenty of ladyboy shows in each of the three gay Pattaya areas, but two big shows in town have crossed over to pull a broad general public audience of Thais and tourists in droves. Tiffany's is said to have the most beautiful performers, and Alcazar the most elaborate and spectacular shows.

Alcazar (78/14 Moo 9, Pattaya 2nd Rd) elaborate costumes, talented ladyboys, incredible stage sets, themes and music of many cultures, eras and fantasies.

Tiffany’s Show Pattaya (464 Moo 9, Pattaya 2 Rd) the "original" began as one man show for friends in 1974. Now in a custom built theater, 3 shows nightly, showcasing talents of transvestites and transgender people from all provinces of Thailand.

 

Saunas and massage

There is no shortage of people offering massage in Pattaya, with scores of small shops all over the gay districts, and even more in the larger, general-public girl scene. Plenty of free-lancers also have good hands. It isn't always about sex, but that's okay too if that's what you want. As most everywhere else there is sex in Saunas here, but the other pleasures, of steam, water, mental relaxation, relief of muscle tension, food and drinks, are no less important.

Copa Body Club (325/106-109 Pattayaland Soi 3, Boyztown), aromatherapy, professional massages for men from men, in-house or hotel room.

Helios Men (20/176 Soi Day Night 2), men for men Thai massages in private rooms - formerly Blue House.

Narcissus Massage (325/39 Pattayaland Soi 13/3, Boyztown), men for men massage, full body scrubs, bar.

Relax at Me Message (20/171 Moo 10), Thai foot and body massage services at Tukcom IT Center in Soi Day Night.

Sansuk Sauna & Guesthouse (391/66 Moo 10, Soi 11 Thappraya Rd), international crowd, maze, two steam room, two saunas, hot and cold Jacuzzis, gym, pool. Also 70 guest rooms, and international restaurant meals, or snacks.

Thai Blind Massage Institute (413/89 Thapprya Rd, Jomtien Complex), Thai therapeutic massage for pain in your back, not the bawdy bits.

CLOSED: All of Me Too (Sunee Plaza) massage; Boyz Sauna/ Gym (Boyztown); and Derby Men's Club (Jomtien Complex), sauna and massage.

 

Activities

Floating Market - cuisines of four national regions from floating stalls, also a wood-carving museum.

Koh Iarn - journey one hour on ferry to coral island pristine beaches, snorkel the reef, take glass-bottom boat trip; resorts, restaurants, moterbike taxis.

Pattaya Elephant Village - the daily life of working elephants and their masters, demonstrations, feedings.

Pattaya Kombat Village, - serious training camp teaching Muay Thai Boxing, for men, women, kids (8-up).

Pattaya Park Beach - amusement and water park with rollercoaster, cable car and tower jump.

Thai Alangkan Theatre - multi-dimensional presentation of Thai history and culture, pre-historic to modern times; 140 performers.

Tiger Zoo - feed baby tigers or see pig races and crocodiles at Si Racha Zoo, off the Bang Saen Road.

Underwater World Pattaya - acquarium with 100 meter tunnel though tanks; coral, cartilaginous fish, and sunken ship zones.

See our events tab above for info on annual festivals, and other things going on in Pattaya.