Known for its beaches, resorts and Walking Street, Pattaya is a 2-hour drive from Bangkok. The ultimate vacation destination, tourists flock to the eastern gulf coast of Thailand to enjoy its beautiful beaches and restaurants. Pattaya offers so much more than beaches and after the sun goes down the towns world-famous nightlife is not to be missed. Whether you’re looking to relax with some great food and a beer or looking to enjoy a cabaret show, Pattaya has something for everyone. If you find yourself in the vibrant city, here are nine exciting things you should definitely do.

Stroll through Walking Street

Pattaya’s infamous Walking Street is a buzzing district that attracts both foreign tourists and locals. If you’re looking to experience some of the best nightlife in Pattaya, then take a stroll through Walking Street. You’ll find countless restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to get lost in. The street is closed to motorized traffic in the evening, at which point party-goers flock to the road. Popular spots to visit in Walking Street are Abbe’s Bar, Hot Tuna Bar, and Blue Sky 15 Station.

Alcazar Cabaret Show

Photo source: Alcazar Cabaret Show Pattaya

Pattaya is renowned for its ladyboys and the legendary Alcazar cabaret show is one of the most popular cabaret shows in Thailand. Spend the evening surrounded by glitz and glamour while being entertained by Pattaya’s ladyboys. The show includes music and dance with the opportunity to pose with the performers in their costumes at the end of the show. There are a number of cabarets available throughout Pattaya but the Alcazar Cabaret Show is one of the best and not to be missed.

Watch a Muay Thai fight at Pattaya Boxing World Stadium

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A trip to Pattaya wouldn’t be complete without watching a very intense Muay Thai fight at the Pattaya Boxing World Stadium. The national sport is a spectacle to view. Watch professional fighters punch and kick each other, as the audience cheers from the side of the ring. The stadium also hosts a number of cultural shows and exhibition fights but there’s nothing like watching a Muay Thai fight for evening entertainment.

Night markets

Credits: Photo by Min An from Pexels

Spend your time walking through one of Thailand’s many night markets. Street shopping is one of the best things you can do in Pattaya and after the sun goes down is when the best stalls come out. One of the most popular night markets is Thepprasit road night market, also known as the weekend market. You can find anything from fake designer clothes and watches to footwear and gifts to take home. Another choice is the Jomtien Beach night market which generally attracts a younger audience. A much smaller market selling food, drink and beach clothing. If you’re looking for a night tipple, there are usually a number of pop-up bars where you can buy cheap cocktails and drinks.

Watch live music

Photo source: Hard Rock Cafe Pattaya

With a number of venues with live music and flowing drinks, you can find the genre you love. For a live show, Hard Rock Cafe’s house band performs every night where you can hear classic rock and indie music. Another popular spot is Candy Shop, a friendly live music bar located on Walking Street. The Stones House on Walking Street is definitely worth a visit as well, the house band plays an extensive range of genres from blues and jazz to hip-hop and rock.

Eat some tasty street food

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Delicious street food is easy to find in Pattaya. With so many dishes to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Whether you’re walking through Walking Street or visiting one of Pattaya’s night markets, your senses will be bombarded with different smells and foods. Thepprasit weekend night market has around 80 stalls selling noodles, meats, salads and other Asian dishes. Follow up your dinner with a tasty dish of mango sticky rice, made fresh right in front of you.

Dinner with a sunset view

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The Revolving Restaurant in the Pattaya Park Tower is the highest restaurant in Pattaya, situated 54 floors up. With both a buffet lunch and dinner, you can find fresh seafood dishes and an incredible panoramic view of the city. If you prefer to stay on ground level, there are plenty of options with great food looking out onto the sea. Sandbar By The Sea in Jomtien Beach serves up a mixture of Thai and western dishes and offers up a great sea view. Popular restaurants with a view include The Sky Gallery, Edge, The Glass House, and Bacco Beach.

Bar hopping

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Pattaya is filled with bars selling cheap drinks and cocktails. Pattaya nightlife is a big attraction in the city, with parties raging on until the early hours. Spend your evening hopping from bar to bar, listening to music and dancing. Hard Rock Cafe, on beach road, has a foam party every Saturday night joined by cabana dancers and fun games. Whether you’re looking for a cocktail bar or go-go bar, Pattaya has at it all. For cocktails, visit igloo-themed Ice Bar V20 Cocktail Lounge where you can get mango mojitos, margaritas and more. Popular bars you should visit include Goodfellas and Mulligan’s Irish Pub.

Visit Pattaya's top nightclubs

Photo source: Mixx Discotheque

If you want to keep the party going, then head to one of Pattaya’s best nightclubs to dance all night and well into the early hours. With cutting-edge sound systems and big-name DJs, heading to one of Pattaya’s nightclubs is a great way to spend your night. One of the most glamorous nightclubs to visit is Mixx Discotheque. The glitzy club plays hip-hop, modern, funk, house, and trance music and is always packed. Another high-end option is The Pier, with a multi-level design and chic interior. Here you’ll hear local and international DJs playing house and trance music. Other popular nightclubs are Lucifer Disco, Club Insomnia, and 808 Club.