Last Updated on August 4, 2026 by Editor G
We are continuing with another Thailand post as Team Travelbusy has been working out in Phuket, exploring the digital nomad scene, coffee shops, and amazing beaches. It’s been a great location to use as a base to explore the rest of Thailand.
My most recent adventure was exploring Pattaya and the surrounding area. I ended up flying to Bangkok from the UK, stayed one night near the airport, then got a taxi down to Pattaya central (1hr 20mins) with Sunny taxis (1200 baht). I opted for a female driver to try and get a calm ride, but it was still hair-raising. I have no idea why Thai drivers insist on driving bumper-to-bumper at 90 km/h.
Pattaya is known as Sin City, and it did live up to its reputation. Though Pattaya is known for its sex tourism (see history), the city has plenty more to offer and is well worth exploring, especially if you are a foodie. Pattaya is also way cheaper than Phuket, I was getting meals for 100 baht compared to 250 in Phuket.
Update 16/1/26 : I just did NYE in Pattaya, which was pretty crazy, my 3rd year in anow too. I’m slowly updating this post to be the ultimate resource for Pattaya girls – competing with Reddit is tricky, but I think I can get all the essential info on one page, unlike Reddit where you can get lost for hours!
How to Find Hot Pattaya Girls (and Ladyboys)
If you are a young, good-looking dude, you will be able to meet girls in bars and clubs pretty easily. But nothing in Pattaya is free – you will end up paying for it somehow. If you start seeing a girl, you will be paying for everything: meals out, drinks, hotels, trips away – then they’ll start asking you to buy them things, then their entire family. This is how it goes most of the time.
Sometimes it’s cheaper to just pay the short-time (ST) or long time prices (LT). Many girls will start seeing you for free after you have paid once, playing the long game (see video below). If you are looking for a serious relationship, don’t look in Pattaya!
Most girls in Pattaya are working girls to some degree, most from the Isan region. Even girls who work in ‘normal jobs’ often freelance on the side. The number of girls working in Pattaya’s sex industry is truly astounding; Soi 6 alone has around 60+ bars, each with approximately 20 girls – that’s around 1200 girls just in Soi 6.
If you are new to Pattaya, it is a total minefield trying to get a hook-up with a girl. Hopefully, this guide will help you on your quest.
Pattaya Bar Girls
Pattaya Central is jam-packed with bars, full of girls – 80% of girls in bars can be bought. You have to speak to them and negotiate a price. You will then have to pay an additional fee to the bar (Bar Fine), usually 300-500 baht.
If you are searching for the perfect girl, head over to Soi 6, where you will have literally hundreds to choose from.
In addition to Soi 6, Pattaya has several popular bar areas, each with its own vibe. LK Metro offers a compact nightlife scene with popular go-go bars like The Office and Pandora’s, attracting a mix of expats and tourists. Nearby, Treetown on Soi Buakhao combines beer bars and food stalls for a more laid-back experience. For those seeking variety, Walking Street is the famous nightlife hub with large clubs and go-go bars, while Soi Diana and Soi Honey provide a more relaxed atmosphere with friendly beer bars and hostesses. Each area offers something unique, adding to Pattaya’s diverse nightlife.
Note: if you are in a gogo (Agogo) establishment, expect to pay serious money. Agogos are the equivalent of strip clubs in the West and generally have much better-looking girls than bars.
Pattaya Girls Online
Sites like Thai Friendly are full of girls looking to meet guys; 90% of them are ‘freelancers’ offering ST or LT. You can find some girls on the app who are not freelancers; they usually write ‘looking for a serious relationship‘ in their bios.
If you are going to use Thai Friendly, just pay for the premium account (about $15). You can then message a lot of girls and see what responses you get back. You have to carpet-bomb, as many messages will go unread or they won’t respond.
Thai Friendly lets you filter your search by location, age etc. to get your desired girls to chat to.
I would personally recommend contacting the location before you arrive. Get around 5 that you like in your favourites and ask for their Line ID; they will respond much quicker over Line.
When I first started using this app on Jan 23, I was convinced the girls’ pictures were fake, and I would be catfished! Having met around ten from the app over the last year, everyone has been legit, and you will find some stunning-looking girls (and ladyboys).
Image: Travelbusy.com
Note: Girls may be bar girls and also be on Thai Friendly. Most freelancers on Beach Road will also be on the app.
Pattaya Gentlemen’s Clubs
Gentlemen’s clubs are unique to Pattaya. They are a cross between a bar and a brothel, and generally behind closed doors.
Many have a good selection of girls and rooms attached or nearby that can be rented out hourly. You can just go in for a drink and hang out with no entrance fees, play some pool and chat with the girls to see if there are any you like.
Some GCs have outdoor swimming pools in residential areas like Passion.
Some anonymous person has done the great work of creating a Google map of all the gentlemen’s clubs in Pattaya, including some on the Darkside.
Pattaya Gentlemen’s Club Map
If this is your thing, you should watch everything Pattaya.
Pattaya BJ Bars
Like Bangkok, Pattaya also has dedicated BJ bars where you can buy and beer and a BJ – sometimes right at the bar!
Soi Bong Koch 8 in Pattaya has gained some attention for its discreet yet popular blow job bars, adding a unique twist to the otherwise quiet, residential vibe of the area. While still mostly a local, low-key street filled with affordable guesthouses and casual eateries, Soi Bong Koch 8 offers a few adult venues that attract visitors looking for a more private, intimate nightlife experience. These bars are smaller and more subtle than those found on Pattaya’s major nightlife streets, giving the area an alternative edge.
Pattaya Girls in Massage Shops
Pattaya has hundreds of massage shops and many will offer extra services. If the girls outside are all in uniform, the shop is a legit massage shop – though you still may be offered a happy ending.
Some places will offer full services, but its generally not great. I hate the scruffy little rooms you end up in or with a curtain between you and the next guy.
Soapy Massages aka “Soapies”
If you’re looking to try a soapy massage in Pattaya, here’s what you need to know. Places like Sabai Dee and Honey 1, 2, and 3 all follow the same routine. First, you get a bath. Then comes the body-to-body massage, and finally, sex. Bring a condom. That part’s on you. They’ll say it’s an hour, but most sessions run about 40 to 45 minutes, depending on how long you can hold out.
When you walk in, you’ll see the girls sitting in the lobby, each wearing a different color badge that shows their tier. Prices range from 3,000 to 5,000 baht. A higher price doesn’t always mean a better-looking or younger girl.
Usually, the top-tier ones are freelancers working part-time, often younger and more selective. Don’t pick someone who seems uninterested. Go with a girl who gives you some vibe back. Afternoon selection tends to be weak, so your best window is between 6 and 8 p.m. There’s no single best spot. It changes constantly. Try a few and see for yourself. Sabai Dee and Honey 2 are solid places to start. Most soapy girls don’t have tattoos, if that matters to you.
Pattaya Street Freelancers
Pattaya Beach Road is full of freelancers at night; just take a walk down to the beach. If you pick up one of these girls, get them to check in at your reception and show their ID.
I’ve seen people on Reddit and FB saying, ‘don’t touch them, you will get robbed.’ As previously mentioned, most of them will be on TF – the girl you got from the app last night might be stood on beach road.
Guest-Friendly Hotels in Pattaya
The term ‘guest-friendly’ means you can take girls back to your room without being charged extra by the hotels, which is often the case in Phuket. Most hotels in Pattaya are guest-friendly, but it’s best to check.
I stayed at the Intimate Hotel off Second Road in Pattaya Central, and they were exceptional at handling my guests from Thai Friendly. Girls would have to hand over their ID to the reception. You get a call when they arrive and a call after to confirm everything was OK, only then will they get their ID back.
I’m currently working on a list of of hotels that do not allow guests as 90% do. Keep this article saved.
History of Pattaya and Sex Tourism
Pattaya, Thailand, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, evolving from a quiet fishing village into a bustling urban centre known globally for its nightlife and as a hub for sex tourism.
This transformation began in the early 1960s when American servicemen visited Pattaya during the Vietnam War, seeking rest and relaxation. The arrival of these servicemen marked the beginning of a burgeoning entertainment industry aimed at foreigners.
Over the decades, Pattaya’s reputation as a sex tourism destination grew, fueled by economic factors, lax regulations, and the city’s growing infrastructure developed to cater to international tourists seeking adult entertainment. Despite efforts to diversify its tourism appeal, Pattaya remains synonymous with its nightlife and adult entertainment venues, drawing visitors worldwide.
Pattaya Safety
If you’re hitting the streets or bars of Pattaya looking to meet girls, just keep your wits about you. It’s easy to get caught up in the neon lights, cheap drinks, and beautiful women everywhere, but don’t let that cloud your judgment. Always wear protection. No exceptions. This isn’t just about avoiding pregnancy; you’re also protecting yourself from STIs, which are very real and very present.
Most of the girls you’ll meet are pros, and they expect you to use a condom – it’s just part of the deal. Don’t rely on anyone else to look after your safety. That’s on you. Also, watch your drink, keep your valuables secure, and don’t get too drunk. You’re here to have fun, not wake up in a mess. Be smart, be respectful, and you’ll come out the other side with good memories instead of regrets.
Gareth Evans is a travel writer and entrepreneur living life as a digital nomad. Gareth is currently living and working in Thailand.