What's it really like?
Pattaya is one of Thailand’s most infamous party destinations, and also one of the big gay scenes in the country. For years it has been known as Bangkok’s seedier counterpart, with Thai sex tourism being one of the main attractions. Overdeveloped and hedonistic, it was avoided by many tourists who saw in it the worst of Thai tourism.
However, Pattaya has recently started to rebrand itself. Authorities have cleaned the beaches, pedestrianized certain streets, and started to control the sex trade more rigidly. Families and couples have started to share the area with party-goers, creating a fun and relaxed atmosphere where it is almost impossible to have a bad time.
For the gay traveler, the city’s large selection of gay go-go bars, cabaret shows, karaoke nights, drag acts, clubs, massages, and the ever-popular gay Dongtan beach make gay Pattaya irresistible. Less than a two-hour drive from Bangkok, Pattaya is starting to prove it is not only well worth the detour but a great Thai destination in itself.
Whether you are pulled in by the neon of the go-go bars or simply want to enjoy the cheap and delicious beer flowing from every corner, you are always guaranteed a wild night in gay Pattaya. There are three main groupings of gay venues in Pattaya; Boztown, Sunee Plaza and Dongtan gay beach.
Pattaya is known for its sex trade, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t any regular old cruising going on. The main place to go is Sansuk Sauna, the only gay sauna in Pattaya. Massage services are also very popular, with several gay massage parlors throughout the city. The two most famous ones are COPA Body Massage and Helios Men Club, both specializing in the “happy ending” type of service.
The party scene in Pattaya is undoubtedly fun, and many people just want to stay at the heart of it all. Ultimately, it’s down to what you like: stay in Pattaya if you enjoy a more hardcore party vibe, or head to Jomtien if spending the day on a gay beach is more your thing. Or if you want to leave the sleaze behind, outside of the city center, there are plenty of luxury and upscale resorts perfect for a relaxing beach break.
Tours.
Dive into an unforgettable adventure at an ethical elephant sanctuary. Feed, bathe, and bond with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Learn about their stories while supporting sustainable tourism. It’s an up-close, heartwarming experience where conservation meets connection—wild, real, and totally unforgettable.
Set sail on a luxe yacht adventure to Koh Phai and Koh Rin. Snorkel vibrant reefs, relax on hidden beaches, and soak up island vibes. Enjoy a Thai feast onboard and toast the sunset as the perfect end to your day. Ultimate sea vibes, unforgettable memories.
Escape Bangkok for a day in Pattaya. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Sanctuary of Truth, snap panoramic shots from Khao Phra Tamnak, and unwind on Pattaya Beach. Culture, views, and seaside vibes rolled into one unforgettable getaway—instaperfect and totally worth it!
Gays and the Law
Thailand is hands down one of the most gay-friendly destinations in Asia, making it a dream for LGBTQ+ travelers. This city has a legendary reputation for its anything-goes nightlife, and the gay scene is no exception. Boyztown and Jomtien Complex are packed with gay bars, go-go clubs, and party vibes that go ‘til sunrise. No drama, no judgment—just good vibes and unreal sunsets.
That said, some guys and girls working in Pattaya look young. It is your personal responsibility to ensure that the person is over the age of 18—especially freelancers who are not supervised by a bar. If in doubt, ask for photo ID. Sex with a minor is a serious criminal offense, and the police have, quite rightly, been cracking down on this unacceptable practice.
Legal-wise? Thailand made history in 2025 by becoming the second country in Asia to legalize gay marriage, following Taiwan. Pattaya, always up for a good time, is an unexpected yet exciting wedding destination. Think fun, unconventional ceremonies on lively beaches, high-energy poolside receptions, or a private rooftop celebration overlooking the neon-lit city. The overwhelming support for the law just proves that Thailand is as progressive as it is party-ready.
Pattaya's Gay Scene
Pattaya’s Gayborhoods
Pattaya has a long-standing reputation as the ‘sin city’ of Thailand. Drinking and having no-strings-attached fun have always been reasons for many travelers to visit.
However, the city is cleaning up its image and promoting a healthier lifestyle city with a focus on the beach, which is absolutely worth going to.
The gay life, which suffered during COVID, is raring back to life in some areas. Where Pattaya City was once the area to visit, Jomtien Beach, around the corner, has taken over the mantle. Pattaya City still has two gayborhoods, but it’s well worth the move to Jomtien. Here’s the breakdown:
Dongtan Beach
Around the point from Pattaya Beach is another stretch of beach, Dongtan Beach, affectionately known as ‘the gay beach.’ It stretches all the way to the police box at Jomtien and then becomes Jomtien Beach.
Along the beach are beach chairs, mostly under large umbrellas to protect guests from the sun. The going rate for a chair is 100 baht, beachfront or 50 baht, to sit closer to the street. The beach chair lots are numbered, and the gay area is from around lot 11 to lot 25. Lot 25 has rainbow flags all around, signaling the start of the mini gayborhood.
You can order food and drink (including beer), get a pedicure or a massage, and watch the handsome shirtless local boy play in the ocean. Some of the attractive boys work in the massage shops in the Jomtien Complex (see below) and are looking for additional ‘work’ if you happen to be in the mood. The going rate is around 3,000 baht (around $80) if you would like them to accompany you back to your hotel.
Dongtan Beach is about a 10-minute walk from the Jomtien Complex. Along the way, as you turn the corner in front of the police box, there are a number of bars on the main road. Most are straight bars, but there are a couple of gay ones.
Jomtien Complex
The Jomtien Complex, also known as Jomtien Walking Street or Supertown, is now the prominent gayborhood of Pattaya and a must-visit for every gay traveler to the area. It’s two blocks of bars, restaurants, and massage shops, all catering to gay men. There are three entrances to the complex, so keep walking until you’re in the center.
For those familiar with Silom Soi 4 in Bangkok, the bar vibe here is the same; many line the three sois with street-facing chairs and tables. The bars are full of expats, visitors, and handsome Thai boys. Money boys also frequent the bars, so be ready to buy them a drink if you’re looking for some company.
There are over 30 bars in this small hub, possibly the most concentrated number of gay bars anywhere in the world. Bars come and go here rather frequently; some close during low season only to rebrand themselves for high season. However, a few bars have been open for many years, such as Cocka2. ? Bar, Boy Gaga, Bubu’s, and @Home Bar.
There are three cabaret show bars: The Venue and M2M, which offer one show per night beginning at 10 pm, and The Palace, which has two shows a week. Another bar, Dragon Club Lounge, has rebranded into a dance club with shows on Friday and Saturday nights around 11.30 pm.
Around ten massage shops are scattered around, one of the most popular being Soda. These are all famous for ‘rub and tug’ or more, with the minimum tip being 1,000 baht ($28). Also located in the complex is the official Thailand Massage by the Blind, which offers work for blind people. This isn’t a gay massage shop; the massages are professional, with no happy endings provided. Most massage shops open just before lunch and close around midnight.
There are numerous restaurants in the complex. Poseidon, a seafood restaurant at the top of the main soi, is for those who enjoy fine dining. On the other hand, Dolce Vita is a German restaurant that offers nightly promotions and deals. It’s also right in the center of the action, so a table on the terrace lets you see all the street activity before choosing which bar to visit. Dick’s Cafe in the third soi serves home-style Thai food. There are burger bars, bakeries, Indian, French, and pizza available in other restaurants.
Boyztown
Boyztown in Pattaya Central was the place to go for the best go-go-boy shows in Thailand. COVID hit the gayborhood really hard, and while it’s slowly rebuilding, it’s taking time.
There are a few bars left from pre-COVID days, and more are opening. Similar to the bars in the Jomtien Complex, you can sit and drink alone or spend time with a money boy. The bars are in a strip next to Pattaya Soi 13/4. Panorama Pub, Serene Bar, Castro, and Toy Boys can all be found there.
Two go-go-style show bars are operating in Pattaya Soi 13/3: X-Boys and Dreamboys. With the government ban on sex shows, the bars are geared more toward the guest taking the boy home, although if you’re lucky, you may see a full sex show at X-Boys.
If you want to spend a few hours with a sexy guy, head to one of these bars. The boys stand around on a stage in speedos with a number pinned on them. Tell the waiter the number of the guy you fancy, and he’ll come and sit with you. Buy him a drink and negotiate a price, and then you go back to your hotel.
Sunee Plaza
Sunee Plaza, also in Pattaya Town, was one of the vibiest gayborhoods in the area. The expansion of Muslim Town right next door has seen a lot of Shisha bars moving into the area and pushing the gay venues out. COVID took out a few more.
There are 4 bars there: Winnerboy, Corner Bar, Nice Boys, and Rainbow Bar. Like Boyztown, the emphasis here is on ‘boy,’ young guys looking to make some extra money. This is the place to go if you want to hook up for a price. Some of the guys look very young; if you’re unsure, ask to see their ID. There are strict laws in Thailand for sex with minors, so don’t get accidentally caught out.
Of all the gayborhoods, Sunee Plaza is the seediest, and it’s best to take precautions if you go there, like keeping your money hidden on your person and don’t walk down any back streets that aren’t well-lit.
Getting Tested
You can get an HIV test at any of the hospitals in Pattaya, however you are likely to have to pay more if you go to one of the more upscale private ones like Bangkok Pattaya Hospital. It may be easier for you to simply head to Bangkok for your test as it’s simple to get tested for cheap there. Local Health Initiative TestBKK offers great up-to-date information on where, when and how much it will cost to get tested.
The Thai Red Cross Clinic in Silom is the easiest place for tourists and non-Thai individuals to get tested. Testing here is affordable (not more than $10 USD) and quick, HIV results are returned in under 1 hour. English is spoken through the clinic and results are kept confidential.
Thailand has one of the highest prevalences of HIV in the Asia and Pacific region, and almost 50% of all new HIV infections are amongst gay or bisexual men, male sex workers, and transgender people. Approximately 9% of men who have sex with men in Thailand have HIV. Pattaya is not particularly known for HIV incidence within the country, but the popularity of sex work makes this a real danger. Make sure to practice safe sex in all your encounters on the island, and carry your own condoms and lube.
Local Neighhorhoods
Pattaya is quite small, so “areas” here usually mean particular streets. Most people stay around Pattaya Beach, but there are groupings of gay nightlife away from the center. The more family-friendly resorts tend to be away from this central area, further north or south.
Pattaya Beach – The downtown area is where tourists tend to spend most of their time. It is focused around Pattaya Beach, a long thin strip of sand, and Beach Road, which runs alongside it. Behind these are 2nd Road and 3rd Road, with smaller streets connecting them. NAB Men Club is on one of these streets, Soi 6 (which is known for its ladyboy bars). MUZE Club sits on a small street between 2nd Road and 3rd Road.
BoyzTown – The capital for gay Pattaya’s nightlife. This area at the very end of Beach Road is where most of the gay bars are located. Many of these are go-go bars, but a couple are regular bars with a nice vibe. Examples include Le Cafe Royal and Panorama.
Sunee Plaza – This small area consists of a block of streets off Soi 17 (which itself comes off 2nd Road), and features another grouping of gay venues. These include Eros Bar, Ting Tong Bar, and a variety of gay host and go-go clubs. This is the closest thing to a gay Red Light District and is generally seedier than BoyzTown.
Dongtan Gay Beach – Pattaya’s gay beach is one of Thailand’s most popular, filling up every weekend with guys from all over the world. It is located in Jomtien, a town just south of Pattaya, although the two are often considered as one city. The beaches in this area tend to be cleaner and less overdeveloped than Pattaya Beach itself, and Dongtan is no exception. The gay part is concentrated around Rabbit Resort, with several gay bars grouped closely together in the Jomtien Complex. These include At Home Bar, Ganymede Bar, Cocka2, Dick’s Cafe, and Question Mark.
Walking Street – Walking Street continues from the end of Beach Road and becomes pedestrianized. It is a brightly neon-lit strip dedicated entirely to nightlife, with beer bars, go-go bars, nightclubs, karaoke bars, and strip clubs. Despite being the main nightlife area of Pattaya, there are no gay-specific bars here (although Pattayaland is just next door).
North Pattaya – The area north of the city center does not have much in the way of nightlife but does have a few local attractions. The Sanctuary of Truth, a beautiful temple carved from wood, is the most famous and is definitely worth a visit. There are also several high-end luxury resorts in the north, which can be a good option if you are looking for something more relaxing.
Ko Lan – An island off the coast of Pattaya with beautiful sandy beaches, which is easily accessible by ferry.
Getting Around
Gay Pattaya is a small place so transport is not overly complicated. You can walk around much of the city center, including all the main nightlife areas. The only place further away in Dongtan Beach, which is still only a 20-minute drive from Pattaya Beach (over an hour’s walk).
From U-Tapao Airport – The local Pattaya airport only serves certain domestic flights. The best way to get into town is to rent a minibus to your hotel at the airport, which should cost 200-250B and take 30 minutes. A taxi will cost about 750B.
From Suvarnabhumi Airport – If you’ve flown into Bangkok but are heading straight to Pattaya, there is a direct bus that takes about two hours and costs 120B. The bus is air-conditioned and comfortable and you can buy a ticket at the transport counter at the airport. A taxi should have a fixed fare of 1,050B plus 60B in expressway charges.
Songthaew – Pattaya’s main transport infrastructure is its extensive fleet of songthaews. Songthaews, or sorng-taa-ou, are a familiar sight throughout Thailand. Somewhere between a bus and a tuk-tuk, they are beloved by tourists and a good place to strike up a conversation with fellow travelers. You can hail a songthaew from anywhere in Pattaya and there is a flat fare of 10 baht for travel within and between Pattaya and Jomtien. They are extremely common and you should have no trouble finding one at any time of day or night. If you see a driver with an empty songthaew, make sure he is not charging you a taxi (private charter) price before you board.
Taxi – You will see some metered taxis in Pattaya, but most of them have brought tourists from Bangkok and are just looking for someone to take the way back. Though they have meters, they don’t tend to use them so agree on a price before you board.
Bicycle – Pattaya can be more or less easily cycled, but there are not a lot of bicycle rental shops in town.
Motorbike Rental – Renting a motorbike is a rite of passage of sorts for tourists in Thailand. It is reasonably cheap – about 150 -250B a day in Pattaya – and allows for far greater flexibility and independence. However, it is worth noting that Thailand has some infamously dangerous roads and infamously reckless drivers. Accidents are common and rental does not tend to include insurance. Make sure to wear a helmet, for basic safety but also because you may be fined if you don’t. Also, this should go without saying, but do not rent a motorbike if you have never driven one before. Yes, people do it all the time, and yes some rental companies will turn a blind eye, but it is illegal and not a particularly smart move.
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