Much more of a ‘tour-bus’ attraction, but still must-see in Pattaya are the town’s lady boy cabarets, particularly the world-famous shows at Tiffany’s (Tel. 038 421700-5) and Alcazar (Tel. 038 410224-7) on 2nd Read. Ideal entertainments for all the family, these amazing cabarets feature set piece shows to song and music with opulent stage sets and flamboyant costumes. Another magnet for the tour buses is the cultural extravaganza at Alangkarn (Tel. 038 256000) on Jomtien Beach with spectacular shows and stage sets together with local cuisine and drinks.
Pattaya’s discos emphasize loud Thai pop and hip-hop music with all the latest in laser light and sound technology. Many are concentrated along the Walking Street, Pattaya’s nighttime pedestrian precinct, including long-time favourites like Lucifer with its ‘from-hell’ theme, the all-white Tony’s Entertainment Complex and the Marine Disco. Throbbing X-Zyte on 3 rd Road is a huge nightclub popular with the local Thais and a good place to get a feel for the ‘real’ local nightlife scene. At the other end of the entertainment spectrum, many hotels feature their own disco clubs, or small combo music lounges where guests and visitors can enjoy a comfortable and convivial evening with friends, enjoying the easygoing live music.
If loud and glitzy isn’t your thing, try one of the upmarket pubs that have sprung up in several places around Pattaya in the last year or two. Many of these feature live bands and Western music with enough brands of imimported beer to make you feel right at home. Among the pioneers are the Irish theme franchises -Kilkenny’s on Walking Street and Shenanigans on 2nd Road. Newer arrivals include Gulliver’s on Beach Road at the northern end of town with its plush, classy decor and exterior. The Hard Rock Hotel on Beach Road is another great place where all the family can enjoy live rock music with great food and a unique friendly style of service.
The sheer volume and immense variety of Pattaya’s nightlife entertainment available every night of the year, throughout the year, catering to the needs of ad wide cross-section of local people and visitors, ensures it easily retains its title of ‘Nightlife Enertainment Capital of the World’.