North Pattaya, Pattaya

North Pattaya is the top end of the city, up the Beach Road and Second Road loops beyond Central Pattaya, towards Naklua. The long-distance coaches from Bangkok arrive at the North Road terminal here. It is less of a nightlife district than the center and south, with malls and clubs spread more widely.

Mixed and Thai-leaning in places. The listings show several nightclubs, a spread of bars and a few beer bars, with malls close by for dinner. It feels less compact than Soi Buakhao or Walking Street, so you travel between venues rather than strolling a single strip. It suits a club night more than a bar crawl.

No named red-light hub is listed in North Pattaya, and there are no gogo bars. The adult side is 6 beer bars, 10 massage shops and clubs such as Climax Club and Star Dice Entertainment. For gogo bars and short-time bars, go to Walking Street, LK Metro or Soi 6.

Of 61 places, 31 are bars, 10 are massage shops, 8 are nightclubs, 6 are beer bars, 3 are malls, 2 are rooftops and 1 is a market. The nightclubs include Space Club Pattaya, EXO Discotheque and Foam Dance, World House Pattaya and Differ, so North Pattaya is the club-leaning end of town.

North Pattaya is quieter and more spread out, with 61 listings against 393 in the center. The center has Soi 6, dozens of beer bars and a dense bar scene. North Pattaya has more clubs than beer bars per listing and fewer touts. Stay centrally for the nightlife, or here for a calmer base.

Stay here if you prefer a calmer area near the malls, and expect a songthaew or Grab ride to reach the main bar streets. A dinner and a drink at one of the bars is a sensible start before heading south. Check the hotel's guest rules before you book.

Coaches from Bangkok arrive at the North Road terminal, so this is often where visitors first step off. The songthaew loop runs along Beach Road and Second Road, and Grab and Bolt cover the rest. Agree the fare first if a truck is going off its normal route.

Distances. The venues are further apart than in the center, so walking between them in the heat is tiring and some stretches are poorly lit. Use a songthaew or Grab, and agree fares first. Watch your drink in the clubs, keep valuables close and check the bill before paying.