Soi 6

Soi 6 is a short street between Beach Road and Second Road in central Pattaya, in the Central Pattaya district. It is lined with small beer bars, many with rooms upstairs. Illuzion, Chili Bar, Where Angels Play, Liquid, Kawaii Bar and Maresatis Bar are nearby, and Queen Victoria Inn is at the Second Road end.

It is the short-time bar soi: daytime action, rooms upstairs and women calling from the doorways. It is busy from the afternoon, which is rare for nightlife, and it is direct rather than subtle. If you want a quiet drink and a chat, there are gentler soi in Pattaya.

Most bars open from early afternoon, so you can walk the street, sit down and have a drink while it is still light. The women sit outside and call to passers-by, and many bars have rooms upstairs for short time. Daytime is also the easiest time to look around before committing to a bar.

Soi 6 is the most direct, with small bars and a lot happening by day. Walking Street is the big-night strip, with the most gogos, clubs and touts. Many visitors do Soi 6 by day and one of the others at night. LK Metro is the middle option.

The list includes Lek A Go Go, Ann Bar Beer, Anne Bar Beer, Aom Beer Bar, Beerfest, Cozy Bar Beer, Malee Bar Beer, New Star Bar Beer and Tomcats, plus nightclubs, massage shops and ordinary bars including 3 Angels Bar and Candy Bar. Queen Victoria Inn, a British pub, sits at the Second Road end.

If a woman leaves with you, you pay the bar a fine so she can go, and her own fee is agreed with her directly. Many bars have short-time rooms upstairs, which saves taking her back to your hotel. Agree everything before you stand up, and ask the bar for the current figures.

Walk the street once before you choose a bar, because each is run separately. Check the drinks price before you order, count the lady drinks against the chits and say no politely if a bar pushes. Keep your phone in a front pocket, and agree terms before you go anywhere.

Go in the afternoon for the quiet, pick a bar you like and have a conversation before deciding anything. Return later if you want the evening crowd. Play a game of Connect Four for drinks if offered, and leave small change on the tray. The venue listing shows VIP members current prices and hours.