In Pattaya, it is easy to forget that there are plenty of Thai people who go about their everyday lives the same as they would if they lived anywhere else in Thailand. There are lots of Thai bars, lots of Thai karaoke bars and, of course, lots of nightclubs who aim at the Thai market rather than the many expats and tourists in the city. Thai nightclubs tend to be different from what many of us are used to it the west. They involve more sitting at a table and drinking with friends at your own table as opposed to going to a large dance floor.
Hollywood
Hollywood is perhaps the most well-established of the nightclubs in Pattaya and can be found between Pattaya 2nd Road and Pattaya 3rd Road, not far from Central Marina. It is a huge complex that prides itself on both its lighting and its sound system. It is filled with DJs and professional dancers with the music being a mix of both hip hop and hip house. Hollywood opens at 9pm every night and stays open until the early hours.
Nova Atrium
Central Pattaya
You can almost walk back home to this well-appointed 2 bedroom condo
Bone
Bone is 1,600sqm nightclub located close to the rear of Terminal 21 and attracts DJs from around the world as well as Russian dancers. The venue is separated into 3 zones and plays a wide variety of music. Again, it prides itself on its lighting and acoustics with bands and DJs playing live being projected onto a large LED screen to heighten the atmosphere. This modern and upmarket nightclub is open daily until the early hours and attracts many visitors from Bangkok.
Differ
Differ can again be found close to Central Marina and is perhaps the most popular of the live music venues in Pattaya. They frequently stage top Thai rock and pop bands with the outdoor area having comfortable seating and playing more Thai folk music. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, a 2nd floor is open to allow even more people to attend. The venue is open every night from 8pm until 2am with resident DJs playing dance music prior to the live bands starting.
Noir
This is an upmarket and classy nightclub that favours dance music. It can be found just off Pattaya 3rd Road. They have a large stage area inside which hosts bands and DJs with hip hop and dance music played. Outside you will find comfortable seating and a swimming pool. The venue is open from 9pm until 2pm and is always popular.
Baan Plai Haad
Naklua
Beautiful 1 bedroom condo for rent at attractive price in the luxurious project nearby
Tawandang
Tawandang is located on Naklua Road and is a mid-sized nightclub playing a range of music although the focus is more on hip hop and dance. This is a middle of the market nightclub that hosts bands as well as the resident DJs. They open at 9pm and remain open until the early hours.
A Word of Caution
Although foreigners are always welcome in Thai nightclubs, care should be taken regarding any over-exuberant behaviour that may cause offence to the locals. The chances are that they are have gone to a Thai nightclub because they have no interest in mixing with foreigners (on this occasion at least) so always remember to respect that and give them their space.