Soi Buakhao

ซอยบัวขาว

Inland bar/expat soi between Central and Jomtien Roads. Mid-range nightlife alternative to Walking Street.

Last updated: May 16, 2026

Overview

Soi Buakhao is a north-south road inland from Second Road that has become Pattaya's main alternative nightlife strip to Walking Street. It runs parallel through Central Pattaya and is lined with beer bars, sports bars, agogo bars, mid-range hotels, and budget condos. Popular with returning expats, retirees on tighter budgets, and those wanting a less intense bar scene than Walking Street.

Best for

nightlife on a budget
returning expats
older single men
long-stay residents

Avoid if

families
anyone wanting quiet
first-time tourists wanting the beach

Soi Buakhao at a glance

Noise level(lower better)

Walkability

Beach access

Family-friendly

Expat density

Transport access

Nightlife level

Traffic risk(lower better)

Flood risk(lower better)

Average monthly rent

Studio	8,000 THB – 14,000 THB
1 bedroom	10,000 THB – 18,000 THB
2 bedroom	15,000 THB – 28,000 THB

Hotel price bands (per night)

Budget	from 600 THB
Mid-range	from 1,400 THB
Luxury	from 3,000 THB

What's nearby

Hospitals

Pattaya Memorial Hospital
~1.5 km

Schools

None directly within the area

Gyms

Tony's Gym Soi Buakhao
<1 km

Markets & shopping

Friendship Supermarket
<1 km
Big C Pattaya Klang
~1 km

Top condos

Avenue Residence
8-14k/mo
City Garden Pattaya
9-16k/mo

Top hotels

Areca Lodge
1,500-3,000/night
Sabai Wing Pattaya
1,000-2,000/night

Top restaurants

Diana Inn
International
Soi Buakhao street food stalls
Thai

Who should stay here

Long-stay expats who want a Thai-bar lifestyle without Walking Street prices; older single men.

Who should avoid it

Families, retirees wanting quiet, anyone uncomfortable with bar/gogo culture.

Pros

Walkable to Central
Bars at lower prices
Affordable condos
Active street life

Cons

Noisy
Floods at south end during heavy rain
Bar scene not for everyone
Pavements uneven

Frequently asked questions

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