Soi Buakhao
ซอยบัวขาว
Inland bar/expat soi between Central and Jomtien Roads. Mid-range nightlife alternative to Walking Street.
Quick Answer
Should I stay in Soi Buakhao?
Best for: nightlife on a budget, returning expats, older single men. Studios: 8,000 THB–14,000 THB/mo. 1-bed: 10,000 THB–18,000 THB/mo. Hotels from: 600 THB/night.
Reviewed by Pattaya Knowledge Editors
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 Residence8-14k/mo
- City Garden Pattaya9-16k/mo
Top hotels
- Areca Lodge1,500-3,000/night
- Sabai Wing Pattaya1,000-2,000/night
Top restaurants
- Diana InnInternational
- Soi Buakhao street food stallsThai
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
Related guides
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Reviewed by Pattaya Knowledge Editors