Post-COVID Changes in Pattaya Go-Go Bars: Beneficial or Detrimental for Customers

The world-famous nightlife district has undergone a drastic change.

“Compared to before the pandemic, the pricing set by the shops has become more aggressive. The management style of the shops has changed to a system that more effectively generates profits.”

This is what Te’o, a Japan-based regular customer of the go-go bars in Pattaya, Thailand, says. He has been visiting the Walking Street area in Pattaya three times a week since around 2018 and his detailed analysis and rankings of the go-go bars in the area, published on his blog, have gained attention among fans.

In 2023, Pattaya, Thailand, reportedly attracted 23 million visitors. Pattaya, a beach resort that originated during the Vietnam War when it served as a rest area for the U.S. military, is globally known not only for its beaches and water sports but also as a nightlife hub.

Among the attractions, “Walking Street,” a 600-meter-long street along the Pattaya beach, is the area that draws the most tourists. On both sides of the street, seafood restaurants, live bars, and clubs are lined up, making it the center of the nightlife scene. The street is crowded with tour groups and visitors, and at night, it becomes so packed that it’s difficult to walk. Pattaya offers a wide variety of adult entertainment options, but one of the most iconic types is the go-go bar. Walking Street is the most concentrated area for go-go bars and is currently the hottest place for go-go bars in Thailand.

The go-go bar is said to have originated during the Vietnam War. It is a type of bar with a stage where several women in swimsuits (or lingerie or bondage-style outfits) dance. In reality, most of the women simply sway their bodies to the music, which serves as a meet-and-greet. If a customer likes a woman, they can call her over and have a drink together. If the customer desires more, they can pay the bar fine and take the woman out of the bar. After leaving the bar, they can go to a restaurant, hotel, or explore the nightlife, but a tip for the woman is also required. The going rate for tips is around 3,000 baht for a short (short time) and 5,000 baht for a long (long time), though this varies depending on the woman.