In Pattaya, a few streets can change everything about a business: the customers, the opening hours, the rent and the price of a takeover. Before you compare listings, decide which area fits the business you want to run. Here is how we see the main areas.
Walking Street
Pattaya’s most famous street, pedestrian-only at night, with the highest foot traffic in the city. It suits agogos, large bars, clubs and late-night food. Rents and takeover prices are the highest in Pattaya, and the business is concentrated in the evening. Walking Street businesses.
Soi Buakhao, Soi LK Metro and Tree Town
The heart of Pattaya’s expat and long-stay scene. Beer bars, sports bars, restaurants, massage shops and budget hotels do well here thanks to regular customers who live nearby, not only tourists. Rents are lower than Walking Street, and the trade is steadier through the low season. Soi Buakhao businesses.
Beach Road and Second Road
The main tourist arteries along Pattaya Bay. Good for massage shops, restaurants, currency exchange, tour desks and shops that rely on passing trade from hotels. Visibility is excellent; rents are high for good frontage.
Central Pattaya and the numbered sois
The sois between Beach Road and Second Road, such as Soi 6 and Soi 13, each have their own character, from nightlife streets to small hotels and restaurants. Check the specific soi carefully: two streets side by side can have completely different customers.
Jomtien
Jomtien’s long beach attracts families, retirees and Russian and Thai visitors. Restaurants, cafés, guesthouses and family-friendly bars work well, and Jomtien’s own night market and walking street add evening trade. It is also popular for pool villas and condos. Property in Jomtien.
Pratumnak
The quiet hill between Pattaya and Jomtien, with sea views and small beaches. Boutique hotels, guesthouses and quality restaurants aimed at couples and long stays do well. Property in Pratumnak.
North Pattaya, Naklua and Wongamat
The upmarket end, with large hotels, high-end condos and a calmer beach. Suits hotels and restaurants aimed at couples, families and higher-spending visitors.
Thappraya Road and Third Road
Busy roads used by residents as much as tourists. Good for restaurants, bars and services with parking, and often better value than the beachside streets.
East Pattaya and Huay Yai
Residential areas with larger plots, villa estates and lakes. More suited to homes, land and development than to tourist businesses.
How to choose
- Decide who your customer is: tourist, expat resident, family or night-out crowd.
- Visit the area at the hours your business will trade, on weekdays and at weekends.
- Compare the rent with the realistic sales for that street, not for Pattaya in general.
Then read our step-by-step guide to taking over a business, or browse all takeovers.
