Hitting the go go bars
Pattaya is Thailand’s naughtiest city and though it’s tried to clean up its reputation in recent years as a package tour destination, it’s still noted for its girlie bar scene. This is both a blessing and a curse, it attracts loads of punters and also gives the town a bit of a ‘undesired’ character.
All the same, if you’re one of the many lonely single men coming to Thailand to enjoy it’s lovely ladies, among other things, then Pattaya will certainly be on your list of destinations. And the nightlife will be the primary reason to visit this resort that is less than an hour from Bangkok airport. It has a well established scene of beer bars and go go venues, with plenty of choice and a safe, fun, environment. If you’ve never been to Thailand before here’s a quick low-down on who it all works.
For starters, prostitution in Thailand is illegal, though you wouldn’t think so. Afterall, just what are all those sexy ladies up to, trying to lure you into their bars. In fact it all adds to a well managed vice that everyone is in on and few people complain about. Importantly it is also mostly harmless, with very few problems involving theft, pimps, bouncers or intimidation. The ladies are all friendly, easy going and will happily go home with you to your hotel and even accompany you for your whole holiday, as if they were your girlfriend. It costs money, but not a lot of it, and both parties generally feel satisfied.
So, once you’ve checked into your hotel (being sure you’ve booked into a hotel that allows unrequited guests), spruce yourself up, make sure you have at least 3000 baht ($100) in your wallet in various denominations and head for the beer bars. These are mostly found along the touristy walking street at the end of beach road or down the numerous lanes off this same bay front promenade. Most of them are casual open-air bars playing party music with a pool table or two and a bevvie of luscious ladies sitting around.
Pick one and wander in for a drink. Some have sports on big screens, if you get bored, but mostly you will have plenty of company! The girls usually aren’t too pushy, if you make eye contact with one she might come over and chat. Offer her a drink if she catches your eye, otherwise they will generally get the hint and leave you alone. If you decide to move onto another bar they won’t be too upset. Some bars are busy and have an atmosphere, while in others you might be the only patron, which can be quite intimidating.
The go go bars are a different story. They’re closed to the street and usually have pole dancing stages and dark interiors. The girls here are far sexier and sometimes semi-naked. Everything costs more here, and you will be expected to drink if you stay. But you’re unlikely to get cheated on prices like some of the places in Patpong that have the famous ‘ping pong’ shows. The bill is usually placed in a holder in front of you, so you can keep an eye on the tab. Lady drinks are usually a bit more expensive.
Now comes the nitty gritty. After several drinks and lots of ogling you’ll decide you want to take one of these lovelies home with you. Buy them a few drinks too, so that everyone is nicely ‘oiled’ (tip: buy shooters, since the lady drinks are overpriced and watered down). The first thing you need to know about is the bar fine, which is a fee for taking the girl out the bar. Usually it’s about 200 baht but can be as much as 500 baht in the go go bars.
More importantly you will have to agree a price with the girl, for her services. This is where your best haggling skills come in handy, since you don’t want to spoil a whole evenings worth of goodwill by sounding stingy. How much she initially asks for depends on; how busy or slow it is, how late in the evening it is, how naïve you appear, and how much you really want this particular girl. It does pay to be cruel with yourself and move on to another bar if you think she is overrating herself, but don’t be mean, she’s only trying to earn a living. These girls have pride and will easily go home empty handed than sell out.
A girl will expect anything from 1000 to 3000 baht, depending on ‘short or long’ time. Mostly short time is enough fun, but if you really feel attached to her and would like her there in the morning then expect to give her more. If she turns out to really get along with you, then you can arrange for her to accompany you for several days, paying her bar fine each night and negotiating a fee for up to a week or more if you wish. Make sure you’re familiar with these girls characters before you do this however, since both of you could quite quickly become fed up with each other, turning your romantic vacation into a nightmare.
It’s all pretty harmless and enjoyable, as long as you pay the girl respect, she’ll then genuinely treat you like a million bucks. You might want to try several companions during your stay. Most speak English and are quite particularly about ‘protection’, so are likely safe. The hotel will also ask to see her ID, which insures you against theft. Having the right amount of money to pay also saves you ‘losing your change’. It’s also advisable to always agree a price before you go.
