soi buakow!!!

[deadman 0]

hi all, do any BMs have any general info on this part of town? ie nightlife, food, hotels etc.

...thx in advance

 

PS. this may be asking a lot!!! as the question is quite open

Edited April 10, 2006 by deadman

[phantomtiger 0]

This part of town generally more for the locals than the tourist. Heard (although Ive never seen) that this is where alot of BG rent their roomsfor sleep. No famous bars or disco in this area as its more "quiet" compare to beach, 2nd rd or walking st. ie:this area not as up scale as rest of Pattaya.

Still, walking around will find some decent restaurants and regular bars, but not as much bars with gals action (ex: go-go etc.)

Good place to relax without all the noise.

 

PT

[davethailand 91]

The area to goto if you're on a budget or a tightarse .

[stevoman 2]

The area to goto if you're on a budget or a tightarse .

Or just seeking VALUE for money,instead of throwing it away on Walking St.

[Sa-teef 44]

"The area to goto if you're on a budget or a tightarse "

 

That's what I love about you Dave: never judgemental!

 

Just so happens I'm staying on Soi Bhuekow my first trip of the year! In the suite room of a new hotel.

 

But I'll have (at least) two dancers escorting me that first night in town...maybe more; one never knows!

 

So am I on a budget or just a tightarse?

 

---------------------------------------------------------------

 

To answer your question deadman:

 

Soi Bhuekow is an older and a little less glamorous part of Pattaya, but has much to offer IMO. It's a bit more "thai" than Walking St and you will see some inexpensive apartments, shops and bars which aren't as flashy as some parts of town but offer good value I think. Many, many bars along Soi Bhuekow and the streets off of it, particularly Soi Lengkee, Soi Chaiyapoon and Soi Diana. the Tuesday/Friday market is there as well as the Night Market a few blocks farther along toward Pattaya Klang. Some good inexpensive thai food restaurants there as well as some places in the area that offer good value in falang food. Yes, there is cheap housing in the area as well which is popular with the locals, but a lot of newer, good value apartments as well, particularly if you are staying for a month or more.

 

If it's a first trip don't cheat yourself by missing Walking St and the Pattayaland venues. But once you've seen the bright lights it can be fun to explore the other parts of Pattaya as well.

 

------------------------------------------------------

BTW Dave! Stop by the Climax Rock Bar if you're out and about the end of April and I'd be glad to buy you a drink!

 

 

~Sa-teef

[lostinspace 0]

"The area to goto if you're on a budget or a tightarse "

 

That's what I love about you Dave:  never judgemental!

 

Just so happens I'm staying on Soi Bhuekow my first trip of the year!   In the suite room of a new hotel.

 

But I'll have (at least) two dancers escorting me that first night in town...maybe more; one never knows!

 

So am I on a budget or just a tightarse?

 

---------------------------------------------------------------

 

To answer your question deadman:

 

Soi Bhuekow is an older and a little less glamorous part of Pattaya, but has much to offer IMO.  It's a bit more "thai" than Walking St and you will see some inexpensive apartments, shops and bars which aren't as flashy as some parts of town but offer good value I think.  Many, many bars along Soi Bhuekow and the streets off of it, particularly Soi Lengkee, Soi Chaiyapoon and Soi Diana.  the Tuesday/Friday market is there as well as the Night Market a few blocks farther along toward Pattaya Klang.  Some good inexpensive thai food restaurants there as well as some places in the area that offer good value in falang food.  Yes, there is cheap housing in the area as well which is popular with the locals, but a lot of newer, good value apartments as well, particularly if you are staying for a month or more.

 

If it's a first trip don't cheat yourself by missing Walking St and the Pattayaland venues.  But once you've seen the bright lights it can be fun to explore the other parts of Pattaya as well.

 

------------------------------------------------------

BTW  Dave!  Stop by the Climax Rock Bar if you're out and about the end of April and I'd be glad to buy you a drink!

 

 

~Sa-teef

Deadman......sa-teef gave a good report its a very lively spot and central to everything,and if you like fellow poms ,,well there everywhere,if you want a quiet beer or what ever there are heaps of bars,and lots of resturants.the place is alive.

paul

[JohnnyK 28]

Lots of info if you search "buakhow"

[Emil 0]

Everything is cheaper in that area of town, from laundry service, internet shops, food and drinks. Like its been pointed out many TGs live in that area and if you can get up in the afternoon and walk around you'll meet many. Some who will be glad to go back to your room for a S/T. There are many new places just built that are nicer than the hotels on Sois 13, 7 and 8 such as the Chaba Hut, LK Metropole and the soon to be opened LK Royal Suites.

Edited April 11, 2006 by Emil

[bangkapiboy 5]

Soi Buakow is good value but there is virtually no sidewalks, and the soi is so narrow for 2 way traffic that is can be scary taking a stroll. Not comfortable.

[lemons 0]

I stayed in a loom in Soi Buakow for a fortnight or so during my last trip. Hard to dislike the place:

 

The beer tasted just as good as on the strip, but averaged 45 baht per bott in the bars

 

The pussy was just as inviting, but never paid more than 200baht b/f or 1000baht l/t

 

Soi Diana was 5 mins walk north, and Pattaya Sth Rd was 5 mins walk south

 

W/street, (via Soi Diamond) was 30baht on a bike

 

All the other misc stuff a tourist needs, (laundry, internet, food etc) was right to hand.

 

And yes, as another poster mentioned, a lot of BG's live on or just off this Soi. Therefore the passing view was never boring, and most lasses were quite happy to moonlight.

[EDP 0]

I think and its only an opinion that Soi Buakaow.. is for the budget minded traveller. Its not for a first timer because you really need to get to know the area a little bit first.

There are some nice rooms to be had but it does take a little bit of wandering around to find the right spot. My last time on Buakaow was Feb of this year so this may be a bit old but not too bad.

When the topic of "noise" came up on these posts you cannot say Buakaow is quiet. Not by a long shot. It is a major roadway where taxis ply along as well as a route to the market place it is also the connecting road with S Pattaya road as well as central Pattaya road. It can be dangerous to walk on if your tipsy on the way home. There are many BBQ and food areas which can really kick up the smoke.

The nice part of it is that Buakaow is so busy that many many new stand bars have opened in the area. As you walk or ride N bound on the road youll see many a new place has popped open along the small Sois...

The mention of countless internet shops laundry services as well as shops was already discussed. Also dont forget to mention taxi to airport shops .. this is a place where alot of older gents who have retired on a budget in LOS stay. It is also very popular with the back pack groups.

 

My bottom line is that if you are looking for a reasonable priced Hotel, Not too fancy and in a more Market style- area. Then Buakow is for you. However, at least check it out before you make reservations...

 

If you are not a good walker or a little shy on taking a motorbike Dont stay there! You are not near the go gos if you plannned on hitting the walking street.

 

Good luck on your stay!!

 

ED

Edited April 12, 2006 by EDP

[JohnnyK 28]

Don't stay right on the soi, tons of good places on the sois running east and west around soi 10/11/12 and south.

If you absolutely must get to Walking St. there are baht buses every 9 seconds that take you to the corner of 2nd Road and South Pattaya Rd, a 3 min. walk on a sidewalk to WS.

[Sa-teef 44]

I would dare to say there is FAR MORE TRAFFIC on either Second Rd or Beach Rd but I don't hear anyone warning of that noise level?

 

My apartment in November was right on Soi Bhuekow with large glass doors facing the street and neither the TG's or I had a problem sleeping from my recollection.

 

Yes, Soi Bhuekow is narrow and you have to keep your wits about you, but can't that be said for any of the lesser roads in Pattaya? And if you're falling down drunk you shouldn't be out wandering ANY streets alone.

 

BTW EDP, there was a string back a few months ago which discussed the "correct spelling" of Soi Bhuekow and considering the half dozen different spellings I've seen in print, both on maps and publications of businesses in the area, I wouldn't be so foolish as to correct anyone's spelling of the street.

 

You're right on JohnnyK. A reasonably quick 10 baht ride to Walking St most nights if you wish to go there. I'm not a betting man, but I would venture to guess if I got on a bahtbus at Soi Bhuekow/Soi Dianna Inn and you hopped on a bahtbus at Beach Rd/Soi 12 I could nearly beat you there.

 

~Sa-teef

[kutetee 0]

Soi Buakow is good value but there is virtually no sidewalks, and the soi is so narrow for 2 way traffic that is can be scary taking a stroll.  Not comfortable.

Fully agree.

 

I stayed at LK Metrople only two nights last year, cant remember much (remember only the sexy and very friendly receiptionist) I think it is easy to get the Bath bus to Walking street or Jomtien from there. However, I am not sure whether it is easy to get the Bath bus from Walking street back to Soi Buakow unless you are willing to pay more. I still prefer to stay around Soi 3, 4 and 13 which are much more pleasant and easy to move around

[JohnnyK 28]

Fully agree.

 

I stayed at LK Metrople only two nights last year, cant remember much (remember only the sexy and very friendly receiptionist) I think it is easy to get the Bath bus to Walking street or Jomtien from there. However, I am not sure whether it is easy to get the Bath bus from Walking street back to Soi Buakow unless you are willing to pay more. I still prefer to stay around Soi 3, 4 and 13 which are much more pleasant and easy to move around

To come back just take the b-bus along 2nd road, get off at a soi near where you live and walk up 5 mins.

There are mototaxis, too. 30 baht.

[ting_tong 63]

its buakhao I believe, as in bua=lotus khao=white, or the white lotus flower to us falangs.

I spelt it wrong in the past too

 

I love the place, good place to get hit by a motorbike while walking!

[deadman 0]

The area to goto if you're on a budget or a tightarse .

i wouldn't really call myself a tightarse but this time i will have to be on a budget. this will be 5th trip to LOS since feb '05. each time i've probably spent close to £2k for 10 night stay but this time i'll need to control myself!!!

Edited April 12, 2006 by deadman

[phantomtiger 0]

I actually love the posting about the noise in Soi Buakow. Its quite quiet compare to rest of Patta., I guess some bros never stayed at places on 2nd rd or beach rd, compare to those, soi Buakow is like a church.

Edited April 13, 2006 by phantomtiger

[Cennn3 0]

You can actually get a baht bus from the beginning of walking street that goes up soi Baukow and it only costs 10 baht. I done it a few times with my thai girl. Sorry do not know how to tell which ones go that way.

[Emil 0]

Yes, Soi Bhuekow is narrow and you have to keep your wits about you, but can't that be said for any of the lesser roads in Pattaya? And if you're falling down drunk you shouldn't be out wandering ANY streets alone.

 

BTW EDP, there was a string back a few months ago which discussed the "correct spelling" of Soi Bhuekow and considering the half dozen different spellings I've seen in print, both on maps and publications of businesses in the area, I wouldn't be so foolish as to correct anyone's spelling of the street.

 

You're right on JohnnyK. A reasonably quick 10 baht ride to Walking St most nights if you wish to go there. I'm not a betting man, but I would venture to guess if I got on a bahtbus at Soi Bhuekow/Soi Dianna Inn and you hopped on a bahtbus at Beach Rd/Soi 12 I could nearly beat you there.

 

~Sa-teef

Walk on the side facing the traffic and you shouldn't have a problem. The street is narrow and busy, but the traffic usually creeps along.

 

I don't think there is a correct spelling of Buakaow unless your using Thai characters as there is no direct correlation between the Thai and English alphabet.

 

Steve I would be willing to bet that you would get to Walking St first from Buakaow as traffic on Beach Rd starts backing up at Pattayaland 1 and sometime the Royal Garden and if you were lucky to jump on one that headed towards Jomtien instead of up 2nd Rd you could get off at Soi Diamond and be in the heart of go-go country. Getting up north to Soi 6, the soapies and the beer bars around Soi 2 is just as easy.

 

I get a kick out of the people who believe that its difficult to find your way to the action from Soi Buakaow. Besides the ease of jumping on a baht bus, its just a short walk to 2nd Rd and if a punter can find his way from his home country to Pattaya, getting from Buakaow to 2nd Rd, Beach Rd or Walking St is a breeze.

[Soi7 1]

and if a punter can find his way from his home country to Pattaya,

 

And how about those that can't ??

[JohnnyK 28]

And how about those that can't ??

And some are lost no matter where they are...

[bigfoot 0]

Or just seeking VALUE for money,instead of throwing it away on Walking St.

Also the area to go if you dont want to put up with those toffs on walking st who pay inflated prices

 

the foot

[EDP 0]

I think its fantastick that everyone gets along so well on Buakaow!!

 

When I wrote my post I was thinking of the first timers to Pattaya.

IM happy to see that everyone has found a great place to call 2nd home while in town

 

What I remember is that when I first checked into town I remembered how jammed up and busy it was with people and traffic in Bangkok. I really needed to wind down a little bit.

 

I arived in Pattaya and stayed at the Lek Hotel, located along soi 13 and 2nd road.

Just a cheap room but on the 9th floor and facing the sea.

 

It was SO NICE to open my room door and look out the balcony at the ocean and straight down at the pool full of Thai girls. Sparkling water straight ahead with boats, and babes visiting in bikinis just down below. No moto taxis, venders, baht busses or anything like that. At night kissing on the balcony, fooling around in the elevator, and many happy memories!!

 

I walked out the front door and I was on 2nd road.

I walked out the back door (which has the best and cheapest buffet in town right by the pool ), and a few feet down the side soi to Beach road!! No motor taxi, No baht bus, Just 5 mins to everywhere.

 

Thats the reason I posted what I did. When I was brand new in town I wanted a place that wasnt to spendy but still was soothing to the eye when I wasnt on the prowl. Buakaow came with time.

 

Sorry if I offended anyone with my opinion on your living areas. I only wish the best for all of you!! IM also still learning about additional reasonable and great places to stay. I didnt intend to put down any living locations.

 

ED

Edited April 13, 2006 by EDP

[Jollyblaze 0]

Hi ya'll,

 

I stayed at Soi Diana at the Areca 26nov-13dec 2005,

my TGF works on Soi Bukhao, very narrow street indeed,

the first time I crossed the road on Diana Inn I almost got hit by a motorcycle because I was looking in the wrong direction, hahahahaha.

 

From that moment on I was very carefull, always walking the opposite direction, so I can see the traffic coming.

 

Will be there again on May 20, really looking forward to it,

staying there and will make a trip to Koh Chang for about 5 days.

 

Many girls there indeed, and quite some ladyboys in the evening......

 

Anyone know a nice place where I can play darts there????