Matador Buakhao
The band is the reason to come. It's a proper rock venue on Soi Buakhao with a resident group that takes requests and a guitarist who gets singled out in review after review. If you like your music loud and guitar-driven, this beats standing around in a beer bar. People who know the strip compare it to Rock Factory nearby, though this one leans harder into the rock side of things. Beer prices are fair for the area.
The staff are another matter, and I'd rather tell you now than have you find out at 1am. Several people describe steady pressure to buy drinks for waitresses and security, service turning cold once you decline, and drinks appearing on the bill nobody ordered. One reviewer mentions asking about a weak Sang Som and being handed a fresh one charged as a double. None of that ruins the music, but it does change how you should play the night: order clearly, check the tab, say no once and mean it.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Matador Buakhao, round out your day in Pattaya with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
It is a music club similar to the nearby Rock Factory, but has a stronger hard rock atmosphere. It is a place that music lovers will like. It has been upgraded one step further with the recruitment of First Guitar.
Rock Bar,good size venue, band was great, guitarist awesome
The awesome music had drawn me in twice. Both times left within 30 minutes due to harassment to buy drinks for staff & even security, them adding drinks to my bill with out even asking & when I said, as politely as I possibly could, that my drink didn't have much Sang Som, the staff brought out another & charged for a double. Completely abused here from begging to end on multiple occasions. Not recommend at all. Staff & atmosphere get the biggest thumbs down google will allow 👎👎👎. Music was awesome both times & even my hotel manager (Western man from Oz) highly recommended this place. I can agree the band was heavy metal hard rocking & with the most simple basic hospitality standards this place would have almost certainly got a great recommendation... I had several other items to mention but I've deleted them because I have no desire to help this business succeed. The model here is to pull in newbees, take them for all they can. I don't see repeat customers coming here for that type of abuse. One last point, I asked who the manager was and the one nicer wait staff I talked to said the lady in red sitting behind me. The manager was sitting behind me in full view of all this BS on my second trip. I have zero doubts now as to whether this was rougue staff cheating customers or was it management policy to do so. Good bye forever Matador, you treated me like a big dumb buffalo but you have misjudged and overestimated your Matador skills this time.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 298 reviews on Google.
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Matador Buakhao: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matador Buakhao worth visiting?
Matador Buakhao holds a 4.4★ rating from 298 Google reviews — a strong rating for nightlife & bars in Pattaya.
What are the opening hours of Matador Buakhao?
Matador Buakhao is typically open 15:00-03:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
How expensive is Matador Buakhao?
Matador Buakhao is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other nightlife & bars in Pattaya.
When is the best time to visit Matador Buakhao?
The best months to visit Pattaya are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: June – October (rainy, rough seas).
Where is Matador Buakhao located?
Matador Buakhao is at 293 Soi Buakhao, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand, in Pattaya. Getting around Pattaya: Baht buses (songthaews on fixed routes); Grab (widely available).
Location Info
293 Soi Buakhao, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailandwww.facebook.com/p/Matador-Buakhao-100094386775785/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: June – October (rainy, rough seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Minibus from Suvarnabhumi Airport (~1.5 hrs). Bus from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal Ekkamai (~2 hrs). No direct train.
Getting around
- •Baht buses (songthaews on fixed routes)
- •Grab (widely available)
- •Motorbike taxis
- •Ferry to Koh Larn island
Where to stay near Matador Buakhao
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Tips for Visiting Nightlife & Bars
Carry Your Passport or a Copy
Clubs and some bars check IDs strictly, especially in Bangkok's Thonglor, RCA, and Sukhumvit areas. A photo of your passport info page on your phone usually works, but carrying a laminated photocopy is safer.
Know the Closing Times
Legal closing time is 2 AM for most venues, though enforcement varies. In Bangkok's designated entertainment zones (RCA, Silom Soi 2/4, Khao San), some clubs stay open until 4 AM. Islands tend to be more relaxed about hours.
Buy Bucket Drinks Cautiously
Island bucket drinks (mixed spirits in a small bucket) are cheap and fun but notoriously strong and inconsistent. Stick to one, stay hydrated, and never leave your drink unattended at beach parties.
Nearby Places

Mayfairs Live Band & Entertainment Bar
Live band bar in central Pattaya offering quality music, cocktails, and a sociable crowd in a relaxed setting.

VOODOO Pattaya
A friendly bar in central Pattaya known for cold beers, welcoming staff, and a lively party atmosphere.

Rock Factory
Pattaya's go-to live rock and metal bar, with nightly bands, request-friendly sets, and a no-hassle vibe.

Oasis Cocktail Lounge
A chic cocktail lounge on Soi LK Metro serving expertly crafted classic and signature drinks.
Similar Nightlife & Bars Across Thailand

Nana Plaza
Adults-only, neon-soaked and unapologetic, and best understood after 9pm rather than described.

Khao San Road
Loud, tacky, unfiltered and worth one night of your trip, ideally between 7 and 10pm.

Café del Mar Phuket Beach Club
Come for sundowners at 4pm, stay for the DJs, and don't expect a quiet lunch.

Illuzion Phuket
Bangla Road's proper club night, with real sound, real production and a free general floor.
Where to stay near Matador Buakhao
Find hotels in Pattaya on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: June – October (rainy, rough seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Minibus from Suvarnabhumi Airport (~1.5 hrs). Bus from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal Ekkamai (~2 hrs). No direct train.
Getting around
- •Baht buses (songthaews on fixed routes)
- •Grab (widely available)
- •Motorbike taxis
- •Ferry to Koh Larn island
