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Nightlife & Bars
Pattaya

Matador Buakhao

4.4(259 reviews)$$$$

Matador Buakhao is a live music bar and rock venue on Soi Buakhao, Pattaya's busy entertainment strip. The venue draws a loyal crowd with its resident rock band, which plays to a strong hard rock atmosphere and takes song requests — making it a genuine destination for music lovers rather than just a casual drinking spot. Reviewers frequently highlight the quality of the musicians, with the guitarist in particular drawing praise. The venue is comparable in concept to nearby Rock Factory but is noted for leaning harder into the rock aesthetic. The space functions as a bar, live music venue, and event space, with a crowd that includes both tourists and regulars. Beer is reasonably priced, and the atmosphere is energetic without being overly formal. That said, some visitors have reported feeling pressured to purchase drinks for staff, and a small number have raised concerns about items being added to bills without consent. Going in with awareness of this dynamic allows for a more relaxed experience. Good to know: Arrive with a clear understanding of what you are ordering and keep an eye on your tab throughout the night. The venue is at its best during peak evening hours when the band is playing. Soi Buakhao is liveliest from Thursday through Sunday, and the surrounding street offers plenty of other bars and food options if you want to make a full night of it. Casual dress is the norm here.

Experience hints

Mid-range

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 259 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 259 Google reviews — a strong rating for nightlife & bars in Pattaya.

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).

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

High

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.

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

Rock Factory

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

Oasis Cocktail Lounge
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