Save Money on Drinking in Pattaya: Budget Tips

Last Updated on September 29, 2025 by admin

Pattaya’s vibrant nightlife and beach bars tempt with cold drinks but costs can add up fast. These top tips help you enjoy Pattaya’s drinking scene while keeping your wallet happy and keep your budget in check. Learn to drink like a pro, but responsibly of course. Everything in moderation.

1. Buy Beer and Spirits at 7-Eleven and Pre-Drink at Your Hotel

Grab local beers like Chang, Leo, and Singha at 7 Eleven for 35 to 40 baht per 330ml can. Opt for larger 620ml bottles (50 to 60 baht) to save per ounce. For spirits, pick up Sang Som or Hong Thong rum (250 to 300 baht per 700ml) to mix at your hotel. If you stay in Soi Buakhao, you’ll be closer to cheaper drinking option. To save even more money, read our guide to the 25 Best 7 Eleven Hacks for Pattaya.

2. Visit Bars During Happy Hours for Cheaper Drinks

Visit Soi Buakhao bars during 4 to 7 PM happy hours where local beers like Chang or Leo drop to 50 to 70 baht a pint. Some bars also run “buy one, get one free” specials on mixed drinks like the famous Hilton Horizon rooftop bar on Beach Road. Share pitchers of beer if traveling with friends to save even more.

3. Choose Local Beers Over Imports

Stick to to local Thai brews like Chang, Leo, and Singha versus imported Heineken or Guinness which might be up to twice the price. Local options still taste great.

4. Try Singha Soda Water as a Non-Alcoholic Alternative

Swap beer for Singha soda water as a refreshing, no calorie, low cost option to alcohol and sugary drinks.

5. Avoid Tourist Trap Bars with Overpriced Drinks

Steer clear of Walking Street spots charging 200 baht for beer. Head to local haunts in Soi Buakhao or Jomtien instead. Familiarize yourself with Pattaya’s main nightlife areas.

6. Opt for Budget Spirits like Sang Som and Hong Thong Over Imports

Choose local rums like Sang Som or Hong Thong over imported spirits. These Thai favorites mix well with soda or juice, offering a cheaper alternative for cocktails. “Sang Som and Soda” is a popular option.

7. Just Say No to “Lady Drinks”

This can be the ultimate budget killer for some travelers. A “Lady Drink” (a drink bought for a bar staff member) is typically priced at a hefty premium; often double the price of your own drink. If you’re drinking on a budget, politely decline the request to buy a Lady Drink; otherwise, your spending will spiral out of control.

8. Check your “bin” After Each Drink

Unsavory bars may pad your bill with drinks you never ordered. To prevent a surprise at the end of the night, check the receipt in your “bin” after each drink to confirm what you ordered.

9. Buy the bottle at nightclubs 

Rather than purchase multiple cocktails, consider buying a bottle of Sang Som for your table. Many nightclubs will even write your name on your bottle, allowing you to pick up where you left off another evening.

10. Use rideshare apps like Grab or Bolt to get home 

Don’t use a Tuk Tuk or local taxi; but if you prefer a Tuk Tuk, use Grab or Bolt to haggle a good price. Know the difference between Grab and Bolt and you can end your night with additional savings. If there’s a baht bus route to your hotel, you could save even more.

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