What to expect in Host bar in Pattaya

[Exploring Thai]

I'm visiting Pattaya for the first time. How do host bars work and what should I expect when I visit one? Does anyone have a favourite Host bar I should visit?

[kokopelli3]

Most of the gay host bars in Pattaya are located in Jomtien Complex, aka Supertown,with a few in Boyztown and  2 or 3 in Sunee Plaza. Basically you look around and find one which looks interesting, sit down and order a drink of choice. There should be many boys in attendance and just ask one who attracts you if he would like a drink. Sunee Bar is popular as is ? Bar and Jewel Bar and M Bar, with many lads anxious to help  you. But all the bars have lads to meet your tastes. If you meet someone who interests you, then off them and go to  your room or rent a short time room. M Bar conveniently has a short time room available at a reasonable cost. If a boy does sit with you, pay for his drink and give him a tip of 100 Baht at least.  If you off him there will be a fee of  about 400 Baht plus a tip of 1000 B or more depending on your experience. 

I recall an experience at Jewel Bar where a nice young man always stopped me and we had a chat and exchanged names but nothing further. Then I had a revelation and offered him a drink and ever since had a great time with him.

[vaughn]

I usually walk slowly through the bars and take up the offer to sit at one of the bars in the middle of the row, order a drink and sit somewhere that i can see the surrounding bars and look for where i'm going next.

You should expect the guys catcalling you as you walk around asking you to come for a drink, some will try to pull you into their bar, some will just smile and wave as you walk by. For the first time it can feel a bit overwhelming but smile and take it all in.

If you sit with a guy but decide to keep looking a small tip 100B is usually a good idea. The mamasan (manager) will usually hover around asking for a drink and/or a tip as well, if you feel like it you can buy them a drink but if they're being annoying just say not right now. It can help to have the mamasan on side, especially if you plan to be a regular at that bar and need their help to translate or find a guy that meets your needs.

Ask the guy you like to sit with you for a drink, confirm what you're looking for and ask how much they expect, pay the bill to the bar = you drink(s), his drink(s), his fee to leave the bar (off fee).

If you take a guy back to your hotel, then in the room after your services you pay his fee that you confirmed with him. Short time (ST) = he leaves after service, Long Time (LT) = usually overnight, the prices can vary from guy to guy and bar to bar so it's better to just ask him rather than assume.