As usual, plenty of guys are still wondering whether Pattaya or Angeles city is the “better” choice for them.
In this guide I will do a full comparison of the topics that are most important to single guys who are thinking of traveling to two these cities.
From the girls, to the prices, and even the hotel and food options. I will go deep into it.
Hopefully after reading this article you will get a better idea of how these cities compare to one another. And if you are uncertain of which place is good for you then don’t worry, just analyze the sections that are important for you, and make your decision based on that.
Table of Contents
Intro to Pattaya and Angeles City
I hope by now that these two cities don’t even need an introduction, but in some respects these two opponents deserve one.
One on hand we got Pattaya, which is arguably still the best city in Thailand for single guys to enjoy a great holiday, with plenty of naughty options around to enjoy.
On the other hand we got Angeles City in the Philippines. This city is like a “dedicated” place for single male foreigners to enjoy some great times with Filipina bar girls, and freelancers.
Some of you may not even know about Angeles yet, since it used to be one of those places that only expats and the “experienced” travelers dared to venture out into.
This comparison of Angeles and Pattaya is a great one, since they are very popular among male travelers, and also quite similar in what they can offer to them.
Here we go.
Nightlife Vibe
Pattaya’s nightlife is more balanced than Angeles.
Not only is the city bigger than its counterpart, but it also has more things to do. There are many streets and alleys to explore in Pattaya, with various bars, nightclubs, massage shops everywhere. Most of which specifically caters to the male travelers. But keep in mind, the scene in Pattaya caters to all types of tourists. So you will be seeing many couples, families, along with other single male foreigners.
Angeles City’s nightlife is more catered specifically to the male tourists. You will barely see any families or foreign couples in the party districts. And the size of the area is not that big.
Besides Walking Street and the surround area of Fields Avenue and “Perimeter”, you will not find more nightlife activities that are catered to foreigners.
But the great thing about Angeles city is that everything is more condensed into one area, which can add to the excitement and entertainment. This can also be a good thing if you prefer most things to be close walking distance.
Girls
Of course this depends on your preference. If you like the appearance of Thai girls then you may prefer that city better. Just keep in mind that the average age of girls that work in the Pattaya bars are higher than in Angeles city.
Generally, it appears that there are more younger girls around in Angeles City than Pattaya.
Angeles city has many girls that are in the 20-25 age range, especially in terms of freelancers. Furthermore, they are able to speak English. So for most guys this alone is a deal breaker, and is exactly why they specifically visit Angeles city over Pattaya.
RELATED LINKS
Freelancers in Angeles City [Guide and Prices]
Oh by the way, the online dating scene is great there too. And we must admit, Filipinas have a wide variety of features to them, so they can look more diverse than Thai girls. You can easily set up dates by using this site, it works great for me in AC.
Prices
The prices for (almost) everything will be cheaper in Angeles.
Even the best go go bars on (Fields) Walking Street will be about 30% cheaper when you factor in the conversion rates. Things such as drinks, lady drinks, food will be more affordable in that city.
Even though prices have gone up the past few year, it is still the more affordable option — which is why many guys would rather spend their holiday there.
Pattaya has great value in the following things:
- street food
- great hotels for very reasonable prices
- online freelancers (I use this site for great results)
That being said, your money will still go farther in Angeles City.
Go Go Bars
Pattaya is famous for its go go bars, there are many of them.
Most will be around Walking Street, but there are even more bars scattered around the city — such as the Soi LK Metro area.
Angeles does not seem to have as many go go bars as Pattaya, but it does have many of them concentrated in a relatively smaller area. So it will seem like it has a lot.
When you include the fact that many of the smaller girly bars further along Fields are also smaller go go bars, it may even appear to be on par with Pattaya’s. But it just appears that way because the city is much smaller.
RELATED LINK
Pattaya Bar Girls Guide and Prices in 2020
Beer Bars
As mentioned above, Angeles City does not really have the “traditional” beer bars that Pattaya is so famous for. The bars in AC are really go go bars, with girls dancing on a stage (even if it’s a small one). The girly bars further on (Perimeter) Fields Avenue seem like a smaller version of go go bars. In my opinion they are great and very fun, just don’t expect them to be the open-air style bars.
If you are looking for the open air bars, then you will find those bars in Pattaya. Also, many of the beer bars in that city have pool tables, T.V’s showing sporting events or YouTube music videos. You could even do some people watching as you relax and have a beer. Almost all the girly bars in Angeles are indoors, with no views to the outside.
Massage Parlors
Pattaya is a very good place for the massage experience — for all types of services. From the best soapy massage parlors, to the smaller massage shops scattered almost all over the city. The place is almost endless with these types of services.
Angeles does not have the fishbowl type soapy massage parlors, and it has very few of the happy ending style ones as well.
The massage shops are not on par with Pattaya’s — in terms of quality and quantity of girls. But it does have a few options for regular massages, and extras, but nothing like you would see in Pattaya.
Daytime Activities
As mentioned before, Angeles city seems to be specifically catered for single male tourist who want to enjoy the P4P scene. The city does not have much else to do during the day other than Shopping at SM Mall, hanging out at your hotel pool, or just exploring some local parks and businesses.
It simply does not have the same type of tourist appeal as Pattaya does.
However, it must be said now, Angeles does feel a bit more “private”. Almost all the tourists there will single gentlemen just looking for the perfect men’s holiday — in privacy. Most of the local folks there will know exactly what you are in town for, so everyone is familiar with that type of niche tourist. For most guys that can be a comforting thing.
Pattaya has many other activities other than the nightlife and bar scene. Here are some daytime activities there:
- Buddhist Temples
- Beaches and Islands
- Shopping & Food Markets
Pattaya is just more “touristy”. You can decide for yourself if that is something you prefer, or if you don’t care for those things.
Hotels
Pattaya has so many guest friendly hotels around (source), it is really great in this regard. And the great thing is that the prices are really good, especially if you find a good deal — either online or during the low season. You can always find mid-quality hotels for great prices there. Also, it is not hard finding a hotel in Pattaya that has a decent outdoor pool and fitness facilities.
Angeles city has many guest friendly hotels, and you will eventually find ones with decent value for what you pay. However, that city does not have the same amount of options and standards as Pattaya. Remember, Pattaya is has been built more suitable for international tourism standards.
Angeles City does have its fair share of very high quality hotels like the amazing ABC hotel, and a handful of others. And these luxury hotels will be much cheaper than what you would pay back home for a similar room and facilities.
But here’s the things, even those types of hotels are too expensive for what most guys are willing to pay in a city of that standards. The bottom line is that there isn’t much value to be found in the hotels in Angeles. Yes, there can be some decent deals around, but just expect to be paying more for the hotels that have facilities such as outdoor swimming pools or rooms with nice views to the outside.
Safety
In my opinion, Angeles City feels less safe than Pattaya, especially once you venture out of the tourist areas at night.
Street crime can be very common in the Philippines (source). But to be fair, the president of the Philippines has done a good job of fighting the gang related street crime and drug activity.
The Philippines is now much safer than it used to be, especially in the tourist areas.
But I must be honest and say that there is more poverty in Angeles City, and you will see many street kids and even encounter some pick-pockets as you roam the streets. There are times in Angeles City where you may not feel fully safe, especially if you are traveling alone.
Generally speaking, the Philippines is not one of those types of places where you can just let your guard down, and not be aware of your surroundings. To feel safe, you need to be more cautious of your actions, and also of your surroundings. As long as you be smart about it, and not start trouble, you will feel safe.
But let me be clear, Pattaya is not fully safe either. It’s just that there is less street crime in Pattaya, and less overt poverty as compared to Angeles. However, Pattaya does feel safer than Angeles. I have never felt direct danger in Thailand, even if walking alone late at night outside the tourist areas.
But keep in mind that the entire tourist area of Angeles City was original designed for foreigners, so the police do their best to keep the place safe. So don’t be worried too much about it, the tourist area of the city is considered safe. But I wanted to give you guys a clear understanding of the place so you can be safe when you travel there.
Food
Finally, lets talk about food options in both cities.
If you like Thai Food, you will love Pattaya. The place has so many food choices, its amazing. From Thai Food, to seafood, to European and American Pub food. The place has it all. It also has many of the famous restaurant chains like Subway, McDonalds, Burger King, Starbucks. The list goes on and on.
The great thing is that food can be cheap in Pattaya. Some of those street food vendors offer some tasty meals for great prices. And if you want higher quality restaurants and fine dining it also has that too.
Angeles City has plenty of food options. It has well-known international fast food chains, and also some Australian, English and American Pub food.
And lets not forget about Jollibee, the famous Filipino fast food restaurant, serving fried chicken, pasta, and some more tasty items. You will never go hungry in Angeles.
But, Angeles does not have as much choices as Pattaya does. In other words, Pattaya wins in the food department, and in my personal opinion, has more healthy food choices
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