I recently returned from a “pool vacation” and thought I’d share my findings here as a reference. Although Thailand does not have the number of elite pool players as say, the Philippines or Taiwan, it’s still a great place to play, especially if, like me, you’re not very ‘elite.’
Starting with Bangkok…
Along a 2-mile stretch of Sukhumvit road, you can find more than a hundred pool tables to play on, and opponents ranging from serious players, to drunken tourists, bar-girls, and people of questionable gender.
POOL HALLS
Hustlers
If you’re looking for a challenge, this is the place. About a dozen Brunswick Tournament Tables. Weekly 9-ball and 10-ball competitions and frequent gambling in between. Hang-out for expats and serious players, also half price practice time during the day.
Oh, and nevermind deciding whether winner or loser racks, in Hustlers, as in most clubs, there are girls in mini-skirts who will rack the balls for you at the end of each game. True story.
The Players Club
Hidden in a little alley right by the Asoke Train station. 5 Metro tournament tables and a couple of bar boxes, half price until 7pm. Not sure how active it is at night, only played there during the day. Told they have a weekly 9-ball tournament.
Sports Academy
4 Brunswick tables downstairs and more upstairs. Was invited to come play in some “money games” in the evening, but only played there during the day, so couldn’t say how serious it gets. Late at night, the street in front of this place is a popular hangout for ladies-of-the-evening, and other weirdos. Have a seat on the veranda bar and watch the show.
Breakers
This is a bit more of a “bar” atmosphere, but good equipment and some decent players about. Kind of an upscale atmosphere compared to the others.
Korea Town Snooker & 3-Cushion
Up on the third and fourth floors of a Korean mall are a snooker club and a 3-cushion club. I wandered into the 3-cushion place and it was pretty comical trying to convince the Korean guys who worked there (and spoke no English) that I really wanted to play carom. Didn’t look into the Snooker club, but it is there.
Most Thai men play snooker, not pool, and there are numerous snooker clubs around town, but I never made it to any of them. Maybe next time.
POOL BARS
What’s the difference between a pool hall and a pool bar? Well, in the former you’ll find pool players, while in the latter, you’ll find mostly drunks holding pool cues.
Also the rules vary a lot more in the bars, it is generally ball-in-hand for a foul, but failure to contact a rail is not a foul, nor are scoop shots, or double hits. Some places count lucky shots, some don’t. Some count sinking an opponent’s ball as a foul. YMMV
Morning2Nite
A very lively pool scene as well with three 8-foot Brunswick tables, and a winner stays/loser pays format. Just put your name up on the white board and wait your turn to challenge. Loser gets 20 baht added to their bill (about 75 cents). Mostly bar players from around the world, with the occasional local hotshot.
Hillary Bar 2
A really good live band, two 7-foot Brunswick tables, and an oddball mix of pool players including expats, drunks, bargirls, transvestites, and some pretty decent players. Think of it as the Star Wars bar plus pool. A good time will be had. Loser pays 40 baht. Tends to have a long waiting list to play.
Hillary Bar 3
Two 7-foot Brunswicks, DJ playing club tunes, tends to be weaker players, but usually a short list to get at the table and loser pays 20 baht. Has numerous semi-attractive hostess girls who will pester you to buy them a drink. Up to you.
The Sportsman
A bit off the beaten path but can get pretty lively at night. Also the showroom for Brunswick Thailand, so equipment well maintained.
Ball in Hand
This used to be the premier pool hall in Bangkok, but last time I looked in the music was extremely loud and the place was filled with fog like a nightclub. Might still be pool tables in there, but my ears couldn’t get past the door, so I’m not sure.
Gulliver’s
This place feels like an American Chain restaurant. Good place to hang out for those missing the familiar.
And there are many more… did I mention that Bangkok is a good place to play pool?
That being said, I actually spent most of my time playing in the resort town of Pattaya, 2 hours south of Bangkok. More on that later…
Photos, maps, and more info here:
http://mccluresmagazine.com/playing-pool-in-thailand
Enjoy
Starting with Bangkok…
Along a 2-mile stretch of Sukhumvit road, you can find more than a hundred pool tables to play on, and opponents ranging from serious players, to drunken tourists, bar-girls, and people of questionable gender.
POOL HALLS
Hustlers
If you’re looking for a challenge, this is the place. About a dozen Brunswick Tournament Tables. Weekly 9-ball and 10-ball competitions and frequent gambling in between. Hang-out for expats and serious players, also half price practice time during the day.
Oh, and nevermind deciding whether winner or loser racks, in Hustlers, as in most clubs, there are girls in mini-skirts who will rack the balls for you at the end of each game. True story.
The Players Club
Hidden in a little alley right by the Asoke Train station. 5 Metro tournament tables and a couple of bar boxes, half price until 7pm. Not sure how active it is at night, only played there during the day. Told they have a weekly 9-ball tournament.
Sports Academy
4 Brunswick tables downstairs and more upstairs. Was invited to come play in some “money games” in the evening, but only played there during the day, so couldn’t say how serious it gets. Late at night, the street in front of this place is a popular hangout for ladies-of-the-evening, and other weirdos. Have a seat on the veranda bar and watch the show.
Breakers
This is a bit more of a “bar” atmosphere, but good equipment and some decent players about. Kind of an upscale atmosphere compared to the others.
Korea Town Snooker & 3-Cushion
Up on the third and fourth floors of a Korean mall are a snooker club and a 3-cushion club. I wandered into the 3-cushion place and it was pretty comical trying to convince the Korean guys who worked there (and spoke no English) that I really wanted to play carom. Didn’t look into the Snooker club, but it is there.
Most Thai men play snooker, not pool, and there are numerous snooker clubs around town, but I never made it to any of them. Maybe next time.
POOL BARS
What’s the difference between a pool hall and a pool bar? Well, in the former you’ll find pool players, while in the latter, you’ll find mostly drunks holding pool cues.
Also the rules vary a lot more in the bars, it is generally ball-in-hand for a foul, but failure to contact a rail is not a foul, nor are scoop shots, or double hits. Some places count lucky shots, some don’t. Some count sinking an opponent’s ball as a foul. YMMV
Morning2Nite
A very lively pool scene as well with three 8-foot Brunswick tables, and a winner stays/loser pays format. Just put your name up on the white board and wait your turn to challenge. Loser gets 20 baht added to their bill (about 75 cents). Mostly bar players from around the world, with the occasional local hotshot.
Hillary Bar 2
A really good live band, two 7-foot Brunswick tables, and an oddball mix of pool players including expats, drunks, bargirls, transvestites, and some pretty decent players. Think of it as the Star Wars bar plus pool. A good time will be had. Loser pays 40 baht. Tends to have a long waiting list to play.
Hillary Bar 3
Two 7-foot Brunswicks, DJ playing club tunes, tends to be weaker players, but usually a short list to get at the table and loser pays 20 baht. Has numerous semi-attractive hostess girls who will pester you to buy them a drink. Up to you.
The Sportsman
A bit off the beaten path but can get pretty lively at night. Also the showroom for Brunswick Thailand, so equipment well maintained.
Ball in Hand
This used to be the premier pool hall in Bangkok, but last time I looked in the music was extremely loud and the place was filled with fog like a nightclub. Might still be pool tables in there, but my ears couldn’t get past the door, so I’m not sure.
Gulliver’s
This place feels like an American Chain restaurant. Good place to hang out for those missing the familiar.
And there are many more… did I mention that Bangkok is a good place to play pool?
That being said, I actually spent most of my time playing in the resort town of Pattaya, 2 hours south of Bangkok. More on that later…
Photos, maps, and more info here:
http://mccluresmagazine.com/playing-pool-in-thailand
Enjoy
