Mashaal looks less like a nightclub and more like an Indian palace dropped into the middle of Pattaya.

Huge wooden gates, sandstone-style walls and glowing arches make the entrance feel almost cinematic, and once you step inside the sense of occasion continues. Gold-toned interiors, Bollywood and Hindi pop, live dancers and drummers and a distinctly Indian club atmosphere, with the performances sometimes spilling right back toward Walking Street.

Mashaal means “torch”, which feels appropriate for a venue this determined to glow. There’s a sense of occasion to Mashaal that suits groups looking to dress up, take a table and make the club the destination rather than simply another stop along the strip. As the night builds, the music, performances and gold-lit room all start working together.