Pattaya Floating Market, a riverside attraction in Pattaya, showcases the beautiful Thai riverside living community and their authentic ways of life.
Established in 2008, the market is spread over an area of 100,000 sqm and features over 340 shops and water vendors. The market is divided into four sections, each representing the four major regions of Thailand, the North, Northeast, Central and South.
When planning a trip to Pattaya, add Pattaya Floating Market to your itinerary. It is one of the largest man-made floating markets in the world, where you can discover everything from traditional handmade toys, silverware, textiles, little boutiques, local Thai delicacies, traditional Thai massage, and more.
Pattaya Floating Market is built in traditional Thai-style architecture with wooden houses and shops built on stilts over the lake, giving visitors the feeling of being in a traditional Thai village.
The Vibe of Pattaya Floating Market
What is it about markets that make them so interesting? The array of merchandise on sale, colourful little trinkets up for a bargain, the amusing banter of the sellers or the fragrance of the fresh cut flowers at the florist’s shop.
Markets are deeply immersed in the local culture and speak volumes of the history of a place. When the market you’re trying to find is of the floating kind, it just makes the experience more exciting.
For most of us, when we think of groceries, we think of chores. Here in Pattaya, they do things a little differently. Pattaya, once a tiny fishing town on the east coast of Thailand, is now a bustling city that hosts a myriad of travellers each season. While downtown Pattaya is known for its thriving party scene, the thing that lures many other travellers to Pattaya is the floating market.
The concept of the floating market originated as the communities alongside the river were one of the first places to be densely populated, like most towns. With rivers and canals running through the cities, waterways served as the most suitable transportation.
In Pattaya, the natives of different regions came together to sell their local merchandise to earn their livelihood. What once started as a daily market today is a favoured tourist attraction.
A Haven for Shoppers
In the floating market, you can find a hoard of merchandise, from silverware to toys, spices to silks. Fun adventures like the tail-boat ride or the amphibious boat ride can also be experienced by those in the mood for exciting escapades.
The market’s offering keeps changing depending on the harvest or the catch of the day, and a hoard of merchandise from fresh farm produce to the best catch of the day, like lobsters, crabs, and the works.
For the lovers of all things vintage, keep an eye out for the antique sellers, who are a few but are ones to look out for. Notably, in this market, one can find garments from different regions of the country, each bringing its unique origin and applique.
Take a Boat Ride
Visitors can also take a boat tour of the market, which is a great way to explore the various shops and vendors. The sheltered wooden platforms alongside the river are perfect for strutting around and glimpsing the happenings. However, if you’re in the mood for some adventure, try to rent a small boat for an hour or two and have fun circumventing your way through the hustle and bustle.
Try Local Delicacies
One of the highlights of the Pattaya Floating Market is the food. Visitors can enjoy a meal at one of the many floating restaurants on the market. Visitors can find a wide variety of traditional Thai food , such as Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and Papaya Salad. There are also food vendors selling Chinese, European and Indian food.
Enjoy the Cultural Shows
Another popular attraction is the cultural shows that are held at the market. Visitors can watch traditional Thai dance performances, Thai boxing matches and cultural exhibits. The shows are held in an open-air theatre located on the market.
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The vibe of the floating market can be felt even before you reach the location, as the banter of the vendors and the wafting street food aromas can be felt in the areas around the market. Much like the farmer’s market in western countries, Pattaya’s floating market is one must-visit attraction!
The market is open daily from 9.00 am to 8.00 pm. Entry to the market is ticketed, and the tickets are readily available at the local stores or online. Visitors can take a taxi or a bus from Pattaya to the market. The market is located about 10km from Pattaya city centre.
Grab a local snack while you stroll through the various attractions in this magical auction.
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