The Pattaya Floating Market is a traditional Thai floating market that everyone must visit at least once in their lifetime. You will find this floating market near the central area of Pattaya. If you are near Sukhumvit Road, you must travel approximately five kilometers to the east to reach the Pattaya Floating Market.
There are many ways you can reach the Pattaya Floating Market. One option is to take the White baht bus from Sukhumvit Road. However, you can also charter a baht bus or utilize one of the many GrabTaxi options.
This floating market is comprised of an area that covers one hundred thousand square meters. This may sound overwhelming, but the entire space is divided into four different sections. Each section is one area of Thailand. Therefore, you will quickly see that one section caters to northern Thailand, while the other three represent northeast Thailand, central Thailand, and southern Thailand.
There are more than one hundred fourteen shops scattered throughout those four sections. Some shops sell souvenirs, while others focus on art, fruit, clothes, household goods, and all types of Thai cuisine. A few of the favorite foods that most people purchase and eat there include pad Thai, ka nom krok, kanom jean, and all varieties of noodle soups.
In between eating adventures, you can wander around grabbing different handicrafts, as well as ancient toys. Those toys were made from die-cast metal or wood, so you will have plenty of options available.
While this is definitely a shopping destination, you will find so many other things to do at the Pattaya Floating Market. One of the most popular attractions to add to your list is the woodcarving museum. There are many different carved images on display at this museum.
You can easily take some photographs of those carvings, but your picture taking expertise might be best used over at the agricultural or sunflower demonstration fields.
One of the best things to do at the Pattaya Floating Market though is watching the cultural performances. There are four different performances and each one offers unique views into the culture of the locals. The two most notable ones include Sea Boxing and contemporary Thai music.
When you are ready for a break from all the shopping and cultural options, you will still find there is more for you to accomplish at this market. The Skywalker Sling Adventure, which is also known as the zip line ride, is something only the most adventurous people will do. This zip line is fifteen meters up in the air and takes you one hundred thirty meters over the water to the other side.
Visiting this floating market requires an admission ticket. Your admission ticket is valid for one day, but you can stay for as long as the market is open. While you can pay for your admission in advance, it is also possible to pay when you arrive at the market.
One of the best ways to explore the Pattaya Floating Market is via boat. You can easily hire someone to take you out on their boat for a surreal shopping experience. You can normally fit up to four people on these boats. While you can hire a boat for any length of time, most people find that thirty minutes to an hour is enough.
Tips for Visiting the Pattaya Floating Market
There are so many tips you must be aware of before you visit the Pattaya Floating Market. As mentioned above, you can get your tickets in advance or when you arrive. However, if you choose to wait, you must be prepared to wait in long lines for your ticket. The wait time will then reduce the amount of time you have to explore the Pattaya Floating Market.
One of the first things you must do when you arrive is barter the best price possible for your boat ride. As you are doing your bartering, you must make sure which areas of the market your guide will be taking you to. Confirm everything prior to agreeing to their price.
Utilizing the map of the Pattaya Floating Market will prevent you from getting lost too many times. Although, you should still plan on wearing comfortable walking shoes for your visit, because you will be walking a lot. You should also wear comfortable clothing and a hat, because of the sun.
You must always have cash with you when you visit the Pattaya Floating Market. This makes it so much easier to barter and you won’t spend more than you want to during your visit.
This is everything you must know for a visit to the Pattaya Floating Market. As you can see, this is an extraordinary destination and something you will not want to miss when you are spending your time in this part of the country.
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