Floating Market at Pattaya - Thailand

Pattaya Floating Market is a bit different to most other floating markets in Thailand. In fact it is a 'lot' different! For a start, it does not float! Yes, there are a few boats laden with the normal 'floating market' goodies - a bit of food or fresh fruit - but the main market is basically shops on stilts!

This does not take away from the charm and attraction of floating markets elsewhere in Thailand. If anything, it adds to that charm. One of the great attractions of Pattaya Floating Market, is the fact that it is open right through into the evening.

The Pattaya Floating Market as night starts to settle in. It adds a certain degree of romanticism - what with the dimly lit shops and the reflections of the surrounding wateraways

As the main selling area are cabin shops - interlinked by a series of decking footpaths, there is scope for a wider range of goods than that which can normally be sold either from or to an unstable boat! So we have a much wider range of consumer and tourists goods with the accent on quality.

Designer fabrics and 'real' art items are available here, together with a wide range of normal consumer goods. Local Thais as well as local ex-pats and tourists are all well catered in the considerable shopping areas on stilts! There are well over a hundred shops, together with other 'attractions' for now and future planning.

Some of the distinct architectural differences can be seen, in keeping with the themed four areas of Thailand.

Pattaya Floating Market - The Four Regions Floating Market - was opened with not too much of a fanfare in late 2008. It occupies around 27acres of land (15 or so football pitches) and is estimated to have cost in the region of 350 million THB. (Four regions, because the four main geo-cultural areas of Thailand are represented, both in differing architecture of the shop buildings, and also to a lesser extent, by the goods sold.)

There is space aplenty at the Pattaya Floating Market, and of course, it is easy to feel like you are in South East Asia

Pattaya Floating Market is open seven days a week - free of charge, and there is reasonable car parking space. There are Thai traditional shows throughout the day at weekends - not as frequent midweek, and these are also free of charge and quite informal.

As you would expect, the weekend days are the busiest at the market - but still with plenty of room and shop access.

If you feel in any way cheated that the market does not 'float' then you can pop on a boat to take you round. it is a hop on hop off affair and costs around 200 baht or so. For us, a gentle stroll around - over bridges and along adequate foot paths was the better option. You also get the freedom to shop as you wish - or wait whilst your partner shops!

Pleasant surroundings, customer-friendly and plenty to eat and drink en route. It has the added attraction that all of the shops are easily accessible via the network of bridges and paths that take you round the complex. You don't have to navigate a way over the river such as at Damnoen Saduak. this is not to criticise DS but rather, to praise the forethought and ingenuity that went into the design and layout at the Pattaya Floating Market. It was built for the present - not adapted from the past.

How to get to The Pattaya Floating Market.....

It is on the Sukhumvit road - a few kilometres south of Pattaya. If you come from Bus from Bangkok, there are plenty of options for travel from the Pattaya Bus Station.

Open daily from 10.00am until 11.00pm. The night time adds a little bit extra in ambience and is to be recommended. Surprisingly not attacked by mosquitoes! (But that is not a guarantee.)

Tel for info - 038-706-340

Pattaya is looking to the future with the addition of this floating market. It is VERY tourist friendly, and the locals are quite at home here as well.

Full marks to Pattaya Floating Market - we like it.

Also try the Central Festival Shopping. You can just about fit both in for a one day flying visit.