Rarely does a tourist who comes to Pattaya for vacation deny themselves the pleasure of visiting the local markets. Pattaya’s markets offer the opportunity to buy fruits, clothing, shoes, cosmetics and perfumes, toys, electronics — all at low prices. You can buy almost everything here except branded clothing.
But it’s not only shopping that attracts tourists to local marketplaces. The markets introduce visitors to Thai flavor and allow them to get an idea of the local culture. You can simply stroll around, watching agile vendors or try traditional dishes that Thais prepare from fresh ingredients right before the customers’ eyes.
Thepprasit Market
A very popular night market among tourists, known for its huge variety of goods. It operates from Friday to Sunday, opening after sunset at 17:00. Thepprasit Market is located on the street of the same name. Behind it are shops and an entertainment center where you can leave your children for a while so they don’t get tired during long walks between the stalls.
Walking through Thepprasit Market, you should stop by the food stalls located in the far corners of the market. Green curry, shawarma with croutons, rolls and sushi, rice, pasta, noodles, ice cream — the tastiest Thai dishes are prepared right here.
Pattaya Night Bazaar
If you want to buy clothes, head to Pattaya Night Bazaar. This is the most popular place among tourists looking for Thai goods. Despite its name, the rows of shops operate from morning until late evening. Unlike most other markets, Pattaya Night Bazaar is covered, so you can shop even in rainy weather.
Energetic vendors offer a wide variety of goods:
- bags and suitcases;
- shoes;
- clothing;
- textiles and knitwear;
- cosmetics;
- souvenirs;
- paintings;
- leather and stone jewelry.
The market is conveniently located in the very center of the resort near the Central Beach.
Jomtien Night Market
When the sun begins to set, most beachgoers head to Jomtien Night Market. It is especially popular among Russian tourists, many of whom stay at the Ambassador Hotel in Pattaya. That’s why it’s also called the “Russian market,” and many vendors set price tags and speak decent Russian.
Jomtien is not a very large market, but the variety of goods is quite wide: souvenirs, clothes, shoes, toys, beach accessories. It’s a great place to grab a bite at open-air eateries, drink national cocktails, and simply socialize. There are attractions and a dance floor for children at the entrance.
Naklua Sunday Market
Naklua Sunday Market is located in the northern part of the resort. It is mostly visited by locals, and tourists rarely come here. That’s why the prices are very attractive. The assortment includes clothing, shoes, watches, and a large selection of cheap phones, including used ones.
This market is the best place to buy the cheapest local fruits. If you explain to the vendor that you need fruits for the road, they will definitely give you a good discount.
Soi Buakhao Market
You can buy clothes, electronics, souvenirs, toys, and watches for almost nothing at Soi Buakhao Market. The market is popular among both locals and tourists. There are not many stalls here. Vendors rarely agree to reduce prices because they are already very low. The average price for items does not exceed 100 baht ( 3.08 USD). So bargaining makes little sense here.
The market consists of two sections. One offers clothes and various goods, including second-hand items. The other features fruit stalls and Thai food vendors.
Floating Market
Pattaya’s Floating Market is a popular attraction. Its special feature is that trade is conducted right on the water from boats and wooden platforms. Many tourists come here not only to buy unique handmade souvenirs, silk products, famous healing creams and balms, and taste delicious national delicacies, but also to take spectacular photos.
The market is famous not only for its delicacies. After shopping and tasting food prepared by Thai women right in boats before your eyes, you can watch real Thai boxing, enjoy national dances, or even book a massage session.
Naklua Fish Market
A true paradise for seafood lovers. Naklua Fish Market opens early every morning and operates until 5 PM. Here you can buy a wide variety of marine creatures at prices that seem ridiculously low for Europeans.
Available on the counters:
- oysters;
- shrimp;
- mussels;
- crabs;
- octopus;
- lobsters.
In showcase tanks, you can find and buy live fish. If you want, vendors will cook everything you buy and serve it to you, or pack it in containers. There is a separate grilling area, and even plastic tables where you can eat. Various sauces are offered with the fish. Prices for seafood vary from vendor to vendor, so to buy cheaper, it’s better to walk around first.
Tapong Fruit Market
One of the most famous markets in Pattaya. It is located in the business district of the resort and is mainly visited by tourists, so don’t expect extremely low prices. Here you can buy a wide variety of exotic fruits: mango, durian, pineapple, and many more. Vendors will gladly cut or pack them in plastic baskets upon request.
The market is famous thanks to festivals held from May to June. The daily program includes energetic national dances, spectacular shows, and firecracker explosions. Tapong Fruit Market opens in the morning and operates until evening…
