Have you ever heard of a market that comes alive on water? With a unique blend of culture, flavors, handmade treasures, and more, get ready to explore the Floating Market in Pattaya. It’s a one-of-a-kind place filled with a lively fusion of commerce and culture.

About Floating Market Pattaya

The Pattaya Floating Market is deeply rooted in Thai history. The theme originated from trading practices along the country waterways in ancient times for the exchange of goods. Vendors would sell fresh products, handicrafts, and other essential commodities from boats. This heritage is continued into a modern setting by the Floating Market.

The present market is built on a man-made canal and platforms that bring back the essence of traditional floating markets and boat shops. It is spread across 24 acres with over 350 shops offering local delicacies, handmade items, clothing, artworks, and decor.    

An Overview Of The Floating Market

This market is divided into four zones or sections, each representing the country's major region. Here is what and where you can find in the market:

Floating Market Section What Can You Find?
Northern

- Traditional handicrafts, wood carvings, textiles.

- Regional food like Khao Soi (curry noodle soup), Sai Oua (Northern Thai Sausage)
Northeastern

- Handmade pottery, woven baskets, and silk products.

- Local flavors like Som Tum (papaya salad), sticky rice dishes.
Central

- Traditional Thai clothing, artwork, paintings, and decor.

- Thai desserts, fresh fruits, and snacks.
Southern

- Coconut-based items, shell crafts, batik fabrics, and woven goods

- Southern Thai foods like spicy curries, seafood dishes.

 

Be sure not to miss out on any!

Pattaya Floating Market Is A Feast For Your Senses

Shopping Spree: You can browse an array of goods from intricate handicrafts, tapestry, and local art to authentic Thai souvenirs and beautiful clothing. You can also find eco-friendly items made using bamboo, woven textiles, jewelry, and pottery.

Find treasures that are otherwise hard to find in a store, and don't forget to bargain (but politely).

Food: The Floating Market tour won’t be complete without a culinary treat. Whether you love seafood or prefer vegetarian dishes, this market never disappoints. You can find several Thai street foods, snacks, and desserts on vendor boats and stalls.

Some of the must-try food items are seafood (prawn and squid), mango sticky rice, coconut ice cream, noodle soup, spicy papaya salad, and some exotic fruits. You can buy food directly from the boat for a unique experience.

Cultural Immersion: Shopping and food are not the only highlights of the Floating Market. You can watch scheduled events like Thai dance, live music, boxing over the water, and more. Some shops give demonstrations of Thai crafts, like umbrella painting and weaving.

The entire market has a traditional Thai design, including wooden platforms, detailed carvings, and vibrant decors that will make your day. Don’t forget to click some memorable photos. Some cultural shows you can plan to watch are:

  • Mae Sai Dance (11:00 am)
  • E-Sarn Dance (12:30 pm)
  • Larn Tred Teng Dance (02:00 pm)
  • Kung Fu Demo
  • Muay Talay (sea boxing on a slippery bamboo)

 

Boat Rides: Explore the canals by a long-tail boat with a scenic view of floating stalls, giving an overall view of the market and many photo opportunities. The timing for the Floating Market Boat Ride tour is between 09:00 am and 06:00 pm.

You can also enjoy the zip line tour in Pattaya Floating Market, where you glide above the bustling stalls and waterways like a bird and get a bird's-eye view of the entire market. The timing of this zip line adventure is 10:00 am to 06:00 pm. So, plan accordingly.

Navigating Through The Waterways At The Boat Market In Pattaya

Best Time To Visit: The market is open all year round, but you can plan for weekday mornings to avoid the crowd and enjoy lively trade without burning in the heat. The Floating Market is most visited during November to February, when the temperature is about 20 to 30℃. 

Pattaya Floating Market Opening Hours: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm.

How to Reach: You can take a taxi or private car to cover 9.5 km from central Pattaya or a Songthaew (Thai bus) to reach the Floating Market at 451/304, M.12 Sukhumvit Rd, Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand.

Pattaya Floating Market Entrance Fee: ฿120 to ฿700 (which includes entrance fee, Thai costume, photo on a flower-decorated boat). You can also enjoy rowing a boat.

What to Bring: We advise bringing cash in small denominations for shopping and food, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a shopping bag.   

Tip: With proper bargaining etiquette, you may land a better deal for the souvenir you want to buy.

Beyond The Boats, Get To Some Other Attractions Nearby

This wonderful boat market tour will take about 2 hours to wrap up. There are lots of sightseeing places around the Pattaya Floating Market location. Some of the closest ones are:

You can take a lunch break at a nearby restaurant and set off for any of these locations to explore Thailand.

Market Ahoy! Where Boats Become Shops

The Floating Market is not just for shopping and fun, but also to familiarize you with the charm and tradition of Thailand. If you are seeking an escape from regular touristy places, plan your visit to this boat market. Connect with the best DMC in Thailand to know about Floating Market Pattaya ticket prices and offers.

Watery wonders await!