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Pattaya Floating Market

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About Pattaya Floating Market

About Pattaya Floating Market

The Pattaya Floating Market (also known as The Four Regions Floating Market) is a popular cultural and tourist attraction in Pattaya, Thailand. Unlike traditional floating markets that rely on natural waterways, this one is artificially created to showcase Thai traditions, food, and handicrafts.

Highlights of Pattaya Floating Market:

  1. Four Regional Zones – The market is divided into sections representing the four main regions of Thailand (North, Northeast, Central, and South), each offering unique food, products, and architecture.
  2. Boat Rides & Shopping – Visitors can take boat rides along the canals and shop from vendors selling souvenirs, clothing, and handicrafts.
  3. Thai Food Galore – The market is famous for its wide variety of Thai street food, snacks, and desserts, including pad Thai, mango sticky rice, grilled seafood, and more.
  4. Cultural Shows – Traditional Thai dance performances, martial arts (Muay Thai), and elephant shows are held regularly.
  5. Photo Opportunities – The market features picturesque wooden bridges, Thai-style houses, and vibrant decorations, making it great for photography.

Visitor Information:

  • Location: 451/304 Moo 12, Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya (about 15-20 minutes from central Pattaya).
  • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (daily).
  • Entrance Fee: Around 200-300 THB for foreigners (includes boat ride in some packages).

Getting There

The Pattaya Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำสี่ภาคพัทยา) is located about 10-15 km from central Pattaya.

Options:

  • Taxi/Grab – The easiest way, costing around 200-300 THB (one way).
  • Songthaew (Baht Bus) – Take a shared songthaew heading toward Sukhumvit Road and ask to get off near the floating market. You may need to transfer or take a motorbike taxi for the last stretch (~50-100 THB).
  • Motorbike Taxi – Faster but less comfortable (~150-200 THB).
  • Rental Car/Scooter – If you’re comfortable driving, rent a scooter (~200-300 THB/day) and follow GPS.

2. From Bangkok

If coming from Bangkok, you can take:

  • Bus – Board a bus to Pattaya (Eastern Bus Terminal – Ekkamai or Mo Chit), then follow the options above.
  • Private Taxi – A direct taxi from Bangkok costs 1,500-2,000 THB (2-hour drive).
  • Minivan – From Victory Monument or Ekkamai (~120-150 THB to Pattaya, then take a taxi).

3. Tour Packages

Many tour operators offer half-day trips to the floating market, often combined with other attractions like Sanctuary of Truth or Nong Nooch Garden.

Location & Entry Fee

  • Address: 451/304 Moo 12, Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya
  • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (daily)
  • Entry Fee: ~200-300 THB for foreigners (includes boat ride in some packages).

What To Do

The Pattaya Floating Market (also known as Four Regions Floating Market) is a unique cultural attraction where you can experience Thai traditions, food, and shopping. Here’s what you can do there:

1. Explore the Floating Market by Boat

  • Take a paddleboat ride through the canals to see vendors selling food and souvenirs from their boats.
  • Enjoy the scenic wooden bridges and traditional Thai-style houses.

2. Try Authentic Thai Food

  • Sample dishes from all four regions of Thailand (North, South, Central, and Northeast).
  • Must-try foods:
    • Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles)
    • Som Tam (spicy green papaya salad)
    • Mango Sticky Rice
    • Grilled Seafood & Skewers
    • Coconut Ice Cream

3. Shop for Local Souvenirs

  • Buy handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, and Thai spices.
  • Look for wooden carvings, silk scarves, and traditional Thai snacks to take home.

4. Watch Cultural Performances

  • Enjoy Thai dance shows, martial arts (Muay Thai), and puppet performances.
  • Some shows include elephant performances (though ethical concerns exist).

5. Experience Traditional Thai Activities

  • Try fruit carving or Thai costume photo shoots.
  • Watch artisans making handmade coconut sugar and other local products.

6. Relax & Enjoy the Atmosphere

  • Sit at a floating restaurant and enjoy the view.
  • Sip on fresh coconut juice or Thai iced tea while people-watching.

Some Tips

  • Weekdays (Mon-Thu) are less crowded than weekends.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, and cash (many vendors don’t accept cards).
  • Boat rides are best enjoyed early before long queues form.

Best Time To Visit

The Pattaya Floating Market is best visited in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak heat and crowds. Here’s a breakdown of the ideal times:

Best Time to Visit:

  • Morning (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM):
    • Cooler temperatures, fewer tourists.
    • Freshly prepared Thai food and snacks.
    • Authentic local market vibe with boat vendors just setting up.
  • Late Afternoon (3:30 PM – 6:00 PM):
    • Less intense sun, pleasant for walking.
    • Beautiful golden-hour lighting for photography.
    • Some cultural shows and performances take place.

Avoid:

  • Midday (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM):
    • Extremely hot and humid.
    • Crowded with tour groups.