Pattaya Floating Market: A Cultural Day Trip Guide for Royal Cliff Guests
For a unique shopping experience in Thailand, the Pattaya Floating Market is a must-visit. Created in 2008, it is a spectacular attraction in Pattaya that showcases the beauty of riverside living communities of many years ago. It is split into four sections that represent the four main regions of Thailand; northern, northeastern, central, and southern Thailand. Experience the Thai way of life as it was back then, trading and bartering on wooden long-tail boats down a winding stretch of waterway. At this whimsical Pattaya attraction, you can peruse and indulge in a wide array of local food, arts and crafts, and more.
Things To Know Before Going to The Pattaya Floating Market
Pattaya Floating Market Open Hours
The Pattaya Floating Market is open from 9AM to 6PM daily. You can get there from our luxury 5-star Pattaya hotel by car in about 20-minutes. The ideal time to visit this Pattaya attraction is either in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the sweltering warmth of Thai weather.
Pattaya Floating Market Ticket
To enter this unique Pattaya attraction, a modest fee must be paid per adult.
- For Thai nationals: THB110
- For Foreigners: THB200
Children below 100cm in height can enter the premises without charge. Additionally, it is best to have cash at hand when visiting this market – some vendors do not accept cards.
What To Wear at The Pattaya Floating Market
Embrace this cultural experience to the fullest degree by dressing comfortably. Not only can it get warm here, but it can get crowded. Wear clothes that are light and breathable. It’s also important to be mindful about applying sunscreen across all visible areas for protection against sunburn.
Things To Do at The Pattaya Floating Market
A scenic and endearing homage to life in the past, the Pattaya Floating Market is a great place for all ages. Other than riding on whimsical long-tail boats and journeying through the market, you can immerse yourself in the wonderful day-to-days of a Thai community from long ago. Explore the market and browse the exquisite local arts and crafts, from handcrafted traditional Thai wraps in vibrant color combinations to elegant gold paintings of elephants and Buddha figurines. They make for excellent souvenirs. Complete your cultural journey by witnessing traditional Thai performances at points throughout the market, where local dancers captivate with their gentle, graceful movements and poise. Easily accessible, it’s the ideal day trip for those who wish to experience a sliver of Thailand’s regional diversity all in one convenient place.
Food at The Pattaya Floating Market
For lovers of mouthwatering food, the Pattaya Floating Market is a delightful culinary adventure of authentic Thai flavors. The market offers a diverse array of traditional and regional delicacies, from the savory richness of oyster omelets to perfectly grilled pork satay with a sweet peanut sauce. There are also a variety of boat noodles, curries, and local rich dishes to try. You can even find unique lighter bites here like crispy fried quail eggs (Khanom Krok), grilled fish or pork balls (luk-chin), Thai-style dumplings (Pun Sip Neung).
Even the local fruit here is a must-try – flavorful, fresh, and affordable for all to enjoy. We recommend tasting our dragon fruit (Gaew Mung Gorn), Thai green mango with the traditional Thai dipping sauce (Nam Pla Wan), and guava with Thailand’s signature sugar-chili dip, Prik Glua. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in the ever-classic and sublime combination of fresh mangoes with sticky rice (Khao Niao Mamuang) at the Pattaya Floating Market, or other Thai desserts such as Pa Thong Ko, Khanom Tako, Thong Yip, or Kluay Kaek.
Enjoy at Effortless Visit to a Top Pattaya Attraction
Under a 20-minute car ride from the Royal Wing Suites & Spa, spend your day exploring the wooden walkways and stilt buildings that house various shops and vendors at the Pattaya Floating Market. The market’s wooden buildings feature colorful decorative elements and reflect traditional Thai design – the perfect backdrop for a picturesque photo of your time abroad. When staying at our luxury 5-star Pattaya hotel, our devoted Guest Relations team would be delighted to arrange transportation for you to visit this iconic Pattaya attraction. Simply send an email to relax@royalcliff.com or chat with us directly on Line at @royalcliff.