Pattaya Floating Market – A Unique Cultural Experience on Water

Pattaya Floating Market is one of the city’s most famous attractions, offering a unique shopping and cultural experiencebuilt on a network of canals. Designed to showcase Thailand’s rich heritage, the market features traditional wooden houses, boat vendors, cultural performances, and a wide variety of local products. Whether you’re looking to shop, eat, or explore, this market is a must-visit destination in Pattaya.

History of Pattaya Floating Market

Opened in 2008, Pattaya Floating Market was designed to reflect the traditional floating markets of Thailand, where traders would sell goods directly from boats along the canals. The market is divided into four sections, representing Thailand’s main regions – North, Northeast (Isan), Central, and South – each offering unique products, crafts, and food specialties from their respective areas. Over the years, it has grown into a major tourist attraction, blending shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences in one location.

What to Buy at Pattaya Floating Market

The market is a shopper’s paradise, with hundreds of stalls selling a wide range of Thai goods, including:

• Handicrafts & Souvenirs – Traditional Thai art, wood carvings, silk products, and handmade crafts.

• Clothing & Accessories – Thai-style outfits, scarves, jewelry, and locally made fashion items.

• Local Snacks & Desserts – Dried fruits, Thai sweets, coconut pancakes, and crispy rice snacks.

• Herbal & Spa Products – Natural soaps, essential oils, and Thai herbal remedies.

Things to See & Do at Pattaya Floating Market

Beyond shopping, the market offers plenty of attractions and cultural experiences, making it more than just a place to buy souvenirs.

• Boat Rides – Take a traditional wooden boat and explore the market from the water, just as Thai traders have done for centuries.

• Cultural Performances – Enjoy Thai dance shows, martial arts demonstrations, and live music throughout the day.

• Traditional Thai Food – Sample local delicacies like grilled seafood, boat noodles, mango sticky rice, and coconut ice cream from vendors on both boats and land stalls.

• Photo Spots – The market’s charming wooden bridges, traditional Thai-style buildings, and scenic canals make it a perfect place for photos and social media posts.

• Mini Museums & Art Displays – Some sections of the market feature small museums showcasing Thai history, traditions, and artwork.

How to Get to Pattaya Floating Market

The market is located on Sukhumvit Road, about 10 km south of central Pattaya.

• By Baht Bus (Songthaew) – Take a shared baht bus heading toward Sattahip and ask to be dropped off near the market.

• By Grab or Taxi – A quick and convenient option, especially for groups.

• By Car or Bike – There is parking available, but the market can get busy during peak hours.

Why Visit Pattaya Floating Market?

• A beautiful and cultural shopping experience on water.

• A great place to find authentic Thai handicrafts, souvenirs, and local delicacies.

• Exciting boat rides, cultural performances, and Thai food stalls.

• A scenic and family-friendly attraction away from the city’s nightlife.

Final Thoughts

The Market is more than just a shopping destination—it’s an immersive experience where visitors can enjoy Thai culture, food, and traditions in a stunning riverside setting. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this market offers a memorable glimpse into Thailand’s floating market heritage.

Check out this awesome cafe that is very close to the floating market, I personally think its one of the best in Pattaya.