Pattaya Floating Market

Hours (Open/Closed) Monday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Tuesday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Wednesday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Thursday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Friday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sunday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

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About Pattaya Floating Market

Established in 2008, the Pattaya Floating Market is a riverside attraction that aims to showcase the beautiful ancient Thai riverside living community and authentic ways of life. It displays culture and local products from the four major regions of Thailand, all available for purchase at affordable prices. However, some visitors have found the charm of this place to quickly wear off.

The entry fee is 200 Baht per person, and there are also more expensive combo packages available. Some visitors have found the market to be quite empty, likening it to a ghost town with a lack of atmosphere. The layout of the market can be difficult to navigate, and many of the stalls are seen as repetitive, offering nothing original. The food and drink options are satisfactory, but not unique compared to what can be found on the streets of Thailand. Some visitors have labeled the market as a tourist trap, not worth the entry charge.

The market has been criticized for its lack of imagination, with hundreds of shops selling unoriginal souvenirs. Some visitors advise against spending 800-900 Baht to be paddled around in the blazing sun, suggesting that it's better to walk around for 200 Baht. However, the question arises as to why one should pay anything to walk around a market filled with listless vendors and loud ice cream hawkers. Some visitors have found the entertainment, such as wrestling on a slippery pole, to be lackluster. However, the food has been deemed satisfactory, and the Ganesha shrine has been appreciated by some.

The market has been accused of practicing dual pricing, charging 200 Baht for foreigners while allowing Thais to enter for free. This has been seen as discriminatory by some visitors. Regardless of the pricing issue, some visitors have found the market to be crowded and over-commercialized, robbing them of the authentic floating market experience. They suggest that there are far better markets to be found in Thailand, advising against wasting time and money at this particular market.

Some visitors have had negative experiences with the pricing at the market, claiming that they were double charged. They were charged 200 Baht each at entry and were told that they would have to pay another 200 Baht for any activity inside. When questioned about the double charging, the staff reportedly did not provide an answer. As a result, these visitors chose to leave and visit other places.

Despite the criticisms, some visitors have found the market to be an ideal full-day trip. They suggest booking the entry ticket through Klook, which costs 180 Baht per person, compared to the 200 Baht charged at the counter. They advise against getting carried away with the boating options, stating that it's a waste of money. Instead, they suggest stopping and visiting all the places to enjoy the market. They recommend the Thai Boxing and the Slippery Boxing shows, which they found to be amazing. They also suggest trying the CROCODILE BBQ for something rare.

The floating market is considered a hidden gem in Pattaya, located a bit out of the main city. Visitors can find quality products at good prices. However, the market charges an entry fee of 200 Bahts per person for foreigners, while it's free for Thai people.

In conclusion, while the Pattaya Floating Market aims to provide an authentic Thai riverside living experience, it has been criticized for its high entry fees, lack of originality, and over-commercialization. However, some visitors have found it to be an enjoyable full-day trip, offering unique experiences such as Thai Boxing shows and rare food options like CROCODILE BBQ. It's recommended that potential visitors do their research and consider their options before deciding to visit.