Sightseeing in Pattaya. What to see and do in Pattaya.
Most people who come on holiday to Pattaya tend to think that the only entertainment is to be found in the bars and on the beach.
Pattaya has much, much more to offer than that. In the 40 or so years since Pattaya first started to become a holiday destination, all sorts of sightseeing attractions have been developed. Many have been here since before the Farang arrived but only in the last 10 years or so have their economic wealth and vale as a tourist attraction been fully exploited.
Only a few minutes outside of Pattaya are many interesting places to visit, which is making the Pattaya of today a much more family oriented holiday destination than it once was.
The attractions are many, such as:
Sailing.
Fishing.
Diving.
Elephant riding.
Pattaya floating market.
Buddha mountain.
Under water world to name but a few. This article is focusing on the Pattaya floating market.
The floating market is located just outside Pattaya going South towards Ban Sare. Approximately 6 km from Tesco Lotus South Pattaya.
There is no entrance fee so it's up to you what you spend. The facilities there are modern and clean with plenty of toilets seating and of course ATM's
To get there is easy. Many of the baht buses will take you there for about 500 Baht or you can join a coach from one of the hotels.
A day out at the market is a day well spent especially if you've only been spending your time on beach road.
The aim of the market is to show case the four regions of Thailand. North, South Esarn and Central Thailand. Inside the market you'll find food vendors and craftsman making traditional handicrafts.
The market is on a lake and the buildings are all built on stilts. There are walk ways between the four regions and as you walk from region to region the food changes as does the traditional local music. You can hire a longboat to take you around visiting the four regions. As you walk over the wooden gang ways you'll see vendors selling from their boats and cooking their local food. The floating market is not only popular with tourist but local Thai's as well go there. The food on sale is all at local prices that you'd pay outside which makes this not only an enjoyable outing but inexpensive as well. A typical meal will cost you no more than 50 Baht or $1.72c or £1.06p. Very good value for money. During the day there are shows of traditional Thai dancing and music. Sit and relax in one of the many wooden restaurants serving food from their region. There is always plenty to see at the floating market. Have your portrait painted, feed the Elephants, and try the local delicacies such as deep fried Locust, grubs, and pupae. Although fried chicken seems to be more popular. There are many events held at the market such as boxing over the lake on a log. The looser gets wet! The latest attraction is the rope ride over the lake, again not expensive and that can be said for the entire day out at the market. An interesting and memorable day out that doesn't cost a lot. If you want to avoid the crowds then don't visit at the weekend.
To be honest, Pattaya floating market is not really the best place for a day trip. Bkk and other places that have floating markets are genuine, the one in Pattaya is just a business.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jake, I think Damnuek Saduak, is much more authentic market that the one in Pattaya which was artificially build as tourist attraction.
ReplyDeleteFloating market in Pattaya is quite nice, however everything there is a bit overpriced. I have been at other floating markets in Thailand, that looks more authentic.
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