Get the feel of a traditional Thai floating market watching vendors wearing rice hats paddling slowly down the water at Pattaya floating market, a large place with entertainment, shopping and dining.
Take a walk around the market on the wooden walkways or see the market from the water taking a boat ride in a longtail boat or amphibious boat. Most of the market is under cover, except for the wooden bridges crossing the water.
The floating markets of gone by days
Visit Pattaya floating market to get an idea of how Thai people in gone by days would do their grocery shopping. In the old days there used to be many floating markets, where local people would buy vegetables and fruits from vendors in small wooden boats.
The largest authentic floating market is Damnoen Saduak, about an hour and a half drive from Bangkok.
The four regions of Thailand
The floating market consists of four sections, each one representing the culture and architecture of one of the four regions in Thailand. In each of the four sections you can see wooden houses built in the style of each region, Central, North, North East and South.
To do & see at the market
There is plenty to do and see for both adults and children around the floating market. Take a longtail boat trip around the market, watch a few games of sea boxing, slide across the water on a zip line or watch a traditional regional dancing show.
Have Thai massage at the Thai traditional and herbal village, have your photo made wearing traditional Thai dress or do some souvenir shopping. A large number of small shops sell souvenirs, Thai handicrafts and brightly colored fabrics.
Vendors in small wooden boats
Longtail boat ride
Get the real floating market feel taking a man pedaled longtail boat ride and experience the traditional way of getting around a floating market. Buy a snack or some fresh fruit from a vendor in a boat, the way it was done in the old days. A boat ride is also a good opportunity to make some photos from the water.
Amphibious boat ride
See the market from the water and also ride on the road to the Thai Folkway Village and the Monkey Show on an amphibious boat that can travel on water and on land. Originally these boats were used to transport goods across both rivers and roads.
Thai Folkway Village - Thai traditional and herbal village
Get an impression of life in the old days at the Thai Folkway Village. Here you can watch demonstrations of several crafts.
In the village you can see how silk worms are raised, how silk threads are made and painted with color and how they are woven into silk clothing. At the Ancient Kitchen you can see how Tom Yum Gung is cooked, one of Thailand’s most famous foods.
Also watch or try a herbal ball massage and herbal oil demonstration, used to relieve pain, stress and fatigue.
Skywalker Sling Adventure - Zip Line Adventure
When you’re ready for an adrenaline boost, try the Skywalker Sling Adventure. Get strapped in and slide across the water on a zip line over a length of 300 meters at 15 meters above the water.
