Merely an hour away from Bangkok, Pattaya is well-known for its vibrant beaches and nightlife entertainment. But one should not forget about the wonderful and atmospheric night markets available in Thailand’s buzzing coastal city. Here are a few outstanding night markets for feeling the vibes of the post-nightfall atmosphere when in Pattaya.
Jomtien Beach Night Market
After spending an afternoon in Jomtien Beach enjoying the beautiful sunset, one can simply cross the street and head to the nearby Jomtien Beach Night Market for a sumptuous dinner and some shopping. Opened just a few years back, this night market is unique for its close proximity to the famous Jomtien Beach. The loud street music and lively vibes of this night market is able to attract a younger laidback crowd. A small market according to Thai standards, there are only five rows of stalls selling food and beverages. Apart from that, there are also a few pop-up bars selling alcoholic beverages. As the night market is near a beach, there are many stalls selling beachwear. Lastly, for those not keen on shopping, it is fine to just stroll along the market and indulge in a huge variety of delicious seafood.
Thepprasit Road Night Market
Being the most popular of night markets in Pattaya, it is also known as “Pattaya Weekend Market”. Endeared by its weekend regulars, this lively bazaar has around thousands of visitors flocking in every weekend due to the huge variety of entertainment it has to offer. The night market has a corner with a huge line of stalls where one can discover replica watches, dubious electronics, knock-off NBA jerseys and even imitation designer items. Hagglers are bound to enjoy the shopping here. Leaning towards the extremity, there are even illegal weapons such as blades and daggers on sale. The principal highlight of this night market though, is actually the colorful array of luscious street food. With close to a hundred stalls selling different food like fresh fruit, noodles, barbeque meat, seafood, desserts and salted fish among many other popular Asian treats, it is impossible to go famished in Thepprasit Road Night Market.
Pattaya Night Bazaar
Pattaya Night Bazaar is the one and only enclosed air-conditioned night market in Pattaya, setting it apart from the other night Bazaars. With its well-thought sheltered environment, visitors can enjoy their much needed breather from the blazing summer heat which tends to sweep across the city. As this night market targets mainly the tourists, most of the shops sell souvenirs which can represent a trip to the ‘land of smiles’. Basically, the majority of the shops deal with summer apparel, footwear, accessories, and souvenirs. There is also a decent cluster of tailor shops for customizing clothes. Sadly, there are only a few food stalls inside the night market. However, there is no need to sulk as just on the exterior borders of the market, one can easily discover tonnes of amazing food stalls to rejoice in.
Bua Khao Market
Also known as Soi Buakhao, Bua Khao Market opens twice a week and its unique factor lies in its strategic location, which is at the conjunction of two busy tourist routes in Southern Pattaya. Aside from the standard clothing and souvenirs, Bua Khao Market also sells less common items. Examples include local fruits, exotic pets and ancient jewellery. Like other night markets, the price of items in Soi Buakhao are always floating, thus giving shoppers a shot at haggling. Although the market is lacking in food stalls, there are still a few food vendors who set up their food stalls along the street. Also, plenty of mini cafes and diners do scatter around the market area. Overall, for shoppers seeking a wide range of products at great deals, Bua Khao Market is without any doubt, the place to visit.
Pratumnak Night Market
Pratumnak Night Market is one of the more popular night markets in Pattaya due to its incredibly high inrush of tourists. The reason for that is due to its many unique factors. Its opening hours, which is daily from one in the afternoon all the way till midnight, makes it more of a hybrid day-night market. Location convenience also contributes to the high tourist traffic. The immensely wide range of dining options available in the market helps to raise popularity among visitors. Pratumnak Night market is also called the Russian Night Market, due to the wide variety of Russian cuisine on sale. There is also an outdoor seating arrangement on the patio, allowing shoppers to enjoy their food. Lastly, the vast lay-out of the market helps to relieve the huge crowds flocking in and out of the place, allowing shopping experiences to be overall less frustrating.
To conclude, exploring night markets in the city of Pattaya is a definite must-try. This list of spectacular night market choices is bound to make any vacation in Pattaya a memorable one. Therefore, do spare at least a night to soak in the vibes of these markets.
