Pattaya night markets: where to eat, shop and explore

Pattaya's night markets are one of the best things to do in the evening: cheap, delicious street food, bargains on clothes and souvenirs, and a real local atmosphere. Here are the markets worth knowing.

Thepprasit Night Market

The biggest and best-known night market in Pattaya, on Thepprasit Road in South Pattaya, near Sukhumvit Road.

• When: evenings from around 5 pm to 11 pm. It is busiest and fullest Friday to Sunday; on weekdays some stalls are closed.
• What's there: hundreds of stalls with clothes, shoes, bags, phone accessories, toys and souvenirs, plus a huge food section.
• Eat: grilled seafood, pork skewers, roast duck on rice, papaya salad, mango sticky rice, coconut ice cream and fresh juices.
• Tip: arrive before 7 pm for more space to walk. It is a short Bolt or Grab ride from South Pattaya.

Counterfeit branded goods are sold openly at many markets; they can be confiscated by customs when you go home.

Jomtien Night Market

A smaller, more relaxed market on Jomtien Beach Road, a short ride south of Pattaya.

• When: evenings, roughly 5 pm to 11 pm. Weekends are the safest bet; some sources say it runs daily.
• Eat: grilled seafood, noodle and rice dishes, crepes, waffles and fruit shakes.
• Good for: families and an easy dinner by the beach.

Pattaya Night Bazaar

An indoor market on Second Road in central Pattaya, with fixed stalls selling souvenirs, clothes and gifts. Open daily from late morning to late evening. Air-conditioned and easy to reach by baht bus, so it is handy on a rainy day.

Tree Town

Off Soi Buakhao, Tree Town mixes food stalls with bars and live music and stays open late. More of a night out than a shopping trip.

Daytime markets worth a visit

• Pattaya Floating Market on Sukhumvit Road: boats and stalls selling Thai snacks and crafts, open in the daytime until early evening.
• Lan Pho Naklua: a seafood market in North Pattaya, open in the daytime. Great for fresh seafood.

Night market tips

• Bring cash in small notes. Some stalls take Thai QR payments.
• Bargain politely on clothes and souvenirs, but not on food.
• Eat where it's busy: a queue of locals is the best sign.
• Carry water and wipes, and wear comfortable shoes.
• Keep valuables in a front pocket in crowds.