Pattaya, like any other resort town of Thailand, located on the sea coast, offers tourists an unimaginable wealth of fish and seafood. If a simple tasting in a restaurant seems boring and ordinary for you, go to the colorful fish market in the north of Pattaya - Nakua fish market.
Here you can not only buy the freshest products, which just a couple of hours ago swam in the waters of the Gulf of Thailand, but also see the most amazing marine reptiles. In addition, the market is always an opportunity to plunge into the atmosphere of the country, to get acquainted with the life of the local population.
Pattaya fish market: how to get there?
The market, which offers its guests a wide selection of not only seafood and fish, but also fruits, meat and textiles, is located in the northern part of the resort - the Naklua region. It is the largest in the city and is also famous for its affordable prices for goods. This is explained by the fact that just a few tens of meters from the market is a fishing village. From the catch to the counter and hands of buyers, seafood is only a few hours apart.
Not knowing the city and transport system of Thailand, which is very difficult, getting to the market on your own will be problematic. A guide for tourists is Nakua beach. The most famous fish market in Pattaya is located nearby. From the city center on a tuk-tuk you need to get to the dolphin ring, and from it move along Naklua street.
Best time to visit
The fish market is open from five in the morning until 17:00 daily. The best time to visit the main retail point of the city is morning. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, in the early morning hours it is still not so hot and, although the scorching sun has already appeared in the sky, the light sea breeze still gives coolness. Secondly, before lunch on the market the widest range of products and the goods are still “lively”, fresh. Thirdly, at this time the market is not so crowded.
What can i buy?
If Greece has everything, then at the fish market in Pattaya you can find almost everything. Of course, the main product that is attracted not only by tourists, but also by the local population is fish and seafood (lobsters, shrimps, langoustines, squids, cuttlefish, crabs, octopuses, shells, snails, mussels, etc.). The choice is rich and designed for any wallet. Note that you can buy all this not only fresh, but also in the already prepared form.
No less diverse are fruit and vegetable stalls. Tourists from northern countries have never even heard of the many fruits that are presented here. The prices are reasonable, in addition, you can taste it, which helps to navigate and make the right choice.
In addition, at the far end of the market there are numerous tents with clothes, dishes, household utensils, souvenirs, etc.
What is the price?
In general, comparing all the outlets in the city, we can confidently say that this fish market in Pattaya is famous for the lowest prices for fish and seafood. Whether it is so or not, you are the judge. Below are estimated prices for some seafood and fish. The Thai national currency (THB) at the moment is as follows: 1: 1.74 rubles. Price is per kilogram:
- shrimp: regular - from 170 THB, tiger - from 350 THB;
- mussels - from 40 THB;
- oysters - from 130 THB;
- lobsters - from 1100 THB;
- crabs around - 180 THB;
- octopuses from - 120 THB;
- squids from - 160 THB;
- ordinary sea fish - from 50 THB.
Prices are very reasonable. For those who doubt it, it is enough to recall domestic supermarkets, as well as the fact that you are buying fresh seafood, recently caught.
You can not only buy, but eat right there
Having bought fish or seafood at the Naklua fish market in Pattaya, you can immediately cook them, almost without leaving the cash register. Near the exit from the market there are quite a lot of trading shops with stoves and barbecue. You just need to approach them, give the purchased delicacies and ask them to cook in any way you want: cook, fry or bake on the grill.
The price of cooking services depends on the weight of seafood and fish. Cooking shrimp or fish on average costs around 20 THB. The advantages of such a service are that everything here is as fresh as possible, and also cheaper than in a restaurant. Whoever Thai chefs know what and how best to cook. Therefore, do not be shy, ask and advise.
Travel tips
- Bargain. In Thailand, this is accepted and widespread, and the fish market in Pattaya is no exception. Moreover, food and clothing prices are often very high with the expectation that the buyer will bargain. Feel free to arm yourself with a notebook, pen or calculator and engage in a constructive dialogue with sellers.
- Dress accordingly. The point is not in culture and traditions, but in basic convenience. In the market, sellers pour water from trays on the floor, especially there is no one ceremonies about cleanliness. Therefore, comfortable shoes and clothes will come in handy. Rubber beach closed shoes - the best option.
- Do not buy products immediately from the first counter. Seasoned tourists and travelers recommend taking a walk, taking a closer look. Often, prices at the very beginning of the market and at the end are different.
- After finding out where the Naklua fish market is in Pattaya, plan a trip and give it the first half of the day. Go shopping and experience the local flavor of the clock at 10-11 am. It was at this time that sellers began to display fresh goods on the shelves.
- If you want to look at the life of Thai fishermen, then go a little further than the market. Next to it there is a small corner with a street that goes deep into the quarter. The area is colorful, but very impressionable tourists can lead to a mild shock state of its purity.