Markets & Food
Last updated: February 2026
Pattaya’s food scene ranges from sizzling street stalls to fresh seafood markets. Night markets are the best all-in-one experience: great eating, shopping, and people-watching. This guide shows where to go and what to try.
Top Picks at a Glance
Thepprasit Night Market — huge, busy, and the best variety.
Naklua Seafood Market — pick your seafood, they cook it.
Jomtien Night Market — relaxed beach evening.
Runway Street Food — eat under a jumbo jet.
Best Night Markets
Thepprasit Night Market — Must Visit
Pattaya’s largest night market with 500+ stalls.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Days | Friday, Saturday, Sunday only |
| Hours | 5 PM - 11 PM (best after 6:30 PM) |
| Location | Thepprasit Road, South Pattaya |
| Getting There | Songthaew ~10 THB, Grab ~60-100 THB |
- Grilled pork skewers (moo ping)
- Pad Thai and noodle dishes
- Fresh seafood
- Mango sticky rice
- Thai milk tea and smoothies
- Clothes and accessories
- Electronics and phone cases
- Souvenirs
- Shoes and bags
Tip: Friday evening is least crowded. Bring cash.
Tree Town
Trendy night market meets bar street. More party atmosphere.
- Daily
- 5 PM - 2 AM
- Thepprasit Road
Jomtien Night Market
Beachfront market with a relaxed vibe.
- Daily
- Evening until late
- Jomtien Beach Road
Runway Street Food
Food court under a jumbo jet.
- Daily
- Evening until late
- Second Road, central Pattaya
Pattaya Floating Market
Tourist-oriented market on waterways with food stalls, boat rides, and cultural shows.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Entry | Around 200 THB |
| Hours | 9 AM - 8 PM |
| Location | Sukhumvit Road |
Note: More staged than authentic, but fun for first-time visitors.
Street Food Guide
| Dish | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pad Thai | Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp or chicken | 50-80 THB |
| Som Tam | Spicy green papaya salad | 40-60 THB |
| Moo Ping | Grilled pork skewers | 10-20 THB each |
| Pad Krapow | Basil stir-fry with rice | 50-80 THB |
| Mango Sticky Rice | Sweet dessert | 60-100 THB |
| Thai Milk Tea | Sweet iced tea | 30-50 THB |
Soi Buakhao
Local-focused, cheap, busy evening scene.
Beach Road (Evening)
Carts and stalls, tourist prices, sea breeze.
Jomtien Beach Road
Seafood, relaxed atmosphere, sunset dining.
Seafood
Pattaya is famous for fresh seafood. Prices are usually by weight, so always confirm before cooking.
How seafood pricing works
- Choose your live seafood from tanks or ice.
- Confirm weight and cooking style.
- Always confirm price before cooking.
| Seafood | Typical Price / kg |
|---|---|
| Prawns/Shrimp | 400-800 THB |
| Crab | 400-700 THB |
| Squid | 200-400 THB |
| Fish | 300-600 THB |
| Lobster | 1,000-2,000 THB |
Naklua Seafood Market
Fresh market with attached restaurants. Local prices.
Jomtien Beach Seafood
Beachfront restaurants, great setting.
Lan Pho Market
Authentic local market, limited English.
Restaurant Types
Local Thai Restaurants
- Plastic chairs, open-air
- 50-150 THB per dish
- Best for authentic food
- Limited English menus
Tourist-Oriented Thai
- Air-conditioned options
- English menus with pictures
- 100-300 THB per dish
International Restaurants
- Western, Indian, Russian, Korean
- 200-500 THB per dish
Fine Dining
- Hotel restaurants and upscale venues
- 1,000+ THB per person
Food Courts
Central Festival Pattaya
- Basement food court
- 60-150 THB per dish
- Coupon system
Terminal 21
- Pier 21 food court
- Very cheap (~50-80 THB)
- Clean and modern
Big C / Lotus
- Budget food courts
- Local Thai food
- 40-80 THB per dish
Food Safety Tips
Do
- Eat at busy stalls (high turnover).
- Choose freshly cooked hot food.
- Watch food being prepared.
- Drink bottled water.
Don’t
- Eat food sitting out uncovered.
- Drink tap water or unknown ice.
- Eat raw vegetables from street vendors.
- Ignore your gut feeling.
See our Health guide for more food safety info.
Vegetarian & Dietary Needs
Useful phrases
- "Mai sai neua" = No meat
- "Gin jay" = Vegetarian (Buddhist style)
- "Mai phet" = Not spicy
- "Phet nit noi" = A little spicy
Options
- Indian restaurants (many vegetarian dishes)
- Health food cafes in Central Festival
- International restaurants with dietary menus
- "Jay" restaurants during vegetarian festival (October)
Coffee & Cafes
Chains
- Café Amazon (cheap and everywhere)
- Starbucks (malls)
- True Coffee (malls)
Local Cafes
- Instagram-worthy spots throughout the city
- Iced coffee (oliang) from street vendors
- Typically 40-150 THB
Alcohol & Drinks
Beer
- Singha, Chang, Leo (local brands)
- 7-Eleven: 40-60 THB
- Bars: 80-150 THB
Cocktails
- Bars: 150-300 THB
- Beach bars: 100-200 THB
Note: Alcohol sales are prohibited 2-5 PM at many shops and on Buddhist holidays.
FAQs
What's the best night market?
Thepprasit — but only runs Friday-Sunday evenings.
Is street food safe?
Generally yes if you follow basic precautions: busy stalls, hot food, watch it being cooked.
How much should I budget for food?
Budget: 300-500 THB/day. Mid-range: 500-1,000 THB/day.
Should I tip at restaurants?
Not required. Round up or leave 10% at nicer places if service was good.
Where's the best seafood?
Naklua for local prices, Jomtien for beach atmosphere. Always confirm prices first.
Letzte Aktualisierung: March 2026
