Another great place to soak up the local culture is the Pattaya Floating Market; here, one will be greeted with the distinctive sight of vendors on their boats selling all manner of authentic Thai culinary creations be they spicy or sweet! As you explore the market, you will also come across handicrafts, clothing, paintings, and Thai silks while there’s a cultural show here in the afternoon as well.While Pattaya in Thailand is known for its sublime beach and happening nightlife, it’s also a place where one can discover local culture and here’s more on what you need to know.


Humble Beginnings


Pattaya was once a quaint fishing village though this began to change in the 1960s after it was discovered by American service members in search of a place for some R&R during the Vietnam War. Soon, more and more people began to be drawn to this picturesque coastal hideaway which led to tourism development that paved the way for it to become one of the most popular Thai destinations.



Spirit Houses


Despite transforming into a modern city, Pattaya still retains its roots in local traditions and beliefs; this can be seen in local homes too where a spirit house similar in design to a Thai temple is built to give shelter to spirits. As is customary, people will make daily offerings of incense and flowers as well as food and drink at such spirit houses.



Religious Roots


Dating to the Ayutthaya period, Wat Chai Mongkron is the city’s main and oldest Buddhist Temple and is a great site to witness religious customs. Other notable religious attractions include Wat Phra Yai on Phra Tamnak Hill with its large Buddha statue and Wat Yansangwararam, while the towering Sanctuary of Truth with its wooden sculptures is not to be missed either. For holidays in Pattaya, resorts along Beach Road provide an ideal base to visit such sites that provide more cultural insights.



Floating Market

Horiuchi, Pattaya Floating Market, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia Commons

Another great place to soak up the local culture is the Pattaya Floating Market; here, one will be greeted with the distinctive sight of vendors on their boats selling all manner of authentic Thai culinary creations be they spicy or sweet! As you explore the market, you will also come across handicrafts, clothing, paintings, and Thai silks while there’s a cultural show here in the afternoon as well.