Okay Explorers, let’s begin with a YouTube video from our afternoon at the Pattaya Floating Market…

Looked like fun, huh? We enjoyed ourselves at the floating market. There’s lots to do. Our visit was on Day 1 in the afternoon. Our first priority was lunch. There are “traditional”-style restaurants scattered among the platforms in the market. But for a unique experience, you should try dining from the many boats docked along the walkway.

Nestled in each boat is a full stove with a pot of bubbling broth with an assortment of spices and main dishes: chicken, pork, fish and noodles. Most of the menus are written solely in Thai, so point to the photo of the plate that looks good to you and relax at the your table.

Dining is done on the floor, on a mat. Your server will bring your meal to you. Remember to leave your shoes on the walk before entering the dining area.

Brian and I each enjoyed our selections.

Given that this is a market there are shops selling all sorts of products. Food stalls with ice cream, drinks and snacks are scattered throughout. There’s plenty to keep you entertained. Dancers, magic acts, martial arts, Thai boxing over water and more are scheduled throughout the day. They provide a nice break from browsing and bargaining.

There are also plenty of massage vendors at the market too. Walk around and compare prices, although most are around the same price. Granted these can’t compare to a true spa experience, but for a few baht, they provide 30 minutes of relaxation. For something truly unique, why not try a fish spa? We did.

Here’s how this works. The fish in the tank suck the dead skin off your feet. It’s supposed to be refreshing, but our opinions differ. Brian found it effective and enjoyed the 15 minutes. Ben on the other hand, got chills each time the fish started sucking his feet. It’s a tingling feeling that tickles a bit. What we can both agree on, was that this was fun regardless of whether or not it did anything. We laughed and smiled so hard that nearby onlookers had to get a photo with us. You may have noticed that in our video.

The market is quite large so to save yourself some walking you may want to take a boat ride from the front to the back, and walk your way to the main entrance. It may be a bit touristy with the hats, but it’s different.

Our biggest adventure at the market was bug eating.

Now before you get all squeamish on us. Let’s clarify a few things. Bugs are not the potato chips of Thailand. People don’t go around eating bugs all day. In fact, most of the Thai people we spoke to said they have never eaten bugs. So know that this is not a typical snack in Thailand. It’s usually found at markets like these and sometimes in the street stalls.

Secondly, bugs don’t taste bad. We know, you don’t believe us and you probably won’t even after reading this post. But if it helps any, we’d eat bugs again. They are cooked in hot oil and prepared with spices – so they have some flavor to them (but not like sour cream, nacho cheese or ranch!). And that’s what you taste, the spices. Depending on the bug, some, like the grasshopper, are crunchy. Others like the silkworm are like eating a pea; Hard on the outside, soft on the inside.

Our assignment as winners in this competition is to try/see/and do as much as we can in Thailand and that’s what this activity was all about. If we can do it, so can you. Adventures are all about pushing yourself and doing something extraordinary. Yum!

Have you ever eaten bugs or anything unique? Comment by sharing your experiences.

|Know Before You Go|

Appeals To: Everyone
Suggested Stay: Variable, depending on how much you want to do. 1 hour minimum. More if you eat, shop a lot and watch the shows. This is a great afternoon excursion.
Cost: Nothing to browse. Food is cheap. Practice your bartering skills in the shops to get the best price.
Getting There: The market is located 10 minutes from downtown off the main road, Sukhumvit. It gets crowded with tour busses and cars so parking may be tight. Many cars park on the street, like us.
Don’t Miss: There’s a lot to keep you busy here. Ask the greeters at the entrance what shows may be performing during your visit.
Visit Online: | web |
BTW: You’re in Thailand so spend your Baht and have some fun. Get a massage, feed the animals or try some bugs. Whatever you choose, do something different. Do something you wouldn’t do at home. We loved our trip to the market because we did stuff we’d never even think about at home. That’s what vacations are all about – and that’s what Pattaya has to offer!

Blogger: Benjamin & Brian