Pattaya Night Bazaar

Pattaya Night Bazaar is on Second Road in Central Pattaya, a covered market a short walk from Beach Road. It sits among a run of small bars, so you can browse the stalls first and drift into a bar afterwards. Songthaews pass along Second Road, which makes it an easy stop whichever part of town you are staying in.

It is a covered souvenir market, and my note on it is short: souvenirs and knock-offs. Expect T-shirts, bags, trinkets and copy goods under one roof, with the stallholders happy to talk you into something. It is a shopping stop rather than a nightlife venue, and plenty of visitors walk through it without buying a thing.

The closest places are Sukanya Bar Beer, Harry's Bar, Pokemon's Beer Bar, Poppy 1, The Football Club and Chicken Bar. That is a mix of beer bars and ordinary bars, so a drink within a minute or two of the market is never a problem. Walk past a couple before you sit down and pick the one that looks friendliest.

As a short stop, yes, but it is not a night out on its own. The market is for souvenirs, and the interest for a punter is that you can buy something to take home and then reach several bars on foot. Give it an hour, then move on to the beer bars around it.

Treat the first price as an opening offer. Smile, ask for a better one, and be ready to walk away, because the stallholder will often call you back with a lower figure. Compare two or three stalls for the same item before you commit. Keep the tone friendly, and do not haggle over something you have no intention of buying.

It is fine for small gifts and souvenirs, and the choice of T-shirts, bags and keepsakes is wide. Remember that much of it is copy goods, so do not expect branded quality or a guarantee. Look at the stitching and zips before you hand over money, and buy from the stall that lets you check properly.

Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket, as covered markets get crowded. Check what you are handed after you pay, because copy goods can be swapped for poorer ones. If someone offers to lead you to a shop or a show away from the market, say no thanks and keep walking. Stick to the stalls you can see.

Go with a loose list, browse the whole market once, then buy on your second pass when you know what is on offer. Pair it with a beer at one of the nearby bars, such as The Football Club or Poppy 1, rather than treating it as a full evening. Carry small notes, since change is easier to get at the stalls.