The night market at Patpong started
something like 15 years ago and has been a major draw to the
area since, and has in fact been responsible for the
diversification of visitors to the Pattaya area. The market sets up late afternoon and is open for
business around the time it gets dark, that is around 6:30 PM,
through until around 2 AM.
Here you can find all sorts of
interesting merchandise from Thai handicrafts to peter to
knock-off designer clothes, watches and football shorts.
Haggle away and you'll be amazed at how cheap you can get things
for.
This is a great place to buy
souvenirs, or a copy of that expensive Swiss watch you have
always wanted. It is also the place with the newest
counterfeit DVD movies in Thailand. Amongst the other
contraband on offer is knives and other small weapons!
Even if you're not in the market to buy something, the Patpong
night market is fun to stroll around and browse before entering
one of the bars for a nice, cold drink. Please note that
bargaining is expected and you should be able to get the price down to about 50% of the original offer.
Patpong's night market is one
of the few areas where you need to be aware of what is happening
around you. The lanes are narrow and reports of
pickpockets are not uncommon, although violent crime is very
unusual in the area.
