Naklua fish market and Lan Pho park

Choose your fish, crab or squid from the stalls, have it grilled on the spot, and eat it in a seaside park full of local families.

Area

In town

Start from

Central Pattaya

Distance

about 5 km

Time needed

2 hours

Best season

All year; late afternoon is liveliest

Difficulty

Easy

Transport

Baht bus along Naklua Road, Grab

Tickets & rules

None

Why go

Lan Pho Naklua is where people from Pattaya go to buy seafood. Rows of stalls sell everything from prawns and crabs to dried squid and shellfish, and vendors grill or steam what you buy right there.

Behind the market is a small park on the shore under big trees, with benches, playgrounds and a view of the boats. On a weekend afternoon you see the real local Pattaya: grandparents, kids on scooters, students with their phones, everyone eating.

It is also the best place to try local snacks like grilled squid, fish cakes and fresh coconut.

Early in the morning you can see a different scene: boats unloading, women sorting the catch, and restaurant owners bargaining. Come back at dusk for the picnic atmosphere.

The story

Naklua was a fishing village long before Pattaya became a resort, and the market is a direct continuation of that life. Some families have sold fish here for generations.

The name 'Lan Pho' refers to the bodhi trees, the sacred fig trees under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, that shade the park.

The coastline north of Pattaya still has small Muslim and Buddhist fishing communities living side by side, each with their own mosques, temples and food traditions, which you can taste at the market.

Getting there

Baht buses run up Naklua Road; ask for Lan Pho. From the Sanctuary of Truth it is a short ride.

A suggested plan

1. Late afternoonWalk through the market first, see what looks freshest.
2. DinnerBuy seafood, have it cooked by a vendor and eat in the park.
3. AfterWalk along the seafront or visit the nearby Naklua shrines.
4. Morning optionIf you're an early riser, come at dawn to watch the catch being sorted and sold to restaurants.

Where to stay

Naklua and Wongamat hotels are a few minutes away.

Good to know

• Ask the price per kilo before choosing.
• Bring small notes.
• Try nam jim seafood sauce: spicy, sour and addictive.
• Grilled river prawns and steamed crab with lime are classic choices.
• Many stalls will cook for a small extra fee; ask before you buy.