Asians are truly master traders, and their countless markets stand as proof. These markets are everywhere – sprawling for kilometers or tucked into tiny corners, both legal and spontaneous. The latter pop up temporarily in undeveloped areas, then vanish without a trace.
Pattaya’s markets in Thailand are simply astounding in their abundance of food and goods. In our experience, we’ve never encountered a Thai market vendor who short-changed or deceived us. Not once, not in any market!
Moreover, if you accidentally (or intentionally) forget to take your change, the vendor will chase you down to return it. This has happened to us more than once. It’s best to accept the change and then give it back if you wish – you’ll be rewarded with genuine gratitude from the vendor.
Our friendship with Thai people has shown us that money, unlike for many Europeans (forgive the comparison), doesn’t hold great importance for them. It’s hard to believe, but it’s true, even though they need money and have to pay for everything.
For instance, cars and bikes often stop when we take our weekly long walks far outside the city on jungle roads. The drivers offer to take us to our destination, free of charge. To be fair, we always give them money for their help. We encourage you to do the same when possible, but be careful not to offend their sincere intentions. If you sense that a Thai person is genuinely offended, it’s better to decline this noble gesture.
Their generosity is legendary. Thai people are incredibly kind, sensitive, and good-hearted, especially in the villages of northern Thailand. I’ll share more about this in future posts.
Thais are very clean people. You’ll find places to wash your hands or use alcohol-based sanitizers in most public spaces. We always confidently buy food at the market – it’s always fresh.
Interestingly, Thais mostly eat using a spoon, fork, and knife, rarely with their hands. Their food is very spicy, and for good reason.
This 3-minute video will give you an idea of these markets: [YouTube link]
In the next post, I’ll show you some real Thai exotica we encountered at the market.
I’m curious to hear your personal impressions of Thai markets.
Traveler’s Tip: Cost of most dishes at the market: From 30 to 80 rubles is quite enough for an excellent, healthy lunch, such as a plate of vegetables with seafood or delicious fried rice with shrimp. You can eat right at the market.
Please share your own useful information for travelers who haven’t been here yet. Many will be very grateful to you.
Remember, fellow digital nomads, markets are more than just places to shop – they’re windows into the soul of a culture. Embrace the chaos, try new foods, and connect with local vendors. It’s these authentic experiences that make our nomadic lifestyle truly enriching!
