Shopping in Pattaya is similar to almost
every other major city in the world. Pattaya has a wide array of smaller
boutique shops, major brands, markets and, of course shopping malls. Whilst
there are several available in the city including Central Marina, Mikes
Shopping Mall and Royal Garden Plaza, the main ones, or more accurately the
ones most frequented, are Harbor Mall, Central Festival and the new Terminal 21
so these are the ones that we will focus on.
Harbor Mall
Harbor Mall is located on Pattaya Klang and
offers something different to your regular shopping centre. Naturally, you will
find a wide selection of shops on the upper floors as well as a food court –
pretty much like any other shopping mall but what makes it unique is the fact
that it is that it is the largest indoor entertainment complex in ASEAN. It is
this final factor that makes it hugely appealing to families.
In the entertainment centre you will find
Snow Land, an ice rink and Laser Battle amongst many other forms of
entertainment aimed at children of differing ages. Prices are THB380 for
toddlers and THB480 for older children for the day with adults offering
supervision charged THB180. Family passes are available to keep the prices a
little bit more affordable. All in all, this is a great place to spend a day
with the family and obviously, it is something that the kids enjoy too.
Central Festival
Central Festival is probably the best known
of the shopping malls in Pattaya having been established for almost a decade.
This is where you will find a range of shops selling tops brands along with
smaller more boutique style shops. Located on Pattaya Beach Road, this is a
venue that is very easy to find. You can easily get there by baht bus, taxi or
in your own vehicle as there is ample parking. As you would imagine, the roads
in the vicinity can get a little congested at busy periods.
In addition to the wide selection of shops
available, Central Festival offers the usual selection of restaurants, many of
which offer magnificent views across Pattaya Bay. There is also a large
department store that includes a supermarket that sells an extensive selection
of imported foods which may appeal to a varied audience. The shopping centre is
also home to a cinema with several screens airing all the latest Thai and
international movies. For many people, this is one of the main attractions and
their primary reason for visiting.
Terminal 21
Terminal 21 is the brand new shopping
centre in Pattaya that only opened in October 2018. Found on the junction
between Pattaya Second Road and North Pattaya Road, the place is easily
recognisable thanks to the plane outside. Inside, the different levels are
themed to different countries or cities such as Paris and London. Arguably,
Paris is the most striking on the ground floor as there is a large replica
Eiffel Tower running through the building.
The range of shops that are on offer is
pretty similar to Central Festival and include top Thai and international
brands. There is also the usual standard food court, a number of top
restaurants and what expats in the north of the city find appealing, a Foodland
that is open 24-hours a day. Once again you will find a multi-screen cinema
showing the latest releases with more entertainment options coming over the forthcoming
weeks and months. There is little doubt that this is a shopping centre that
will offer plenty of competition to the others that are available with many
putting the demise of some of the other options down to the place opening.
