Going to the morning market at the 100-Year-Old Market by Pak Phanang River, Thailand, is a fabulous experience of local life by the river.
Experience Local Life at This Historic Riverside Market
Morning at Pak Phanang Old Market
Arriving in Pak Phanang at 11:30 a.m., we realized we had arrived a bit later, as the morning market was winding down for the day.
Despite this, visiting the 100-year-old Pak Phanang Old Market is still a fantastic way to experience local life by the river.
A Glimpse of Local Life at Pak Phanang Market
This century-old market primarily caters to locals and offers an authentic glimpse into how the community starts their day by getting fresh produce from riverside vendors.
The market area is located between two buildings with a narrow alley connecting them.
Though nothing much was happening when we arrived, with locals walking through and motorcycles passing by, the atmosphere still gave us a sense of local charm.
As we wandered, we noticed a large wooden sign that likely said, “100-Year-Old Pak Phanang Old Market”—a name we could only guess due to the language barrier.
Unique Riverside Market Experience
The Pak Phanang Old Market is different from modern hypermarkets where many of us buy our groceries.
Despite the presence of fresh seafood, the area is surprisingly dry and free from the typical fishy smell found in some local markets.
This calm riverside location offers a peaceful yet bustling market experience.
Exploring the Alley and Food Stalls
To enter the market, you walk through a tiny lane, past a steep metal staircase between two buildings.
The alley opens up, brightening as it nears the river.
Here, food stalls line the path, offering a wide variety of cooked dishes, fragrant curries, and local snacks.
Vendors sell everything from soya bean sheets and fried soya products to freshly packed soup dishes in small plastic bags.
At this historic market, which has been operating for over a century, vendors still carry fresh fish by the river and sell vegetables and fruits.
It’s clear that this market has deep roots in the community and reflects the traditions of Pak Phanang.
Pak Phanang Retro Market and the Local Lifestyle
The Pak Phanang Retro Market, located along Khlong Bang Chanak, showcases the traditional folkways of the local people.
If you enjoy exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, the Pak Phanang and Laem Talumphuk districts in Nakhon Si Thammarat are must-see locations.
A Historical Fishing Village
Pak Phanang, an old fishing village and trading settlement, has a rich history dating back centuries.
The district’s name translates to “sheltered mouth,” referring to the mouth of the Pak Phanang River, which is protected from the open sea by a long peninsula.
This geographical feature, known as Laem Talumphuk, formed by sand deposited by northward currents, is one of the most striking aspects of the area.
The entrance to the market is through a tiny lane.
The large wooden sign straddles two buildings.
Look how narrow the alley is! There’s even a metal staircase between the two buildings—you might fancy climbing down the steep steps.
The alley opens after a short stroll and brightens close to the river.
Food stalls sell all sorts of cooked dishes and fragrant curries.
This lady is selling soya bean sheets and fried soya products.
How about some takeaway breakfast noodles for the little boy?
Another hawker is selling soya bean sheets, which must be popular here.
She’s selling some soup dishes, all pre-packed in small plastic bags.
This is where it all began by the Pak Phanang River, where the traders plied their wares a century ago.
A woman was carrying fish.
Riverside view.
They were selling vegetables by the river.
Vegetable and fruit seller.
Blog Disclosure:
This is a sponsored blog post, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you, Tourism Authority of Thailand, for the wonderful travel blog invitation!
