17 August 2022

Night markets are an integral part of Thai culture. But more than simple commercial spaces, they are an authentic way to discover Thai culinary specialties, to taste the real Asian cuisine and traditional spices. They're also an opportunity to shop, find souvenirs, and share meaningful moments with the local community! Ready to explore? Follow us through the aisles of the 5 night markets you must visit in Chiang Mai…

1 – Sunday Night Market: Ideal for Shopping and Buying Souvenirs

5 Night Markets in Chiang Mai You Must Visit

Every Sunday, the Mueang Chiang Mai district comes alive at 5:00 PM, as vendors of the Sunday Night Market set up their stalls in the heart of the historic center. Once installed, these ephemeral boutiques transform the streets with colorful merchandise (clothing, jewelry, paintings, etc.). But what truly captures attention are the aromas that perfume the city streets.

Between shopping sessions, treat yourself to one of the Thai specialties featured throughout the market. Note that this market is smoke-free—so you can fully enjoy the flavors. Our tip? Wear comfortable shoes, as the Sunday Night Market is enormous. Alternatively, opt for a 30-minute foot massage for 80 baht… Will you be tempted?

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Address: Rachadamnoen Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District

Opening Hours: Sundays from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

2 – Kalare Night Bazaar: A Traditional Market Steps Away from Tha Phae Gate

5 Night Markets in Chiang Mai You Must Visit

Situated on the banks of the Ping River, the Night Bazaar is open every evening. If you're tired after a long day exploring Chiang Mai, take a tuk-tuk! Once there, lose yourself in the maze of stalls and discover wooden sculptures, jewelry, and other authentic objects crafted by local artisans. If you wish, you can even have a custom suit made for the next day!

Located just a ten-minute walk from the iconic Tha Phae Gate (the main entrance to the old town), Kalare Night Bazaar also allows you to explore the historic center.

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Address: Kalare Night Bazaar, 89, 2 Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District

Opening Hours: Daily from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

3 – Saturday Night Market Walking Street: THE Place to Taste Thai Culinary Specialties

The Saturday Night Market Walking Street is an unmissable attraction in Chiang Mai. More than just a market, it's an authentic venue where you can get closer to Thai culture. In addition to finding unique gifts (naturalized insects, on-the-spot portraits, etc.), you can explore Thai cuisine through numerous food stalls.

Our recommendations? Try the fried seafood omelet (100 baht), chicken skewers (4 skewers for 100 baht), or a Hashimaki roll (a stuffed crepe cooked on a griddle for 49 baht). If you have time, you can also sample traditional dishes at various stands. Sit down and observe local life while savoring a delicious pad Thai!

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Address: Wua Lai Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District

Opening Hours: Saturdays from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM

4 – Chiang Mai University Night Market: An Authentic Marketplace Lesser-Known to Tourists

The Chiang Mai University night market is a relatively unknown spot to foreign visitors. You'll find everything here, including Kawaii objects, highly prized in Thailand. Familiar with it? It's a world of pastel colors and adorable characters that evoke childhood. Imported from Japan, this trend is now deeply embedded in Thai culture—and comes in endless variations (figurines, mugs, keychains, etc.).

The Chiang Mai University Night Market also features plenty of small restaurants. Their tables, set along the aisles, allow you to dine at the heart of local life, as many students spend their evenings here. As befits a university market, prices are very attractive. A small snack will cost you only 20 baht (€0.50), and you can taste traditional sticky rice for 5 baht. The must-try? A spicy offal skewer, called Big Bomb!

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Address: Tambon Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District

Opening Hours: Daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM

5 – Warorot Market or Kad Luang: One of the 5 Night Markets You Must Visit in Chiang Mai

Warorot Market is one of the main food markets in Chiang Mai. As such, it offers a wide variety of fresh produce, as well as typical foods, such as dried longans (an Asian fruit similar to lychee, also called the "Dragon's Eye"), Monthong Durian Paste (a fruit paste made from durian, a tropical fruit renowned for its virtues), and spices used in traditional Thai cooking.

Wish to taste local cuisine? Indulge in a Nam Prik Ong (a Thai stir-fry based on red chilies) or Sai Oua (a spicy sausage, made with lemongrass, cilantro, chili, and padaek sauce). After satisfying your appetite, head upstairs… Indeed, the market is so vast it spans three levels! Our advice? Don't hesitate to bargain; it's all part of the experience.

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Address: Wichayanon Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District

Opening Hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Audrey Denjean

Audrey DENJEAN

SEO Web Writer, Audrey Denjean dedicates her writing to English-speaking travelers. Through her blog articles, she explores what defines a country's essence—its iconic sites, cuisine, traditions, history... Her goal? To convey far more than tourist information, but to describe an atmosphere, share anecdotes that make each country unique and inspire, after every read, a desire to explore the world.