Shopping is the most essential itinerary of any kind of vacation. To know more about that place’s lifestyle, culture, and regular life, there is no need to read any more books or guides or hire a local guide or anything. One can just take a stroll through the lively markets! You will get to know everything necessary in those streets than on any of the pages.
The most unique thing about shopping in Thailand is its concept of Night Market. Chiang Mai too has some of the most famous markets. You can go on your sightseeing tours in the morning and then from 6 PM you can shop till you literally drop! Most of the shops are open until 11:30 PM and some of them, even beyond midnight.
From daily kitchen essentials to hand made elegant silk, precious antique items to latest fashion clothing; you get everything here. These places are especially famous for their Street Food. The vibrant colors, the delicious smell, the heat, the crowded stalls, everything is an experience that should never be missed during one’s visit to Thailand. And if you are in Chiang Mai, then you should never miss these.
We have collated a few of the best Chiang Mai Night Bazaars to make it easier for you. Have fun!
PS: Don’t forget to check your items thoroughly before the final payment!
1. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar:
This is one of the main and the biggest night markets in Chiang Mai. It is very difficult to demarcate the beginning and the end of this market. Just head to the junction of Chang Khlan Road and Loi Kroh Road. This is where the market lies and spreads approximately two blocks on either side of the junction.
Hundreds of stalls fill this place and all of this comes alive at once. It is definitely a must-have on your itinerary of Chiang Mai Night Markets. You will get everything from CDs to slippers, sunglasses to sports accessories. This place is known for handicrafts and paintings. The rates of the goods are not fixed and hence be prepared and gather all your energy to bargain to the max.
Though there is less number of food stalls when compared to the other night markets, one should try the Thai Seafood in this area without fail! To add to this, some live Thailand dance and Music shows also are showcased in the streets to entertain the crowd.
Location: Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100
Timings: 6 PM to 11 PM
2. Sunday Night Market:
This market is known as the infamous Walking Street which is located right opposite to the great Wat Phra Singh, the second most popular temple in Chiang Mai.
Right to its name, this place opens only on Sundays. As it is, the markets here are very crowded and given it is on a weekend, it will look like the whole population of the city is in this market. It will take you hours to just browse through the market. The choices of things to buy are endless. You might literally lose your mind thinking about what to finalize for your purchases. Here as well, bargaining is a must!
Regarding food, you will get everything, from the world-famous sticky mango rice to a variety of fried insects! If you have time to visit only one of Chiang Mai’s Night Markets then this Sunday Night Market is the best of the lot as it has everything a Night Market in Chiang Mai has.
Location: Tha Pae to Ratchadamnoen Road, Chiang Mai Old City
Timings: 4 PM to 12 AM
3. Kalare Night Market:
One of the most visited markets in Chiang Mai, always brimming with colorful liveliness and vibrance. This too has hundreds of varieties of stalls selling hand made jewelry, fine silk, fashion accessories, kitchen necessities, various art pieces, and many more.
However, the most unique thing about this Night Market is its Open-air dining zone. Unlike Chiang Mai Night Bazaar this market is famous for its delicious food stalls which operate based on coupon systems. The atmosphere and enthusiasm is no less. They too have cultural performances happening quite often which is also one of the reasons why tourists are attracted to this market more and more.
Location: Chang Khlan Road, Chang Khlan Subdistrict, Chiang Mai
Timings: 6 PM to 12 AM
4. Saturday Walking Street:
Another famous weekend night market! Locally known as the Wualai Walking Street, owing to the location the market is in. This is another one of those markets which are never dull. It’s just a hop-skip and jumps distance away from Chiang Mai Old City, making it one of the prime locations for shopping.
This Chiang Mai Night Market is known for its artworks, handicrafts, musical instruments, and the delightful local Thai Food. You will also find some portrait cafes where you can get your portrait done and help encourage their works as well. This market is a bit relaxed when compared to the main Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. And hence, some of them would prefer this night market to that. The streets also have massage parlors which will be the best ending to your tiring day!
Location: Wualai Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Timings: 5 PM to 10 PM
5. Warorot Market:
A breath of fresh air from all the other Chiang Mai Night Markets!
The difference between Warorot Market and other night markets is that the stalls at the other markets are side by side but here they are one top of another. Yes, you read it right. Warorot Market is a complex of three floors with jam-packed stalls at every nook and corner and outside the complex too. The locals call it the Kad Luang – The Big Market.
This is a food lover’s paradise. The market welcomes all with food. The ground floor and the first floor are dedicated to food. One can clearly see the preparation from scratch. The welcoming aroma is extremely hard to say no to. The next two floors are completely filled with clothes and fashion accessories. This place is also cheaper compared to the other touristy markets so don’t think twice about buying those extra pairs of accessories, just go for it!
Location: Chang Moi Road, close to the River Ping, north of Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Timings: 5 AM to 6 PM (some stalls are open till 11 PM)
6. Ton Lamyai Market:
This is undoubtedly the most beautiful market of them all! Chiang Mai’s flower market. Located right next to Warorot Market, this mesmerizing Chiang Rai Night Market is one of its kind. Small stalls full of colorful flowers, and the fragrance they spread are an unparalleled experience to both the olfactory and the optical senses.
The sight of a fresh bunch of roses, vans de-loading freshly cut orchids, the bouquet making in progress, and many many more activities and flowers everywhere you turn is an extremely soul-satisfying sight. Talat Tonlamyai is the only place to get fresh flowers in central Chiang Mai and hence this is a place of constant hustle and bustle.
Come here during the wee hours to escape some crowds and enjoy the walk of your life!
Location: Thanon Praisani, running alongside the river
Timings: Round the clock (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Final Thought:
Above mentioned are some of the best Chiang Mai Night Markets. If you don’t want to purchase anything also it is fine, just take a stroll through these places to know more about their culture and their lifestyle. This is one of the most important itineraries in anybody’s vacation bucket list. Most essentially, getting to know the local traditions and the way of life is a must during any vacation! So, don’t forget to pack some extra shopping bags! You will definitely need it.