WHICH CHIANG MAI MARKET IS BEST FOR YOU?
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The two biggest attractions in Chiang Mai are definitely the city’s many, many temples and the numerous markets. Whether you are in town for just a couple days or for several months, you are sure to visit a market (or more likely many).
It can be confusing to know what the difference between the various markets is and which you absolutely need to see. No worry – during my four weeks in Chiang Mai I checked out most of the more popular markets – and I am happy to share what I have learned with you.
Read on for a short description of the markets (day or night) that I recommend for your trip. I even included a couple that I didn’t manage to check out myself (marked with an *). You would think 4 weeks is long enough to see them all but apparently not. On the other hand I did manage to hit the Sunday Night market four times!
Night Markets
Thailand – and Chiang Mai – is especially known for its night markets. No wonder, as it gets hot during the day and browsing for souvenirs and eating delicious food is more fun when you are not ready to drop from the heat!
Even better, night markets are one of Chiang Mai’s best inexpensive activities as they often offer live music, shows, and of course great people watching. As long as you can resist buying too many souvenirs spending the evening at a market is a great way to stay within your budget (check out how much I spent during my time in Chiang Mai to get a better idea for your own trip planning).
#1 Sunday Night Market
If you look at any info about Chiang Mai, the Sunday Night Market will be the first that pops up. This event is the big deal in Chiang Mai. It stretches pretty much from Thae Pa Gate (the gate at the Eastern wall of Old Town) along Rachadamneon Road half-way across the city. No need to worry about the exact location – if you get anywhere close you won’t miss it!
As the name implies, this market is only on Sundays. Officially it starts at 6 pm, but I highly recommend to come early (no later than 5 pm and maybe earlier) if you don’t love huge crowds!
In addition to selling pretty much any souvenir you might want, there is also live entertainment (mostly centered at the Tha Phae Gate and the Three Kings Memorial) and lots of food, so much food. You can buy various treats not only along the street but especially inside temple grounds. Check out my other post to see everything I ate at the Sunday Night Market.
Verdict: Do not miss this huge party if you are in town on a Sunday night.
# 2 Night Bazaar
Located a couple of blocks to the East of Old Town, the Night Bazaar runs along Changklan Road and stretches into various side courts/alleys. To find it, just head towards the Marriott (easily seen once you get closer).
The Night Bazaar (and its various smaller side-markets) takes place every night. I would avoid it on Sunday Night as it is much smaller then with most vendors having moved to the Walking Street. Go ahead and join them there!
On the walkway along the main street you can buy the usual stuff: elephant pants, tea, souvenirs. It is fairly crowded and narrow. However, you will find many more vendors (and more importantly food stalls) in the smaller markets branching off to the sides.
I ate dinner most nights at Phaploen Market as it was right across the street
Don’t miss Anusarn Market and my favorites, Phaploen Market and Khao Soi Night, with daily live music.
Verdict: This is the place to go if it is not the weekend.
# 3 Wuai Lai Walking Street Saturday Market
In the late afternoon the Saturday Walking Street is still quiet but will soon get crowded
In any other city, this extensive market stretching from just south of Chiang Mai Gate (that’s the one on the southern side of Old Town) would be a big deal. And it is a big event in Chiang Mai as well but does take a back seat to the even bigger event on Sunday.
A visit to the Saturday Night Market can be combined with the nearby Silver Temple
For the most part it is fairly similar with loads of souvenirs and plenty of food offerings. Still, personally I give the Sunday Night Market in Old Town the edge. There is just more going on (with shows and music) and Old Town is just so pretty. But if Saturday works better for you this is a great alternative.
Verdict: A solid choice though maybe not quite as atmospheric as Sunday’s market.
# 4 University Night Market*
Chiang Mai University is always fun to visit
This nightly market along Huay Kaew Road is geared towards the local college students. Expect a more authentic market focused on inexpensive food and affordable (second-hand) clothes.
Verdict: A more authentic and affordable alternative with a young vibe
# 5 Nimman Night Market*
One Nimman is popular with tourists, expats, and digital nomads
I never made it here but based on the location this is a clean, modern, and somewhat upscale market. It is centered near the One Nimman mall. The only reason I never checked it out is that I was based at the other side of town and it was too much of a hassle to go there (especially as the Night Bazaar was right outside my door).
Verdict: A solid choice if you are in the area
Day Markets
Night markets get all the hype, but there are plenty of day-time markets that are worth your time. They often offer a more authentic/local vibe. Make sure to visit at least one!
# 6 Waroros Market/Ton Lam Yai Market
Waroros Market has many stalls selling dried fruits, tea, souvenirs, food, and fabrics
This market (or more accurately these two markets) are not outdoor. They are located to the left (Waroros) and right (Ton Lam Yai) of Wichayanon Road, just a couple blocks north of the Night Bazaar and close to the river.
Waroros Market is the best place to buy dried fruit and nuts
Here you will find many stalls selling fabrics, clothing, souvenirs, foods, and dried fruit during the day (6 am to 5 pm). Both markets are busy, crowded, and fairly touristy. However, you will also find plenty of locals and they are far less frenzied than the night markets.
One of the best things I ate in Chiang Mai – the meat is scrumptious
Upstairs there is a food court with a good variety at very reasonable prices (I loved their sun-dried pork).
There are also many gold/jewelry and clothing shops (I bought my elephant pants here) as well as food stalls right along Wichayanon Road so you should be able to get all your shopping done here.
Verdict: Your best bet to do some serious shopping at good prices
# 7 Yunnan Flea Market
I found this market by accident as it is far less well known than the others. The only reason I stumbled on it was that it takes place right across from the apartment I stayed in. It actually is on the same site as Phaploen Market in the Night Bazaar Area (and on the lot across the street).
Yunnan Flea Market is quite different from the others on this list. The name “Flea Market” is a bit misleading. It mostly caters to locals (and Asian tourists) and the main offerings are vegetables, produce, and other foods.
Yunnan Flea Market takes place on Friday mornings ONLY. And with mornings, I mean from early on. It opens around 5 am (supposedly, I did not manage to get there that early) and ends by noon.
Yunnan Flea Market offers affordable and tasty Chinese food
This was by far the most exotic/different market I went to during my stay in Chiang Mai. I didn’t need bulk vegetables, but did buy some snacks. If you are getting tired of markets geared almost exclusively to tourists, this is the place to go.
Verdict: A great, authentic experience if you manage to get up early enough
# 8 Coconut Market*
In contrast, the Coconut Market is basically a tourist attraction. Great for Instagram photos, it offers a variety of foods and chic souvenirs in a beautiful setting.
This market runs only on weekends from 8 am to 3 pm and is located quite a bit to the North-East of town, north of Central Mall. Best to take a Grab.
The limited hours and the distance stopped me from getting there even though I really wanted to check it out. Hopefully you will manage your time better!
Verdict: Pretty and much calmer than the other markets
Are you planning your trip and don’t know what part of town to stay in? Check out my advice on the best areas and hotels for a first visit to Chiang Mai!
Which market(s) should you go to?
Night markets are great for people (and dog) watching
I am sure there are plenty of other (local) markets well worth a visit but these are the big ones (or at least the ones I visited and heard of).
But which ones should you go to if you are not in town for weeks and have only time for one or two? Here is my recommendation:
| If you are in town on Sunday night | Sunday Night Market |
| If you are in town on Saturday night | Saturday Walking Street |
| If you want see a night market Mon to Fri | Night Bazaar |
| If you want to do some serious shopping | Waroros Market |
| If you want a more authentic experience | Yunnan Flea Market |
| If you are looking for a young vibe | University Night Market |
| If you want a pretty, posh version | Coconut Market |
The experience varies quite a bit depending on the market you go to so I recommend checking out at least two. Be aware that most of these markets are fairly crowded and a bit frenetic. If that is a concern, try to get to the market early and concentrate more on the less busy areas (e.g. around the Three Kings Monument for the Sunday Night Market).
I am not kidding – it does get extremely crowded
Top Tips for Checking out a Chiang Mai (Night) Market
- Come early before the crowds set in
- Bring cash in small bills (often 1,000 baht bills are not accepted)
- Watch your valuables (or just don’t bring them)
- Stick to the rules (e.g. no smoking or alcohol at the Sunday Night Market)
- Check out side alleys/courtyards (these are often less crowded)
- Try some local food (but best stay away from outdoor sushi)
- Don’t force yourself (if the crowds are too much take a break or cut it short)
The Sunday Night Market is quite an event, with various shows and special effects nearby
Final Thoughts
(Night) Markets are a Chiang Mai highlight that no visitor should miss. They are part of any itinerary as they should be. However, please be aware that they can be very crowded. Like Disneyworld during fireworks crowded. If you struggle with crowds, either choose a smaller, local market or get there early so you are done before the streets get clogged up.
Above all, remember to have fun!
