17 Best Chiang Mai Night Market, Sunday Market Walking Street, Flea Market, Farmer’s Market.

Jun 21, 2019 | Market

MARKETS are an essential part of Chiang Mai people’s daily life and culture, a place to meet, socialize, eat and shop. Visiting the market is always a great experience – a window opened directly onto the daily life of local people.

The best way to truly know a city is to get lost inside a local market. After all, a big part of travelling is to see how people on the other side of the world live.

In Chiang Mai, there is an abundance of colourful markets. Whether it is the night market, morning market, flea market, farmer’s market etc, they are all amazing! Whether you’re looking for delicious delicacies, local handicrafts, clothes, unique souvenir, or just going for a stroll up and down the market, these bustling markets offer something for everyone!

For a taste of an authentic experience on your Chiang Mai trip, here’s the list of the 17 markets you must check out in Chiang Mai.

1. SUNDAY NIGHT MARKET WALKING STREET

Chiang Mai’s Sunday Night Market Walking Street is the best and most unique night market in Thailand.

Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market Walking Street, also known as Tha Pae Walking Street, is easily the most popular night market experience in Chiang Mai. If you get Sunday in your days here, then you must not miss this excellent night market.

The market starts at Tha Pae Gate and runs along Ratchadamnoen Road, until Wat Phra Singh in the centre of the old city for around one kilometre. The road is closed to traffic from 4.00pm creating a temporary walking street, and on sale, you’ll find a huge variety of handicrafts, souvenirs, artwork, hand made items, accessories and just about everything in between.

Aside from the shopping, the area also comes alive with food vendors, makeshift bars and roadside massage areas for a quick foot rub. Not only is it huge, but also bustling with activities and local events. Street performers at every corner are making the ambience of this market superb.

Here you can find a lot of beautiful locally-produced arts and crafts, and is surprisingly clean!

While walking, you would see people playing the guitar, some people are making sketches, some are singing, dancing and things are just going on.

Unlike many other night markets filled with imitation designer labels, Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market is a showcase of the art and craftsmanship of the Northern Thai people. Many of the stall vendors make and sell their own products, and the quality of craftsmanship is superb. If you want things made in Thailand, this is the place to go.

Be warned, though, as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chiang Mai it does get busy; I mean very busy. It is common for you to be jammed up next to people inching your way along. To get from end to end can easily take an hour even if you’re not stopping too much along the way. You will find many things here cheaper than anywhere else in Thailand, so be warned! You’ll be tempted to spend!

Sunday Night Market Walking Street

Opening Hours: 4.00pm – 11:00pm
Location: Starts at Tha Pae Gate and runs all along Ratchadamnoen Rd.

The cover area of Sunday Night Market Walking Street. You may start from either Tha Pae Gate, Wat Phra Singh, or even from Three Kings Monument (the centre).

2. JJ Market (Jing Jai Market)

Chiang Mai’s Jing Jai Market (or more commonly called the JJ Market) is a famous open-air market that combines the farmer’s market, organic market, flea market and the creative craft market at the same area.

JJ Market is a weekend morning market, opening from 7.00am to 1.00noon every Saturday and Sunday. It is located a bit outside the old town (10 minutes from the city centre) which you could take a taxi or Grab to get there.

The market sells healthy organic fruits, vegetables, and agricultural products from Chiang Mai’s highland farmers. You could also buy the local food, sit and relax in the small canteen or under the trees while enjoying the live music from the local musicians who also sing beautiful songs.

The Rustic Market held on every Sunday has the most extensive collection of handmade products in Chiang Mai.

JJ Market is not only about the products selling in the market, but also the atmosphere you could enjoy.

Other than the usual farmer and organic market for the agricultural products, every Saturday there will be the Hobby Market that sells mainly second-hand items, like a flea market. And on Sunday, the Rustic Market will be held which concentrates on creative handmade products.

Jing Jai Market (JJ Market)

Opening Hours: 7.00pm-1:00noon every Saturday and Sunday.
Location: Atsadathon Road, near Kham Thiang Flower Market and Tesco Lotus.

JJ Market is an open-air market set up at a lovely area in the shade of the big trees.

3. The Night Bazaar

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a huge collection of shops and stalls that run everyday evening from 6.00pm to 11.00pm regardless of the weather. It is located at Changklan Road, on the east side of the old city (about 10 minutes walking distance from Tha Pae Gate).

In the daytime, the area is an ordinary street full of shops, hotels, and restaurants and also several large shopping arcades running off the main street. It’s at night time though that the place really comes alive.

The night bazaar consists of many different parts, with street-side stalls selling mostly clothing and handicrafts, and a host of shopping plazas with more shops, bars, restaurants, 7-11, etc. There are also western brand places like Hard Rock Cafe, McDonald’s, Burger King, Starbucks, and Subway.

in the Night Bazaar, you’ll find a huge variety of brand name designer goods (real and fake) and local Thai goods at really low prices.

You won’t go hungry when visiting the night bazaar with many options to snack on street food, stop for a drink, or have a meal at a sit-down restaurant.

The night bazaar is entirely geared toward tourists as you won’t see a lot of locals shopping around. Here is where you can find a lot of cheap fake goods, as well as unique crafts and jewelry within the same area.

If you’re looking for a souvenir, this is definitely your go-to place with its endless options. And you can haggle with the vendors even though the prices appear cheap already by your normal standards.

Night Bazaar

Opening Hours: 6.00pm-11:00pm every day.
Location: Changklan Road, near Le Meridien Hotel and Dusit Hotel.

4. Warorot Market

Warorot Market is still a place where many locals do their everyday shopping.

The Warorot Market (or more commonly known by the local as Kad Luang) is one of the most famous landmarks in Chiang Mai. The three storey complex is the oldest and largest market in the city located at the little Chinatown area of Chiang Mai.

Warorot Market is the best place for travellers wanting to get a feel for the local way of life, searching for history, genuine feeling, local souvenirs, and great food. Targeting mostly Thais, the items sold here are cheaper than the other touristy markets. The market is like an old school shopping center where you can find almost anything here. From fresh products like fruits and vegetables to household appliances, clothing, handicrafts, fashion accessories, etc.

The ground floor’s food section is probably the most exciting area for tourists. Many come to Warorot Market for its wide selection of most authentic Northern Thailand delicacies, from the grilled sausage, pork skin, to the ready to eat curry.

At the gound floor, the selection of dry goods, packaged snack foods, northern-style fresh produce is so overwhelming.

You could also spend hours walking around the streets outside the market to see all sorts of make-shift vendors and lots of street action.

In the evening, the main street outside change to a night bazaar with food stalls and clothing. It’s an excellent place to go for an evening snack and try some Thai delicacies like fried silkworms, sour fermented sausage and a range of tropical fruits. Warorot Market opened from 5.00am to 6.00pm, but some markets stay open on the outside until midnight.

Warorot Market (Kad Luang)

Opening Hours: 5.00am-6:00pm everyday.
Location: Chang Moi Road, Chinatown area close to the Ping River.

5. Saturday Night Market (Wualai Walking Street)

Chiang Mai Saturday Night Market (also known as the Wualai Walking Street) is located at Wualai Road, which is the south-west side of the old city opposite Chiang Mai Gate (the south gate). The lively and fun night market takes place every Saturday evening from 4.00pm to 10.30pm.

The Saturday Night Market is basically a mini size Sunday Night Market — some vendors do both markets — with a smaller crowd and are less touristic. Best known for its high quality authentic northern silver and lacquer ware, unique handicrafts, local food, and traditional performances.

Same as other walking streets, there will be street entertainers and musicians playing music, singing, dancing or whatever.

The Silver Temple near the night market lit up at night.

A visit to Saturday Night Market should be combined with a visit to the Silver Temple i.e Wat Sri Suphan which is located on the same street. The entire temple is covered in silver and fully lit up in some fantastic colours that changed every few minutes. Don’t be afraid to greet the monks in this temple. On Saturday evening the temple holds a monk chat where visitors can ask questions about Buddhism and meditate with the monks.

Saturday Night Market (Wualai Walking Street)

Opening Hours: 4.00pm-10:30pm every Saturday.
Location: Wualai Road, starts from Chiang Mai Gate (Pratu Chiang Mai).

6. Nana Jungle Market

The Nana Jungle Market is a beautiful, secluded pastry market unknown to many, hidden within a forest at Suan Phailom village, Canal Road, Chiang Mai. The place is quite out of the way and only opens on Saturday 7.30am-10.30am.

This is a melting pot where Thais and expats come for the fresh-from-the-oven baguettes, croissants, brioches, tarts and a myriad of other baked items. There’re also vendors selling organic products like milk and jam.

You have to be there early to take a queue number to buy the bread and they go off the shelf very fast. They give you a number at the entrance to wait in line if you want to purchase something from the bakery as it’s super popular! Some locals arrive as early as 6.30am for a queue number.

Nana Jungle Market is one of the best places to buy bread and baked goods in Chiang Mai.

There are other interesting stalls in the market area selling fruit juices, coffee, crafts, clothing, and even bicycle-operated-smoothies.

The rest of the market is made up of stalls selling a large variety of homemade artisan products like kimchi, dairy products, yogurt, fresh fruits and vegetables, honey, etc. You may help yourself to an excellent, fresh coffee or milk and find yourself a seat on one of the benches by the lake. In addition to food, there are a few stalls selling handmade art and crafts items, and even clothing and jewelry.

Nana Jungle Market

Opening Hours: 7.30am-10:30am every Saturday.
Location: Hidden within the forest at Suan Phailom Village

7. Chang Phuak Gate Night Market

The Chang Phuak Gate Night Market is a food market open every day in the evening. No souvenirs, no T-shirts … only food. Located right opposite the Chang Phuak Gate (the north side of the old city wall), the place is extremely lively at night with the locals and tourists enjoying their dinner and midnight supper.

The market is filled up with food stalls, tables, and chairs, selling a wide range of tasty Thai dishes including noodles, soup, seafood omelet, satay, pork balls, fresh fruit juices, crepes, and Thai desserts. Food is served to eat in or take away. Prices are incredibly cheap with most dishes around 40-50 Baht.

Chang Phuak Gate Night Market is one of the best places for street food in Chiang Mai.

The market offers a variety of seafood, meats or vegetables from which you can choose.

Very near this market, there is a famous jazz club, called The North Gate Jazz Co-Op. It is a very casual and friendly place that plays good live music in a great atmosphere. It’s definitely a great place to hang out with a cold beer if you want to try something different in Chiang Mai.

Chang Phuak Gate Night Market

Opening Hours: 5.00pm-midnight every day.
Location: Opposite Chang Phuak Gate (The North side of the Old City wall).

8. Siri Wattana (Thanin) Market

Siri Wattana Market, commonly called the Thanin Market by the locals, is a combination of a food market, a meat market, and a food court in the same area. It is located at Santitham, a fairly local part of town away from the touristy areas.

Thanin Market is a regular neighbourhood market that sells fresh produce and where the locals go for a quick and delicious meal. The market serves a range of take-away Thai dishes, and many you can enjoy then and there. Most people coming to Thanin Market are more of the local residents, and with only a few curious tourists explore the fascinating foodscape.

Thanin Market is most busy in the early morning and after work evening time. Plenty of locals coming here to purchase fresh takeaway meal like packaged curries, noodles, cooked rice, fresh vegetables, and fruits. Most meals only cost between 20-50 Baht.

This salad bar in Thanin Market sells fantastic customizable salads and a long list of ingredients to choose from.

If you like a sit-down meal then there is a food court adjacent to the fresh market selling just about every Thai meal going. The duck noodle is the most popular here. Best to come for breakfast (or brunch) as it gets really busy here during lunchtime.

Siri Wattana (Thanin) Market

Opening Hours: 6.00am-8.00pm every day.
Location: Chang Phuak Rd, around 1km north of Chang Phuak Gate.

9. Kad Na Mor (Malin Plaza)

Kad Na Mor, (sometimes referred to as Malin Plaza) is a night market located right outside the Chiang Mai University. Every evening from 6.00pm the market will be swamped with lots of young people from the university.

The night market is all about food, cosmetic products, and trendy accessories at a very low price (student price). There are over a hundred shops and stalls selling cheap clothing, shoes, beauty products, electronic gadgets, smoothies, and delicious food.

Although Kad Na Mor is very crowded, the market atmosphere is relaxed. While it is one of the most popular night markets in Chiang Mai for the locals, you will not see a lot of foreigners here.

Kad Na Mor often attracts a big crowd of student from the nearby Chiang Mai University.

Kad Na Mor has a large food area with Thai dishes, snacks, fruit juices, and smoothies. You can also find some cheap and popular restaurants serving mostly Korean or Japanese cuisine at the dedicated food court.

If you are coming back to the city from visiting Doi Suthep, i.e., a popular mountain-temple, you may stop by this market for dinner because the area is just at the foothill of the mountain.

Kad Na Mor

Opening Hours: 6.00pm-10.00pm every day.
Location: In front of Chiang Mai University, Huaykaew Road.

10. Baan Kang Wat Morning Market

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At Baan Kang Wat handicrafts such as costumes, pottery, plantations, silver ornaments, fabrics and so on could be found.

Baan Kang Wat itself is a picturesque artisan village consists of art galleries, cafes, studios, library, shops, and beautiful gardens. You can easily spend half a day here sitting at the garden cafe sipping a cup of coffee and do nothing because the atmosphere here is so relaxing.

The area surrounding Baan Kang Wat is also popular with local and foreign tourists as it is where the famous Wat Umong (tunnel-temple) is situated.

Baan Kang Wat Sunday Market

Opening Hours: 8.00am-1.00noon every Sunday.
Location: Hang Dong area, near Wat Umong.

11. Rincome Night Market

Rincome Night Market (in Thai: Kad Rincome) is a small and cozy night market situated next to MAYA Shopping Center, opening everyday evening from 6.00pm till midnight.

Kad Rincome is a very lively night market with live entertainment which often attracts a huge crowd, mainly the young locals. The shopping experience here may not be as interesting as the Night Bazaar, or the Sunday Night Market, but the vibe and atmosphere here are definitely on another level.

There is a great variety of food sold here, with Thai, and Korean style to choose from. Tables and chairs are arranged at the center of the market area. You can enjoy your dinner (or just a cold beer) while sitting there listening to the live music under the night sky with the beautiful hanging light bulbs decoration.

The stage at Kad Rincome with live entertainment. Great place to chill out of an evening.

Kad Rincome is not a tourist-oriented market like the Night Bazaar. You won’t see a lot of signs in English. The market is targeting mainly the locals, but of course, foreign tourists are very much welcomed.

Rincome Night Market (Kad Rincome)

Opening Hours: 6.00pm-11.00pm everyday.
Location: Beside MAYA Shopping Centre.

12. Kham Thiang Flower Market

Kham Thiang Flower Market is a beautiful plant, seeds, and gardener’s supplies market hidden away from the touristic part of Chiang Mai city.

It is the biggest garden market in Northern Thailand and the most organized one where you can find almost everything in plant material and accessories for gardening. The market is made up of acres of nurseries, and tens of gardening shops with a great display of colourful tropical plants and fragrant flowers that would make you feel that you’re in the flora park instead of a market.

Plants and flowers are probably things you won’t pack in your suitcase, but it’s yet another picturesque market and well worth a visit. Or you may buy some flower or vegetable seeds in the small packet for your garden back at home or as a souvenir.

This market has many shops and nurseries. You can find a huge diversity of tropical plant and flower species here.

With its extensive display of colourful plants and fragrant flowers, Kham Thiang Flower Market is a photographer’s paradise.

Kham Thiang Flower Market is situated behind the Tesco Lotus Shopping Center and doesn’t really attract a lot of foreign tourists. The market is very close to Jing Jai Weekend Farmer’s Market (JJ Market). You may combine your visit to these two marketplaces on the same day over the weekend.

Kham Thiang Flower Market

Opening Hours: 9.00am-6.00pm every day.
Location: Behind TESCO Lotus at the Superhighway.

13. Chiang Mai Gate Night Market

Chiang Mai Gate Night Market is a food market opens daily in the evening from 6.00pm till midnight. It’s very similar to Chang Phuak Gate Night Market but with more variety of snacks, and the area is bigger with more seatings.

Actually, there are two markets at Chiang Mai Gate. Early in the morning, there is a fresh market at the semi-open hall where locals shop for their meat and produce. If you come as early as 6.00am, you will see some monks making their morning alms around and collecting food at the market.

While in the evening, the streets outside the fresh market are transformed into a busy night market made up of almost 50 food stalls selling a different kind of local dishes at a very low price. The most popular food here is the grilled seafood stall which often surrounded by the regular crowd plus curious tourists.

The night market is the start of Saturday Night Market. Be prepared for a large crowd if you are visiting on Saturday.

Chiang Mai Gate Night Market has a wide variety of foods, both actual meals and snacks.

The food and smoothies sold here are a little cheaper than the Night Bazaar and Chang Phuak Gate Night Market. Do note that Chiang Mai Gate Night Market is extremely busy on Saturday because the area is also the starting point of Saturday Night Market (Wualai Walking Street). So if you are coming on Saturday be prepared for the bigger crowd.

Chiang Mai Gate Night Market

Opening Hours: 6.00pm-midnight every day.
Location: Chiang Mai Gate, southern side of the old city wall.

14. Cham Cha Market

Cham Cha Market is a weekend flea market at San Kamphaeng District, around 7km to the west of downtown Chiang Mai. The place is a quiet little neighbourhood away from the city’s touristy locations.

Cham Cha Market is truly a makers’ market where you can explore the unique craftworks of the talented artisans. Discover the locally designed fashion, textiles, handcrafted jewellery and accessories. The small market is set up under a giant tree with ample shade for a very relaxing atmosphere.

There are also stalls and a cafe selling delicious snacks, cake, pizza, and fresh juices. Sometimes there will be live entertainment next to the small cafe, where there are tables and chairs for the dining in guests.

Cham Cha Market is a small flea market with around 30 stalls only.

Most merchandises are handmade unique craftworks with trendy design.

Cham Cha Market is not really a foreign tourist-oriented market as most people visiting the place are the locals. Wear comfortable shoes with visiting because the market is set up at a gravel garden.

Cham Cha Market

Opening Hours: 9.00am-2.00noon every Saturday and Sunday.
Location: San Kamphaeng, next to Meena Rice-Based Cuisine.

15. Ton Payom Market

Ton Payom Market (sometimes called Suthep Market) is a small neighbourhood fresh market located a little bit outside of central Chiang Mai, but still not too far away.

This is a market the locals get their daily fresh ingredients supplies of vegetables and fruit, together with the freshly cooked food, dried fruit and household items. For tourists, this is where they can buy fresh fruits or salad other than what the hotel can provide.

Ton Payom Market is very famous for its local products like the northern-style sausage, fried pig skin, and the green chilli paste. These are the products Thai tourists from the other provinces would buy as souvenirs. They may look strange, but be sure to give it a try.

Ton Payom Market is famous for its Chiang Mai food and northern specialities like this Sai Oua sausage.

The market is the main source of fresh fruits and vegetables for the locals in the neighbourhood.

Ton Payom Market is totally in a Thai setting so don’t expect people to speak English or have your particular western ingredient available. The market doesn’t attract a lot of foreign tourists, but if you happen to visit the nearby Wat Suan Dok, a beautiful ancient temple, feel free to drop by this local market.

Ton Payom Market

Opening Hours: 8.00am-5.00pm every day.
Location: At the junction of Suthep Rd. and Canal Rd., behind Chiang Mai University.

16. Thung Fa Bot Market (Kad Ngua)

Thung Fa Bot Market (locals call it Kad Ngua, means The Buffaloes Market) is a Saturday morning market at San Pa Tong District. Originally a small marketplace for trading cows and buffaloes, the market has grown into the biggest livestock market in Northern Thailand as well as for anything from household items to local produce, grocery, used vehicle, pet, furniture and everything in between.

Kad Ngua is the place to feel the real rural Thailand atmosphere and see the generations-old way of life and culture. The market is huge and vibrant, always with a big crowd as many farmers and locals do their once a week shopping here. Aside from the buffaloes and cows, there are a lot of cockfighting roosters too.

Thung Fa Bot Market is also known as Kad Ngua by the locals and widely referred to as Sanpatong Buffaloes Market.

Anything and everything can be bought here, you just have to find it in the mass of stores.

Kad Ngua is not really a tourist-oriented market so don’t expect merchandise like trendy souvenirs, hipster pants or cafe here. Instead, try some local Thai food, stock up on fresh fruit and bring back a handcrafted wooden cattle bell.

San Pa Tong District is located on the outskirt of Chiang Mai city. A songthaew ride (yellow songthaew) to the area would take around 30 minutes. When visiting Doi Inthanon National Park you may make a short stop at the market because it is located at halfway of the journey.

Kad Ngua is the real rural market to see the old way of life and culture of northern Thai people going about their business.

Thung Fa Bot Market (Kad Ngua)

Opening Hours: 6.00am-12.00noon every Saturday.
Location: San Pa Tong District.

17. Ploen Ruedee Night Market

Ploen Ruedee Night Market is located very close to the Night Bazaar. It’s more than a night market, more like a vibrant food court with lots of food stalls, plenty of beers and some really good live entertainment, from live bands singing to the martial art shows.

Ploen Ruedee is a bustling international food park which has brought the best of Chiang Mai’s popular restaurants together e.g. Burger Box, Wrap & Roll, Mr Milk Man and Le Gusto pizza etc., under the same night sky. In the middle of the market is a large country-style seating area to sit on and surrounded by food trucks selling sushi, pizza, burgers and more. There are also many bars serving cocktails and beer.

This night market is a little bit more westernised than the others. It has more of an upscale vibe with upscale food compared to the typical night markets. The price here is a bit more expensive than the others but not by much.

Ploen Ruedee Night Market is a cool, modern space that perfectly compliments the delicious international cuisines.

Ploen Ruedee Night Market is so close to the Night Bazaar you may combine your visit to these two markets on the same day. Both night markets are geared toward tourists, but Ploen Ruedee has a much better festival feel that it attracts a huge crowd of regular locals too.

Ploen Ruedee Night Market

Opening Hours: 6.00pm-midnight Monday-Saturday, closed on Sunday.
Location: Changklan Rd., near Night Bazaar.