Planning a visit in Northern Thailand? Apart from the stunning temples and delicious food, you can’t miss out on Chiang Mai night market! But when staying only a few days in town, it can be hard to know which one to choose.
That’s right, Chiang Mai is home to several night markets with food stalls, endless souvenirs to shop for, and cultural performances that will make your trip even more unique.
I spent 3 years in town and I visited pretty much all night markets in Chiang Mai, but this guide is all about the best ones! Ready? I can’t wait to tell you everything about it!
Top 10 Chiang Mai Night Markets to Visit
Chiang Mai boasts countless exciting night markets, each with its own unique charm and offerings. From the largest and most popular to the hidden gems, there’s something for everyone at these bustling bazaars.
Here’s a curated list of the top 10 night markets in Chiang Mai that you shouldn’t miss. You’ll find everything from street food vendors to eye-catching handicrafts, ensuring a memorable night market adventure!
Sunday Night Walking Street (Tha Phae Walking Street)
Address: Rachadamnoen Rd, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Opening times: Every Sunday from 5.00 PM – 10.30 PM
Location on Google Maps
The Chiang Mai Sunday Market, also known as the Sunday Night Walking Market or the Sunday Walking Street Market, is the largest and most popular night market in Chiang Mai.
Needless to say, this is one place that you can’t skip when preparing your travel plan around Thailand.
Located on Ratchadamnoen Road, opposite the famous Tha Phae Gate (or Wat Phra Singh temple, depending on where you come from n town), this bustling market offers an incredible array of local crafts, delicious food, and lively performances to enjoy.
As you wander through the vibrant market, you’ll be captivated by the talented street musicians, colorful handicrafts, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked Thai dishes.
The market opens at 5.00PM every Sunday, but I recommend coming around 5.30PM before all the tourist crowds arrive so you can shop peacefully. Also, at 6.00PM, they’ll play Thailand’s national anthem and everyone will freeze listening to the song – what an experience!
Saturday Wualai Walking Street Market
Address: 69 Wua Lai Rd, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Opening times: Every Saturday from 5.00 PM – 11.00 PM
Location on Google Maps
Just outside the Old Town walls lies the vibrant Saturday Wualai Walking Street Market. This bustling market, held every Saturday from 5 pm to 11 pm, offers a mix of handmade goods, food stalls, and local entertainment.
It’s the second most popular night market in Chiang Mai, and the food and other items are the same as the Sunday night market, which is something to consider.
The market unfolds an enticing variety of:
- Packaged food and sauces
- Condiments for Thai delicacies
- Local snacks, sweets, and fruits
- Souvenirs, clothes, and much more
As you explore the Sunday market, you’ll find that it is less crowded than the Sunday night market, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a more relaxed shopping experience.
Ploen Ruedee Chiang Mai Night Market
Address: 28/3-4 Changklan Rd, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Opening times: Every day from 6 pm–12 am expect on Saturdays
Location on Google Maps
For a modern and fun night market experience, the Ploen Ruedee Night Market is a great option. This popular market, mainly open-air, offers a fantastic food-oriented atmosphere that attracts both backpackers and families alike, making it one of the best night markets in the area.
The food market features live entertainment, a huge dancing area, and a queue at the bar, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere for visitors. Most of the street food vendors operate out of permanent carts or containers, ensuring a clean and organized market experience.
The market opens from Monday to Saturday from 6.00PM to 11.00PM, and it’s not far from Tha Phae Gate, so why not adding to your itinerary on a Friday or Saturday night?
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Address: Changklan Rd, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Opening times: Every day from 5.00PM to 12.00 AM
Location on Google Maps
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar used to be a very popular night market before the pandemic, during which it closed down, but it has now reopened and you’ll find lots of delicious food and items to shop for.
Located just east of Old Town at the intersection of Changklan and Loi Kroh Roads, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a vibrant market offering a wide array of shopping options. Some of the items you can find at this lively market include:
- Handicrafts
- Clothes
- Accessories
- Souvenirs
The good thing about the night bazaar is that it opens every day so it doesn’t matter when you’re in town as there will be vendors waiting for you! While here, I recommend stopping at Little Istanbul for a great Turkish meal. I used to eat there all the time and it’s delicious!
The market’s appeal lies in the sheer diversity of goods on offer, ensuring a unique and exciting shopping experience for visitors.
Open daily from 5 pm to midnight, the Night Bazaar is the perfect destination for an evening of shopping, dining, and exploring after taking a long day tour out from Chiang Mai.
Chang Puak Gate Food Night Market
Address: 248/70 Manee Nopparat Rd, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Opening times: Every day from 5.00PM – 12.00PM
Location on Google Maps
If you’re a food enthusiast, the Chang Puak Gate Food Night Market is an ideal destination. Located at the Chiang Mai Gate, this market specializes in street food, offering a variety of local dishes at incredibly affordable prices.
The market is renowned for its famous Khao moo dish, served by the legendary Lady in the Cowboy Hat. In addition to this mouthwatering specialty, you can enjoy a wide selection of other dishes, including:
- Noodle soup
- Pork balls
- Seafood
- Refreshing fruit juices
With hot food starting from only 50 Baht and fruit for 20 THB, you can feast without worrying about your budget!
Chiang Mai University Chiang Mai Night Market
Address: Huay Kaew Rd, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Opening times: Every day from 5.00PM – 11.00PM
Location on Google Maps
The Chiang Mai University Night Market (locally known as CMU Market), a local favorite among Chiang Mai markets, features an extensive range of fashion, food, and entertainment choices. Located near the main campus entrance, the market caters to university students, offering Thai fashions, jewelry, electronics, and dorm room decor at affordable prices.
The bustling market is filled with Thai students in their uniforms, enjoying traditional Thai noodles and other delicious dishes. The food options are much cheaper than those found in other more central night markets, making it a great place to enjoy an authentic and budget-friendly night out in Chiang Mai.
Kalare Night Bazaar
Address: Changklan Rd, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Opening times: Every day from 5.00PM to 11.30PM
Location on Google Maps
For a distinctive shopping experience, consider visiting Kalare Night Bazaar, a vast arcade-style market with numerous stalls right next to Chiang Mai night bazaar.
This undercover market offers a wide range of clothing, jewelry, and souvenir options, as well as one of the best street food centers of any Chiang Mai night market.
At Kalare Night Bazaar, you’ll find all types of food, including the exotic scorpions on a stick for 100 Baht. The market also features a global food court, offering Italian, Japanese, and Indian options at low prices.
With its diverse food and shopping options, Kalare Night Bazaar is an exciting destination for visitors looking to explore Chiang Mai’s vibrant night market scene.
Anusarn Night Market
Address: Changklan Rd, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Opening times: Every day from 5.00PM to 11.00PM
Location on Google Maps
Located near the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Anusarn Night Market is an exciting undercover night market. Open seven days a week, this lively market features numerous stalls selling crafts, souvenirs, and clothing, ensuring a unique shopping experience for visitors.
In addition to the shopping options, Anusarn Night Market also boasts Chill Square, a well-lit and clean food court with multiple food outlets and a couple of bars to buy a refreshing beer. With its lively atmosphere and diverse offerings, Anusarn Night Market is the perfect place to spend an evening exploring Chiang Mai’s night market scene.
One Nimman White Market / Rincome Night Market
Address: 1 Nimmanahaeminda Road, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Opening times: Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 3.00PM to 10.00PM
Location on Google Maps
One Nimman White Market and Rincome Night Market are two connected markets offering artisan goods, food, and live entertainment. One Nimman White Market is open every Friday night between 5 pm and 10 pm, while Rincome Night Market is open daily (except Sunday) from 5 pm till midnight.
As you explore these exciting markets, you’ll discover a fantastic selection of:
- arts
- crafts
- fashion
- souvenirs
The markets also boast an incredible variety of food options, ensuring a memorable night out for all visitors. Don’t miss the chance to experience the unique atmosphere and diverse offerings at these two connected markets!
More Space Night Market
Address: 293 Chiang Rai Rd, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Opening times: Every day from 10.00AM to 11.00PM
Location on Google Maps
Compared to other night markets, More Space Night Market is located on Nimmanhemin road, in the tourist area, and is a lesser-known market with a relaxed atmosphere, unique shopping options, and delicious food.
This exciting market offers a variety of unique items, including handmade crafts and vintage clothing, ensuring a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
In addition to the shopping options, More Space Night Market features an incredible selection of food trucks, offering everything from traditional Thai dishes to international cuisine. With its laid-back vibes and diverse offerings, More Space Night Market is the perfect place to spend a leisurely evening exploring Chiang Mai’s night market scene.
Note that while a few stores inside the market are open all day long, like Chez Nous Bakery, the food and other vendors will come around 5.00PM, so I recommend coming at that time.
Must-Try Street Food at Chiang Mai Night Markets
One of the major highlights of Chiang Mai’s night markets is the mouthwatering street food. The markets offer a smorgasbord of delicious options, from traditional Thai dishes to exotic snacks that will tantalize your taste buds.
Some of the most popular food options at Chiang Mai night markets include sticky mango rice and local Thai snacks. The variety and affordability of these bustling markets allow you to sample an array of flavors and possibly discover your new favorite dishes.
Cultural Performances at Chiang Mai Night Markets
Chiang Mai. Mai night markets are not only about shopping and eating – they also offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Thai culture. From live music to street performers and traditional Thai dance shows, you’ll be captivated by the rich cultural performances and activities available at these markets.
While exploring the animated streets, make sure to enjoy the talented musicians, graceful dancers, and engaging street performers who animate the markets. These cultural experiences add a fascinating layer of depth to your night market adventure, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
What to Buy at Chiang Mai Night Markets
With a myriad of amazing markets to explore, deciding what to buy can be quite daunting. To help you navigate the bustling bazaars, we’ve put together a shopping guide featuring some of the best items to purchase at Chiang Mai night markets.
Local handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs are among the top items to look out for when shopping at the markets. Keep an eye out for traditional foods. Thai handicrafts, such as lacquerware and wood carvings, make for unique and memorable keepsakes.
With an extensive range of products to choose from, there’s certainly something to catch your eye at Chiang Mai night markets.
Chiang Mai Night Market – FAQ
What Day is the Night Market in Chiang Mai?
While there are different markets every day, rvery Sunday night, Chiang Mai comes alive with the most famous one of them – the Sunday Night Walking Market on Rachadamnoen Road from 5pm to 10.30pm!
The market is a great place to find unique souvenirs, handmade crafts, and delicious street food. You can also find clothes, jewelry, and other items at bargain prices.
The atmosphere is lively and vibrant, with music and entertainment to keep you entertained.
What is the Most Famous Night market in Thailand?
Experience the hustle and bustle of Bangkok at Chatuchak Weekend Market – the largest and most famous night market in Thailand with an impressive 15,000 stalls!
Explore the vast array of goods on offer, from clothes and accessories to furniture and souvenirs. You can find almost anything here, and the prices are unbeatable!
Take a break from shopping and enjoy the delicious street food, or take a break from shopping and enjoy the delicious street food.
What is the Difference Between Night Bazaar and Night Market?
The main difference between a night bazaar and a night market is that the night bazaar caters mainly to tourists, while the night market welcomes both locals and tourists alike.
If you’re visiting Chiang Mai, the Sunday Night Market should definitely be your go-to, as it offers an unforgettable experience with its sights, smells and sounds!
More Thailand Travel Guides
- All Thailand Travel Guides
- Thailand Itinerary for 1 Week to 1 Month
- Plan Your Perfect 1-Week Northern Thailand Itinerary
- Unique Things to Do in Chiang Mai at Night
- Best Things To Do in Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Mon Jam Mountain Travel Guide
- Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai
Conclusion
In summary, Chiang Mai night markets provide a unique and memorable experience, offering a variety of shopping, food, and cultural experiences for you to enjoy.
So why not start planning your visit to Chiang Mai’s bustling night markets and experience the magic for yourself? You’ll love every bit of it!
