Chiang Mai is famous for its markets. It is a shopping paradise where you can find almost anything, and at the same time you can experience the real Chiang Mai. There are heaps of local markets in the city; it is recommended you pay a visit to the different markets, because each market has its own characteristics.
Many of Chiang Mai's markets offer a much more interesting shopping experience than shops; with stalls selling locally-made handicrafts, one-off clothing items, and plenty of northern delicacies that are hard to find anywhere else in the country.
Highlights
- Local markets are one of the famous destinations in Chiang Mai.
- Walk through a market and meet with the local people.
- Enjoy tasting Thai and Northern Thai food.
- Purchase handcrafted goods that only can be found in Chiang Mai.
- You have not explored Chiang Mai until you have visited at least two or three markets! So here is a list of the main markets around town
6-Day Bangkok and Chiang Mai Highlights Tour:
1. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is located on Chang Klan Road. It is the city's most popular shopping place and a must for all visitors. It is a lively area with department stores, shops and stall vendors. If you see something you like, you might want to be patient; there are hundreds of vendors and an absolute flood of products for sale.
What to look for
In the Night Bazaar you will find a huge variety of brand name designer goods (real and fake), like clothing, T-shirts, belts, shoes, jewelry, watches, DVD's and CD's, and local Thai goods at really low prices. While you are in the Night Bazaar make sure you check out two other good markets, the Kalare Night Bazaar and the Asunarm Market, both are offshoots from the main Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
Kalare Night Bazaar is an arcade style bazaar, located about 1/3 of the way down from the top end of the main Night Bazaar, and Asunarm Market is located about 1/3 of the way up from the bottom end of the main Night Bazaar. Remember to bargain for your purchases, it is expected of you and is all part of the fun.
What to eat and drink
There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the vicinity, where you can take your load off and review your purchases. Just off the main street you will find a delightful selection of Thai seafood and noodle restaurants, while Loi Khro Road, just east of Chang Klan Road (towards the river), has a number of international restaurants and pubs.
Opening hours
Daily from 6 pm until late.
How to get there
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is located on Chang Klan Road in the center of town. The best way to get there is either to take a tuk-tuk or a songthaew (the red open-sided pick-up trucks that drive around the city picking up passengers).
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Bangkok and Chiang Mai
In Bangkok, our guide Ann and driver "Mr. Ot" (I don't know how to spell his name) were very friendly and professional. You simply can't underestimate the value of having an English speaking guide to show you around, and a driver with a comfortable, sizeable, air-conditioned van take you from place to place. Ann taught us so much about Thailand's history, food, and religion. Mr. Ot always opened our door with a smile, and had cool towels and ice-cold bottled water for us. More
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2. San Kamphaeng Handicraft Village
San Kamphaeng Handicraft Village is famous for silk, cotton weaving and lacquerware. The silk and cotton souvenirs produced in this village are high quality. Factories and souvenir shops selling woodcarving, silver, earthenware, lacquerware and cotton fabrics are located along the way from Chiang Mai to San Kamphaeng Road.
What to look for
San Kamphaeng district is located in the south east of Chiang Mai and is well-known for its thriving silk industry. Most of the visitors to Chiang Mai visit San Kamphaeng for souvenirs that are made from high quality but inexpensive silk and cotton.
Lacquerware is another popular item and shops can be found all over the San Kamphaeng Road. Thai lacquerware is characterized by a glossy black base with intricate details picked out in gold. The art of pottery is another craft skill mastered long ago and passed down in San Kamphaeng.
Opening hours
Daily from 8 am to 6 pm.
How to get there
By Car - Drive on Highway No. 11 (Chiang Mai - Lamphun Road). From the junction of Highway 11, drive 13 km east to the village of San Kamphaeng. You'll find dozens of shops specializing in antiques, crafts and ceramics.
By Bus - Public transport (white songthaews) operates from Chang Phuak, and takes you 13 km east to the village of San Kamphaeng.
8-Day Northern Thailand Discovery:
3. Warorot Market
Warorot Market is one of the places where lots of local Thai people do their own shopping, so expect to find the same or similar goods that you see at other markets also sold here but cheaper and usually of better quality. You will also find a lot of goods here that you will not find at tourist markets like the Night Bazaar.
What to look for
You can buy almost anything at Warorot Market, a real mix of everything. There is fresh/dried fruit, vegetables, flowers, butchery and bakery items, herbs, condiments, clothing, shoes, cosmetics, jewelry, lacquerware, silks, hemps, handicrafts, ceramics, wood carvings, beauty supplies, household appliances, electronic gadgets, sunglasses, watches, souvenirs, and fireworks, just to name a few.
Opening Hours
Daily from 6 am to 7 pm.
How to get there
Warorot Market is located on Wichayanon Road, near the Ping River. The best way to get there is either to take a tuk-tuk or a songthaew; you can also walk to the market.
4. Ton Lam Yai (Flower Market)
A morning stroll around Ton Lam Yai Market is a great way to kick off your day in the city. In the morning you can find the market packed with flowers, fresh meat and veggies and dried food, but in the evening the streets fill with food stalls. It's chaotic and a tight squeeze, but a great place to visit and to see where many of the locals shop and eat.
What to look for
Talat Ton Lam Yai is the only place to get fresh flowers in central Chiang Mai and for that reason it is a hive of activity, filled with locals and visiting tourists, who love photographing the stunning blooms. All year round you will find the market bursting with color and perfumed by hundred different kinds of flowers.
Opening Hours
7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
How to get there
The best way to get there is either to take a tuk-tuk or a songthaew; or you can walk to this market. The market is located at Thanon Praisani, running alongside the Ping River.
4-Day Best of Chiang Mai Tour:
5. Wualai Walking Street
Wualai Walking Street is the street that shoots off at an angle just outside the Chiang Mai Gate on the south side of the old city. A Saturday Market is held on Saturday evenings, covering three kilometers of Wualai Road, the old silver-making district. There you will find silver and lacquerware, as well as many other local handicrafts. There are plenty of food and drink vendors along the street.
On Saturday evenings, the open-air market will be set up for the famous handicraft area. Do not miss a chance to shop for authentic northern silver, lacquerware and unique handicrafts. Tourists can enjoy the local food and Thai traditional performances.
What to look for
It has many small producers selling their wares, from hand-painted cotton T-shirts to local ceramics. The prices are good and you will find some items there that are not available anywhere else. It is not as well known by tourists, so it is a little more fun and less business-like than the Sunday market.
Opening Hours
Saturdays 5 pm to 10 pm.
How to get there
Wualai Saturday Market takes place on Wualai Street on the south part of the Chiang Mai Moat, it's so easy to get there by walking, motorbike, bicycle or driving a personal car.
Tips for Visiting a Local Market
- Do not purchase the very first thing you see. Chances are, there will be an abundance of whatever it is you have your eye on just a hop, skip and a jump away.
- Wear comfortable shoes and shirt, as markets are usually crowded.
- Bring enough local currency, as most of the stalls do not accept foreign currency.
- Bargain! Prices are not fixed, the more items you buy, the better discount you will get.
- Take your time, as you can find the same item at a different stall for a better price.
You might like to read
- Best Time to Visit Thailand
- The Most Beautiful Places in Thailand
- Top Attractions in Thailand
- Top Attractions in Chiang Mai
Explore Local Night Markets with Asia Highlights
Going into a local night market can be confusing if you are not familiar with the area. Asia Highlights will assist you during your holiday so that you can make the most of your Chiang Mai experience. If you have any questions, please send us an inquiry.
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