You have not explored Chiang Mai until you have visited at least two or three markets! Whether it be fresh food, spices, flowers, clothing, motorbikes or souvenirs, you can pick up almost anything from Chiang Mai markets. Apart from bargain hunting, they are so entertaining and you can literally sit back, sip on a cool and fresh coconut and just absorb the busy atmosphere. Here is our selection of amazing places to shop at and walk around
MondayOpen 24 hours a day, the flowers are delivered to the market in the early morning and it’s stalls are full of freshly cut orchids, colourful roses, lilies, birds of paradise, chrysanthemums and so many beautifully arranged bouquets. The flower market is located close to Warorot Market which is the oldest market in town. It features everything from gold to clothes, food to ethnic textiles and is just a short walk away.
TIPS:
When: Everyday. 24/7
Where: Praisanai Road. along the river
Other Markets in this area:
- Warorot Market, from 9am to 5pm
- Ton Lamyai Market. Fresh market. 24/7
TuesdayThis great market is well known by university students but not so much by tourists. It stocks everything from cheap new and used clothing to shoes, sunglasses, watches and more. There is also a large food area for Thai cuisine, snacks, sweets, Thai barbecue restaurants and Japanese noodles.
Other Markets in this area:
- Warorot Market, from 9am to 5pm.
- Chiang Mai University Market, from 6pm to 9.30pm.
- Night Bazaar, from 6pm to 11pm.
WednesdaySet in the garden next to the Royal Project shop, this market presents fresh and pesticide free fruit and vegetables sold by farmers. Get there as early as possible as organic produce always sells quickly. You can also enjoy your delicious morning coffee at the market.
TIPS:
When: Wednesdays & Saturdays | 6am to 9am.
Where: The Royal Project Shop. Klongcholpratharn Rd.
Other Organic Markets:
- At JJ Market: Saturdays | 6am to 9am
- At Klongcholpratharn : everyday from 3pm to 5pm
Other Markets that day:
- Flower Market along the Ping River. / 24/7.
- Chiang Mai University Market / from 6pm to 9.30pm.
ThursdayNorth of the Old City, behind Tesco Superstore KamTieng, is Chiang Mai’s biggest amulet market where a fantastic array of religious amulets, charms and talismans are sold.Each Thursday morning, hundreds of amulet collectors wander around the market with magnifying glasses in hand. Potential buyers, often already sporting many amulets, can be seen bargaining and flipping through magazines dedicated to the amulets, some of which command astronomical prices.
TIPS:
When: Thursdays only | 7am to 2 pm.
Where: Off the Super-highway, behind Tesco Superstore Khamtieng.
Other Markets that day:
- Kad Zum Mued @ Central Kad Suan Kaew.
Clothes, food and souvenirs.
Thursdays and Saturdays. 4pm to 9pm
FridayThis hip-style market has both a great selection of fashion by local up-and-coming local designers anddelicious original food stands. The atmosphere is chic, stylish and minimalist with jazz music filling the air.
TIPS:
When: Friday & Saturday Nights | 6am to 10pm.
Where: Rimping Nim Daily.
Other Markets that day:
- Chinese Muslim Farmers’ Market @ Kalare Food Center Parking Space (next to an old teak house). Among a variety of interesting foods that are sold at this market are fermented bean curd, fried tofu and pickled vegetables. Very different from traditional Thai fresh markets. |Fridays. 6am to 11am.
SaturdayThis weekly Saturday market is absolutely unique. Located some 20 kilometres from Chiang Mai city, it is mostly visited by local farmers who come to buy and sell buffalo and cattle. In this huge market you will also find fighting cocks, Siamese fish, farmers accessories, second hand motorbikes plus a lively wet market items and everything from vegetables to clothes. Make sure you arrive very early in the morning in order to see it all.
TIPS:
When: Saturdays only | 5am to 11am.
Where: 20 km South of Chiang Mai. Sanpatong City.
Other Markets that day:
- Nana Market @ 500 meters away from Convention Center. Croissants, French bread, cakes, milk and coffee. |Saturdays only. 7am to 9am.
- Saturday Walking Street @ Wualai Road. A smaller, quieter, version of the the Sunday Walking Street with lots of handicrafts and tasty snacks. | Saturdays only. 5pm to 11pm.
SundayThe Sunday Walking Street Market is pretty much the undisputed king of all Chiang Mai markets. It is a very expansive market running from Thapae Gate to Phra Sing Temple. The range of products on sale is extensive, ranging from household accessories, art, soap and creams, musical instruments, clothes, textiles and food. The Sunday Walking Street is particularly a great place to buy all sorts of Thai and Lanna handicrafts, the quality is good and the intense competition keeps the prices low.
You will also find a lot of different food to taste. Most of the stands are located in temple grounds. You can finish your day there with a restorative and cheap foot massage.
TIPS:
When: Sundays only | 4pm to 11 pm.
Where: From Thapae Gate to Phra Sing Temple and from Three Kings Monument to Intersection passing Chedi Luang Temple.
