Chiang Mai weekends are best spent, latte in hand, wandering its many markets. It’s the perfect antidote to a big night out and the perfect places to score a bargain, pick up a unique handmade design, down some gourmet food or find that retro buy.
This month, Chang Puak Magazine takes you to Cham-Cha Market and Loang Him Kao Alley.
Cham-Cha is a week end market, one of the most genuinely chic market place with small stalls selling delicious snacks, cakes and homemade jam, handicrafts, clothes, souvenirs, and more.
Loang Him Kao Alley is the name to the community in which the market is located. In the northern Thai language Loang means community and Him Kao translates to the banks of the Kao River. This community follows the self-sufficiency economy promoted by the late King Rama IX. By opening their village to tourists, they are able to look after their families and the entire community. Each shop in the alley is unique and workshops are held often such as cloth dyeing, cooking and jewellery making. Loang Him Kao Alley can be visited daily, from 9am to 5pm.
The key color when you walk into the community and the market is indigo: products sold use natural dyeing and almost every vendors is dressed in white and natural blue.
Cham-Cha Market is located between Bus Pizza and Thong Dee shop in the Loang Him Kao community. Open on Saturdays and Sundays, from morning until early afternoon, there are all types of items on sale, food, drinks, handmade goods, clothes, accessories, decor and knick-knacks. The market is set up under a giant rain tree so there is ample shade for everyone to relax, listen to live music and watch street perfomances.
Make time for experiences and let the day slow down. A true makers’ market, Cham- Cha Market brings talented and experienced artisans to Loang Him Kao Alley every weekend. Discover locally designed fashion, handcrafted jewellery, textiles, art and beauty products in this beautiful community and see the skilled hands that make every unique, one-off item.
Cham-Cha Market and Loang Him Kao Alley are both away from hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai’s touristy locations. Yet they are easy to find: just drive on Sankampaeng road and turn left at Baan Celadon Shop, then continue for another one kilometre and watch out for the sign on left-hand side. Locals enjoy coming there on weekends, from 8am to 2 pm.
With beautiful grounds, plenty of parking space, a child friendly atmosphere, and the beautiful sustainability idea behind the project, you can be sure to spend a fun, calm and relaxing moment. When walking in don’t miss “Fruity Fresh”, the stand selling amazing cold pressed juices on your right hand side. And on you left, there is a small building with the best coffee in the area: get your latte cup and wonder around!
CHAM CHA MARKET & LOANG HIM KAO ALLEY :
Ban Mon, Soi 11 Moo2, San Klang Sub District.
Sankampaeng. Chiang Mai
www.facebook.com/ChamchaMarket
