5 Best Markets and Night Markets in Chiang Mai

The epicentre of shopping in Chiang Mai, the Night Bazaar runs every evening from 5 pm and covers a whole neighbourhood. Defining where this market begins and ends is not easy, as the collection of stalls and shops does vary; head to the intersection of Chang Khlan Road and Loi Khro Road and you’ll be roughly in the middle, with the bazaar spreading out for about 2 blocks in every direction. 

The market offers pretty much everything any other Thai night market has, just more of it. This means football shirts, carved elephants, artwork, handicrafts, sunglasses, shoes, luggage, furniture, and homeware. After your retail fix, head to one of the dozens of nearby bars or restaurants to wind down.

Chiang Mai’s most famous market runs only once a week, so if you’re only in town for just one weekend, make sure you head here on a Sunday evening. The 1-km-long stretch is situated in the heart of the city’s main tourist area and runs from Tha Pae Gate going towards Ratchadamnoen Road in the west.

The road is closed to traffic from 4 pm creating a temporary walking street. On sale, you’ll find a huge variety of handicrafts, souvenirs, and accessories. Aside from the shopping, the area comes alive with food vendors, makeshift bars and roadside massage areas for a quick foot rub.

Many visitors prefer Saturday's Wua Lai Walking Street to the larger Sunday one by Tha Pae Gate, thanks to its excellent range of locally-made products, as well as the fact that there’s room to walk rather than shuffle. The market is named after Wua Lai Road, which links to Thipanet Road, just off the south side of the old city walls. Stalls and street vendors start to set up from late afternoon on Saturday, with things winding down around 10.30 pm.

Warorot Market (Kad Luang) is one of the top food markets in Chiang Mai. You'll find an impressive array of fresh produce alongside ready-to-eat snacks and meals. Additionally, the second and third floors are dedicated to clothing and accessories – most of it’s not of any great quality or style, but at least the prices are low.

Going back to the food, look out for authentic northern-style delicacies such as sai oua (spicy sausage), nam prik ong/nam prik noom (red and green chili dip) keap moo (crispy pork skin). Find Warorot Market at the end of Chang Moi Road, near the river.

A morning stroll around Ton Lamyai Market is a great way to kick off your day in the city, especially if you're looking for an alternative market experience in Chiang Mai. Specialising in one thing and one thing only – flowers – this vibrant, colourful market is located next door to the larger Worarat Market, right on the banks of the tranquil River Ping.

Open 24 hours every day, visiting in the morning means you’ll escape the heat and crowds of later in the day, and also get see to see the day’s deliveries arriving in the lorry load. Expect to see fresh, locally-grown roses, orchids, chrysanthemums, pussy willow and lotus flowers.