Night Market Chiang Mai | Street Guide

Night market Chiang Mai, Wua Lai Walking Street or the Sunday Walking Street? Which should you choose if you’re visiting Chiang Mai for a few days only?

With such fine choices, you’ll never go short of things to do, or buy in this place, which is perhaps one of the best holiday destinations in Southeast Asia.

With only a few days to spare in Chiang Mai Thailand one of the places you don’t want to miss out on is the Chiang Mai Night Market. Unlike the Saturday Night Market or the famous Sunday Night Market, this evening market located on Chang Khlan Road is open for business each night.

Each location, Sunday Night Market, Wualai Walking Street, or the Chiang Mai Night Market has their unique characteristics.

The Saturday night market on Wualai Road is the smallest. There’s less hustle and bustle. But, still, a great deal to keep you occupied. Located on Wua Lai Road and close to Chiang Mai Gate this area comes alive every Saturday evening.

Chiang Mai Sunday Market starting at Tha Pae Gate and running up to Wat Phra Singh is an impressive bazaar of handicrafts of local crafts and is considered one of the premium attractions for visitors whether a foreigner or Thai person alike.

However, the largest of the three positioned at the start of Chang Khlan Road is a real gem for the shopper or foodie due to its sheer number of places to wander. This market is “the big one” and is one of the best in the country.

Night Market Chiang Mai On Chang Khlan Road

By day Chang Khlan Road, translated as “Elephant Crawls Road”, is a quiet unassuming place but as night descends it transforms into the lively beating heart of the northern city of Chiang Mai. Starting at Tha Pae Road (just before Narawat Bridge), the night market runs down to the intersection of Panthip Plaza and Sridonchai Road making it a true shopaholic fantasy.

For food lovers, you won’t find a single food stall on its busy sidewalks, that’s because several tempting food courts frequent this strip of road instead.

Since King Mengrai’s Lanna Kingdom’s beginnings, there’s been a culture of making arts and crafts. With its myriad of vendors lining up on the sidewalks of Chang Khlan Road this night market won’t disappoint

Just some of the things you will find here:

• hill tribe silver jewellery
• hill tribe clothing
• silk-made fabrics and soft furnishings
• women’s local fashions
• wooden artifacts
• fake designer clothes
• T-shirts with slogans on them
• elephant pants and other elephant-designed products
• wallets, purses, handbags and belts
• flip flops, sandals

With such a choice, there’s little excuse for not buying a holiday gift or two for friends and families back home.

Facing the street stalls on the other side of the walkway are shops, restaurants, massage therapists, and tailors. The shops on Chang Klan sell goods like cashmere, women’s shawls, travel bags and suitcases, there are pharmacies and much more.

The pathways or sidewalks get busy; so if walking quickly is your preference prepare for frustration, as eager tourists often stop in their tracks to admire the many market stalls.

But all part of the fun right?

Phaploen Market: The Nighttime Culinary Playground

Starting at the top of Chang Khlan where it meets Tha Pae Road, Phaploen Market is the first market on the left as you walk south. This market is the latest edition to the ever-changing face of the Chiang Mai Night Market. It’s fast becoming a hit for both locals and tourists.

While it is called a “market” it’s more of a large playground-sized open-air food court. With ample seating in the middle and numerous food concessions on all sides, this is a top spot for people-watching, grabbing a beer and listening to impressive live music.

The market comes alive as dusk settles, transforming the courtyard into a heady mix of exotic sights and smells. Clouds of smoke rise from sizzling grills, as vendors expertly stir-fry noodles such as Pad Thai and local and not-so-local delicacies. This place gets busy but embrace the chaos because it’s all part of the charm.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar Complex

Walking out of Phaploen Market and turning right, soon enough you’ll come to the centre of Chang Khlan Road activity. Set back behind the Tourist Police box is the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar complex.

Even experienced locals make the mistake of calling the whole Chang Klan area the “Night Bazaar” but in fact, it isn’t. The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar refers to this split-level indoor craft market and not the whole night market.

The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is the oldest market along Chang Khlan and has undergone many facelifts over the years. What hasn’t changed is the sheer number of impressive arts and crafts. From small trinkets to high-end artifacts, you’ll find it all here.

On the lower level, you’ll find portrait artists plying their trade. Give them a photo and they’ll happily draw you a truly stunning real-life image of your pet, wedding, kids or any other memorable image you want recreated for posterity’s sake. Portraits take a few days to complete; so if you’re not sticking around Chiang Mai they can send them to your home address.

Kalare Night Market

Like the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar complex, this place has also had a few facelifts over the years and each time the place gets better. Here you’ll find shops selling cashmere, and more artists ready to paint your portrait. There are clothes stalls but what makes this place stand out is the food court.

Sit down with a beer and a plate of Indian food and watch a cultural performance of local folk music and dance of the Lanna people. There’s also a Muay Thai boxing ring showing exhibition fights. And upstairs is the Boys Blues Bar which is now firmly entrenched on the live music scene of the city.

Charoen Prathet Soi 6

Next to the Kalare complex is an interesting and lively soi with several bars running along either side of this small lane; Maxim Bar, Orion Bar Kalae Bar and DJ Bar to name a few. Grab a massage at one of the many places on this soi too.

Chang Khlan Loi Kroi Crossroads

This crossroads is ground zero for visitors to Chiang Mai. And you can tell. Major international chains have staked their claim here. On the corner of Loi Kroi and Chang Khlan, you’ll find the impressive 4-star Marriot Hotel. On the other side of Loi Kroi are the Le Bistrot and Le Terrace. Sit here and watch all the goings on. This is part of the Movenpick Suringworse Hotel, another great option when it comes to accommodation in the night market.

Cross Chang Klan Road and on the left-hand corner is Burger King. And slightly further down is the Hard Rock Cafe. Right next door is one of the longest-running pubs in Chiang Mai, the Red Lion; serving up English bar foods and draught beers.

To the right side is the Pavillion Night Bazaar Chiang Mai. In this complex are several shops, a gymnasium, and other vendors selling crafts and artifacts. Should you happen to get bored of all that spicy local food, there’s always a McDonald’s restaurant located at the Chang Khlan entrance. And close by is Starbucks.

Anusarn Night Market

This market is a wide open space much of it under canopy. It has car and motorbike parking. There’s also a back entrance from Charoen Prathet Road which is closer to the car parking.

The market stretches from the Chang Khlan Road entrance to Chareon Prathet Road. Anusarn Market is overflowing with treasures. From intricately woven textiles and handcrafted silver jewellery to quirky souvenirs and trendy clothing, there’s something to tempt every taste. In the centre of the market are Chinese and Seafood restaurants.

As you enter from the Chang Khlan entrance to the left is a food court. It’s not always easy to find an empty table but with affordable and tasty foods, why not mill about and wait? Sample the local favourites: spicy Khao Soi curry, succulent Satay skewers, and fragrant Mango and Sticky Rice.

Tucked away to the right is O Malleys. This quaint Irish Pub offers traditional pub fare inside a traditional Irish pub setting. Should you want to try something different close by is the very tasty Gulf Restaurant that serves Lebanese and Arabic food.

There’s a lot to see and do on Anusarn, grab a beer, eat at one of the numerous eateries, and of course lots of shopping.

Panthip Plaza Lifestyle Mall

Coming out of Anusarn Market, crossing the road and walking south you’ll come to Panthip Plaza. What was once a shopping mall devoted to computer hardware, electrical goods and language schools has had the ultimate cosmetic surgery. It is now Panthip Lifestyle Mall and is a dedicated indoor food court with coffee vendors, and spacious areas to sit and plug in your laptop.

Because it’s still undergoing its new image change several food vendor concessions have yet to be filled. But you can imagine that when all the spots have been taken up this will be a buzzing indoor food court with much choice. With underground car parking the new and refurbished Pathip Plaza is likely to become a hit for locals who live in the downtown area.

Besides having a KFC there’s also a very convenient Big C; a superb place to get your snacks and sundries should your hotel minibar seem too pricey.

Hotels To Stay In Chiang Mai Market

The night market can be explored over two days or even more. Some visitors just love this area. In which case you may want to book accommodation close by. Here are three hotels that are located at the heart of this area.

Movenpick Suringworse Hotel

The Movenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai is a stylish 4-star property located at the crossroads of Loi Kroi and the night market. It’s a popular choice with guests raving about the friendly and attentive service often going above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.

A highlight is the rooftop pool, perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring the temples and markets. The hotel also features a well-equipped fitness centre and a relaxing spa, that offers a range of rejuvenating treatments.

Amenities include:

• Thai restaurant, Tuscany-style restaurant
• Lobby Lounge bar
• Rooftop pool
• Gymnasium
• Parking
• Car rentals
• Spa

Chiang Mai Marriot 5-Star Hotel

This luxurious 5-star hotel is situated at the crossroads of Loi Kroi and Chang Klan at the very centre of the bustling Night Bazaar District. Many of the rooms have excellent city views or views of Doi Suthep.

The Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel is a fantastic choice for travellers seeking a blend of high-class comfort and convenience in Chiang Mai. Its central location, top-notch amenities and excellent service make it an ideal base for exploring the city and experiencing all that Chiang Mai offers.

World-class amenities include:

• Five restaurants including Italian, International and Chinese
• Outdoor swimming pool and children’s pool
• Kids Club
• Sauna
• Gymnasium
• Spa
• Parking
• Business centre

Dusit Princess Chiang Mai

This sophisticated 4-star hotel is located on Chang Klan Road just a minute’s walk from the main Loi Kroi crossroads. It offers affordable modern comfort and traditional Thai hospitality.

It provides a luxurious and convenient base for exploring the city offering a perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and cultural immersion.

Amenities include:

• Outdoor swimming pool
• Private parking
• Car rentals
• Gymnasium
• Restaurant

Chiang Mai Night Market – Getting There

Songthaews: These red pickup trucks used to be one of the most common forms of public transportation in Chiang Mai. These days many people use the Grab service instead. However, a red pickup is sometimes the more convenient option. It’s easy to flag one down and tell the driver where you’d like to go. Fares are affordable.

Tuk-tuks: There is no shortage of Tuk Tuks willing to take you to and from the night market. These three-wheeled vehicles are a fun and exciting way to get around, but be sure to agree on a price before you start your ride.

Walking: The three main ways to walk to the Night Bazaar are from the bottom of Tha Pae Road near the Narawat Bridge. The crossroads at Sridonchai Road and Chiang Klan (Pantip Plaza) or walking down from Loi Kroi Road which takes you to the centre of the Night Market.

Riding A Bicycle: Not advised.

Motorbikes: Driving a motorbike to the night market is easy, however roads can get busy as you approach the area. To park a bike just before the crossroads at Loi Kroi and Chang Klan is an option. Alternatively, the underground car park at Panthip Plaza or behind Anusarn Market has designated motorbike parking.

Bargaining Tips

Stall vendors can be pushy: Stopping in front of a stall for more than a split second can be taken as a sign you want to do business. Smile and move on. However, if you’re interested in buying anything on sale, mastering a few haggling skills is worth the effort.

Start Low: Don’t be afraid to bargain. Most vendors expect it, and it’s part of the culture. Start with a lower offer than what is initially quoted, but be polite and respectful.

Compare Prices: If you see an item you like, take your time and compare prices from different vendors. You might be surprised at the difference.

Learn Basic Thai Phrases: Knowing a few basic Thai phrases, such as “kop khun khrap/ka” (thank you) and “tao rai” (how much), can go a long way in improving your bargaining experience.

Walk Away: If you can’t agree on a price, don’t be afraid to walk away. There are plenty of other vendors selling similar products.