As the sun sets and neon lights flicker to life, the aroma of street food and the sound of live music fill the air. People browse the stalls, haggle, and share stories and laughter.
Night markets in Chiang Mai are treasure troves of one-of-a-kind souvenirs. From intricate wood carvings to hand-woven textiles, there is something for every taste and budget. And you can meet with artisans and gain a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship that goes into each piece.
Night Bazaar
If you’re looking for a bustling and vibrant night market in Chiang Mai, the Night Bazaar is for you. Just east of Old City, this market is a treasure trove of handicrafts, clothing, and jewellery. It’s the perfect destination for souvenir hunters. Here, you can find unique items that showcase local craftsmanship. Find items such as woven textiles, hand-carved statues, and silver jewellery adorned with gemstones.
As you explore the market, you’ll also discover an array of street food stalls serving up mouth-watering dishes. The aromas of sizzling meats, spices, and desserts fill the air, tempting you to sample everything. Try local favourites like khao soi, a curry noodle soup, or sai oua, a sausage packed with herbs and spices.
Here, you’ll find everything from trendy fashion boutiques to antique shops, and even a section dedicated to contemporary art. Whether you’re in search of art, a vintage collectable, a new tailor-made suit, or the latest fashion accessory, Night Bazaar has it.
Saturday Walking Street
The Wualai Road Walking Street Market, a weekly event on Saturdays, is a lively pedestrian-only street market. The sounds of traditional Thai music and dance performances fill the air, blending with tantalising aromas. Street food vendors sell a variety of local delicacies, from crispy fried chicken to sweet and sour som tam.
One of the most appealing aspects of this market is the wide variety of locally crafted goods. You can browse through exquisite silverware, textiles, and handcrafted ceramics. You can observe artisans at work, weaving textiles on looms or etching designs onto silverware.
The market draws families, couples, and collectors looking for souvenirs and one-of-a-kind finds. You can often spot groups of friends chatting over steaming bowls of khao soi, a traditional northern Thai dish, or sipping on refreshing glasses of cha yen, a sweet iced tea.
Along with shopping and dining, the market has plenty of entertainment. It’s the perfect place to get a taste of local culture and soak up the lively energy of Chiang Mai’s night markets.
Nimmanhaemin Road Night Market
The Nimmanhaemin Road Night Market is a world of relaxation and indulgence. Lanterns and twinkling fairy lights overhead cast a warm and inviting ambience, while traditional Thai music fills the air. The aromas of spices and herbs mingle with essential oils, creating an atmosphere of serenity.
The therapists at Nimmanhaemin Road Night Market offer a range of massages that draw on ancient healing techniques. You can try the traditional Thai massage, which uses a combination of stretching and acupressure to release tension and improve circulation. Alternatively, the hot herbal compress massage uses steaming pouches filled with herbs to soothe sore muscles and boost the immune system. And for a truly indulgent experience, the aromatherapy massage uses fragrant oils to calm the mind and nourish the skin.
The food at Nimman Night Market is a feast for the senses. The stalls offer a tantalising array of flavours and textures. For dessert, treat yourself to a cup of freshly made coconut ice cream, topped with sticky rice and sweet syrup.
After a day of indulgence, take a piece of Nimman home with you. Browse stalls selling all-natural skincare products made with local ingredients, from facial mists to body creams. Pick up a handmade soap scented with essential oils, or get a piece of jewellery made by a local artisan. Whatever you choose, it’s certain to be a special reminder of your time in Chiang Mai.
Anusarn Night Market
Welcome to the Anusarn Night Market, around the corner from Night Bazaar. As you stroll through the market, the smells of fragrant spices and grilled meats mingle in the air, while the lively chatter of vendors and customers makes an energetic atmosphere. Indulge in mouth-watering dishes from Thai, Chinese, and Burmese cuisine, such as papaya salad, grilled satay, and tom yum soup. Each dish is bursting with flavour.
For adventurous cooks, the market is a treasure trove of ingredients, such as lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. The ingredients here are perfect for adding authentic Thai flavours to your home-cooked meals. Explore the selection of sauces and condiments to elevate your dishes to new heights. But the market isn’t just about ingredients – it’s ideal for unique cooking equipment and utensils. Discover traditional bamboo steamers, woks, mortar, and pestles.
As you wander through the market, you can sample exotic fruits, such as durian or rambutan, and enjoy the aromas. The Anusarn Night Market is an exciting destination for food lovers and cooks, with something new and exciting to discover around every corner.
Sunday Walking Street
The Sunday Walking Street Market stretches across the historic Old City. Here, you can explore the winding streets and temples filled with countless stalls selling locally made handicrafts, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, and much more. The aromas of street food fill the air, while traditional Thai music performances provide a lively soundtrack.
As you wander through the market, you’ll come across surprising treasures, like a vendor selling homemade ice cream or a booth with traditional hill tribe clothing and jewellery. Crowds of locals and tourists mingling make a festive atmosphere.
But the Sunday Walking Street Market isn’t just a place to shop. It’s an opportunity to learn about local traditions. Many vendors come down from the mountains to sell their crafts, and visitors can watch local artisans creating beautiful textiles and other handmade goods. For those interested in taking home a piece of Chiang Mai, this market is the perfect destination.
Overall, the Sunday Walking Street Market is a veritable feast for the senses, with stalls, music, and food. This weekly market is simply not to be missed.
Conclusion
Prepare for a sensory extravaganza at Chiang Mai’s night markets, where the ancient and modern merge in a mesmerising display. Indulge in the tantalising aroma of street food sizzling over open flames, feel the rhythmic beats of traditional Thai music, and marvel at the kaleidoscope of colours that adorn the market stalls.
The markets offer a wealth of areas to explore. Stroll down alleys overflowing with vintage clothing, discover the artistry behind handmade ceramics, or learn about traditional hill tribe textiles. You never know what you’ll find around the corner.