The Sunday Walking Street, also known as Tha Pae Walking Street, is one of Chiang Mai’s most popular and vibrant markets. Held every Sunday evening along Ratchadamnoen Road in the heart of the Old City, this market transforms the street into a bustling hub of activity. Known for its diverse range of local crafts, delicious street food, and lively atmosphere, the Sunday Walking Street offers an authentic and immersive cultural experience for visitors. It is a perfect spot for shopping, dining, and enjoying live performances.
Nimmanhaemin Road, often referred to simply as "Nimman," is one of Chiang Mai's most vibrant and trendy neighborhoods. Located west of the Old City, Nimman is known for its eclectic mix of modern cafes, boutique shops, art galleries, and dynamic nightlife. This bustling area is a hub for young locals, expatriates, and tourists looking for a lively and contemporary Chiang Mai experience. Its unique blend of traditional and modern elements makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city.
Warorot Market, locally known as Kad Luang, is one of Chiang Mai’s oldest and most famous markets. Located near the Ping River, this bustling market is a vital part of the city’s cultural and economic life. Known for its wide variety of goods, from fresh produce and local delicacies to textiles and traditional crafts, Warorot Market offers an authentic and immersive shopping experience for visitors. The market’s vibrant atmosphere and extensive selection make it a must-visit destination in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is one of the most vibrant and bustling markets in Northern Thailand. Located in the heart of Chiang Mai, this night market is a paradise for shoppers and food enthusiasts alike. Stretching along Chang Klan Road, the Night Bazaar offers a vast array of goods, from handicrafts and clothing to electronics and street food. Its lively atmosphere, variety of products, and cultural performances make it a unique and essential experience for visitors to Chiang Mai.
The Chang Puak food market comes to life in the evening and the square quickly fills up with local food stalls, selling a wide range of tasty Thai dishes.
If you are looking for an early morning activity in Chiang Mai, then one of my favourite places to spend an hour Tonlamyai Market, the brightly coloured, bustling flower market.
Warorot Market (or Kad Luang) is a must-visit for food lovers as it offers a wide range of ready-to-eat meals, local snacks and all kinds of fresh produce. A large section of the market features inexpensive goods, such as clothing, fashion accessories and personal care products.
San Kamphaeng is a haven for crafts lovers. The 18-km stretch of highway that runs through it is home to villages and factories producing pottery, saa paper, lacquerware, paper umbrellas and silk. With so many crafts concentrated in one area, it is one of the best places to watch craftsmen at work.
Shopping can be lots of fun, but nowhere is it more cheery than at The House, where Thai brand Ginger display their colourful range of kitchen-ware, Thai-inspired furniture and clothing.
Wualai, the Saturday walking street, is a lively and fun night market that takes place in Chiang Mai just a short walk from the old city walls. It starts in the late afternoon and continues until around 22:30. We prefer the atmosphere here to the more famous Sunday night walking street, because even though it’s smaller, there aren’t the same crowds of people, so it makes for a much more leisurely stroll. Not only are there plenty of handicraft items and locally-made products, it’s also a good place to pick up some tasty snacks to provide sustenance as you wander around.
Kad Na Mor is a night market in front of Chiang Mai University.