Walking through Chiang Mai Markets is an experience that you must not miss. Whether you’re looking to shop for souvenirs, clothes, and jewellery or to sample the local delicacies and fresh produce, Chiang Mai markets will not disappoint.
I didn’t plan to shop (and eat!) as much as I did in Chiang Mai, but with at least one market set up every day of the week, I just couldn’t help myself. The constant flow of people, the colourful locally handmade souvenirs and jewellery, the sound of woks and pans as food stalls prepare anything from Pad Thai to crepes and roti. The markets’ ambiance just calls out to you.
Below are three Chiang Mai markets in and around Chiang Mai’s Old City.
Chiang Mai Markets
Sunday Walking Street Market
Chiang Mai’s Sunday Walking Street Market is probably the most popular. So if you’re only visiting Chiang Mai for a couple of days, try to be there on a Sunday! Very popular among tourists, this outdoor market spans about 1 km long. It will almost certainly have something for everyone.
Whether you’re shopping for souvenir t-shirts, handmade bags, elephant pants or uniquely designed items, this market will have plenty to choose from. Not a big shopper? That’s okay too. The market also offers many local delicacies. You’ll find the usuals like Pad Thai and Mango sticky rice and some skewered scorpions or fried beetles.
If nothing else, indulge in a massage at one of the many massage chairs set up along the market. Your feet deserve it after weaving through 1 km of stalls. This market stretches along Rachadamnoen Road, starting at the old city’s Tha Phae Gate.
Saturday Walking Street Market
This was the first market I went to in Chiang Mai. It’s generally more quiet (and less popular) than the Sunday Walking Street Market with many of the same handmade items, souvenirs, jewellery, clothes and more. If you’re intimidated by the huge crowds and the 1km long Sunday Walking Street Market, this might be a better option for you. This market is located in Wua Lai Road near the old city’s south gate.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Found in Chang Khalang Road, this is a nightly market that is mostly geared towards tourists. A lot of trinkets, paintings, penis bottle openers, and other typical souvenirs. I didn’t spend much time in this market because it felt like the prices are quite a bit higher than the walking street markets. But if you’re not in town for the weekend and you’re looking to buy souvenirs for friends and family back home, this might be the place for you. Public service announcement: white males beware— you might get stopped multiple times as you walk down this street and be asked if you want a custom suit.
Market Tips
- Cash is king. Most vendors only accept cash.
- Go early if you want to avoid the huge crowds.
- Go comparison shopping first. Many stalls sell very similar things, so walk around a bit to get an idea of how much different items cost.
- Learn to haggle. Politely give a counter offer or ask for a better price. Unless you see a sign that says, “Fixed Price” or “No Haggling”. Haha. And if the vendor agrees on your price, make sure you actually buy the item. You’d be a nuisance to just walk away after.
- Buying multiple items will get you a better price. So walk around and see if there are stalls that sell different items that you like.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Finding that one amazing item you just have to have can take a lot of walking and sifting through stalls.
- Feet starting to hurt? Get a foot massage at one of the many Thai massage chairs dotted along the markets.
Planning your first trip to Chiang Mai? Read my first-timer’s guide here or take a look at 7 activities I think you should try in Chiang Mai.
