Markets, Chiang Mai

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One of our favourite activities when we get to a developing country is to nose around one of the markets. This one is downtown Chiang Mai - there are in fact three markets that run into one another - the flower market (more pictures later), the fruit and vegetable market, and of course, the main market which is an indoor market.

As you enter the market you can see many prepared food, meat and some seafood they are also selling according to one market man this is a good place to shop for household and plastic items. The cook food is so inexpensive but good, we try there chicken noodles for 10 Bath only it is worth of trying, They also selling seasonal fruits, vendors will give you a sample for tasting.

This market is a very lively affair. By around 4 to 5 in the afternoon, vendors start getting their stalls in place along Chang Khlan Road.
Do turn of in the smaller streets, as there are many shops, and also eateries around.
You don’t have to go shopping to enjoy the Night Market, as it has a great atmosphere and sometimes live entertainment.
If you do want to shop – the initial price given to you is highly inflated. I often got an item for about a third of the original price. During March, when I visited, there aren’t as many tourists, so it seemed that prices were a bit lower. You have to bargain!

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I suggest you go quite early in the morning, at it is a very busy time at these markets. A lot of fresh produce is sold, but also household goods, handicraft, flowers etc.
These two markets are opposite one another, so you can see both without having to use transport.
There are also great photo opportunities at these markets.

Anusan Night Market is located near to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. There are market stalls here, but the majority of tourist's and Thais come here for the food. Plenty to choose from, most of which are set around a large Beer hall.

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This massive multiple streets market is the best I have seen in Thailand. The range of pure craftwork, as opposed to the mass produced clothing, souvenirs etc. of most other markets, makes this a stand-out market. It is on every Sunday, from early in the morning. There must be an amazing number of people who come to town from far away to sell their goods.

Range and prices here are way above and beyond whats available at the more expensive, commercialised night market. There is simply no comparison.

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Almost every tourist will visit the Night Bazzar at Changklan Road when they visit Chiang Mai. But you must not miss the Sunday Night Market when you are here on a Sunday Night.

The Sunday Night Market is located on Rachadamnuen Road. The road will be closed from 4pm to 11pm on Sunday. Street vendors will start to set up their stalls from 4pm onwards and the crowd will stroll in around 6pm.

Lots of food, shopping, massage, handi crafts are sold along the streets and on temple grounds at the Sunday Night Market.

I find that the best bargains are all at the Sunday Night Market. Prices are quite reasonable so you dont have to bargain much.

SUNDAY MARKET - THE place to shop. I recommend you go here first coz everything here is SO cheap coz it's made by the sellers themselves. Can bargain a little but not everyone will give in if they think it sounds ridiculous. It opens from afternoon till midnite. Lots to eat here too.

NITE BAZAAR - nothing much to see compared to the Sunday Market, they're here on weekdays selling fake handbags, watches, t-shirts and some very expensive handicraft (3-4 times more than Sun Market). Can still window shop here and buy the unique item if you spot them.

There is a building called the Night Market but actually the night market has expanded for several blocks adjacent to that building. Everything you can imagine from counterfit Rolex watches, Thai arts and crafts, to Baskin Robins ice cream can be purchased here any evening from about 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Nearby is the Galeria a food plaza with nightly shows of Thai dancing and music using classical Thai instruments. The shows are free. There are also nearby a number of very clean guest houses with very reasonable daily rates -- 20 to 50 dollars per night but payable in Thai Bhat.

If you are in Chiang Mai on a Sunday, make sure you hit the Night Market in the center of town. The place is packed full of locals (surpisingly). Hill tribes sell their local wares, and you can find all kinds of interesting textiles from the region. You can also sample local cuisine from the numerious food stalls. The place gets extremely busy in the late night, so make sure you go early if you don't like crowds.