Central Market Kad Luang
A vibrant, authentic local market in Chiang Mai offering fresh produce, spices, street food, and a glimpse into daily Thai life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light & community buzz
Central Market Kad Luang
Best Time
Best light & community buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, authentic local market in Chiang Mai offering fresh produce, spices, street food, and a glimpse into daily Thai life.
"My favourite parts of this market are actually on the fringes, where the small farmers, hill tribals in traditional dress do their trading."
Spice Up Your Life
Don't miss the legendary spice stores, especially for authentic northern Thai chili pastes! :herb:
Early Bird Gets the Shot
Visit early for great photography light and to see local life unfold. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spice Stalls
Discover legendary spice vendors, especially those selling ingredients for northern Thai dishes like prik laap.
Hill Tribal Traders
Explore the fringes for unique trading by hill tribes in traditional dress, offering a glimpse into local culture.
Fresh Produce Galore
Wander through stalls brimming with fresh vegetables, meats, and fruits, often at great local deals.
Local Delicacies
Sample delicious cooked food and snacks, perfect for a taste of authentic Chiang Mai street food.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Early Bird
Know What to Buy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
The spice store at Kad Luang in Chiang Mai is legendary. Picking up 17 dry spices to make northern prik laap
Spice Up Your Life
Don't miss the legendary spice stores, especially for authentic northern Thai chili pastes! :herb:
Early Bird Gets the Shot
Visit early for great photography light and to see local life unfold. :camerawithflash:
Where to get nice souvenirs in Chiang Mai without getting ripped off
Buying stuff. Shopping mode!
Snack Attack!
Perfect spot for local snacks and cooked food if you're craving authentic flavors. :fried_shrimp:
Explore the Edges
The market fringes offer unique finds from hill tribes and local farmers. :shopping_bags:
Traveling to Chiang Mai and a friend bought this spread some years ago. Any idea where I might find this or something similar?
Tips
from all over the internet
Spice Up Your Life
Don't miss the legendary spice stores, especially for authentic northern Thai chili pastes! :herb:
Early Bird Gets the Shot
Visit early for great photography light and to see local life unfold. :camerawithflash:
Snack Attack!
Perfect spot for local snacks and cooked food if you're craving authentic flavors. :fried_shrimp:
Explore the Edges
The market fringes offer unique finds from hill tribes and local farmers. :shopping_bags:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Central Market Kad Luang for its authentic local atmosphere, cleanliness, and friendly vendors. It's a great spot for experiencing daily life, finding fresh produce, and sampling delicious street food. Some tourists note that buying raw ingredients might not be practical for hotel stays, but the overall experience is highly recommended for its cultural immersion.
"Enjoyed our morning walk along this Morning market. Place big and organised. Generally clean and no fishy smell. Friendly stalls owners and not too crowded on a Friday morning. Interesting to visit it when you are at Chiang Rai."
Hao Tan
"Big market with a few entrance and exit access"
raknita
"Nice local market , mainly sell fresh vegetables, meat & fruits, all in good deal.
But if u’re tourist n stay hotel, properly jz spend 30 mints here as u can’t buy back hotel n cook."
Jlor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Central Market Kad Luang, also known as the Warorot Market, is centrally located in Chiang Mai. You can easily reach it by songthaew (red shared taxis), tuk-tuk, or even by walking if you're staying nearby in the Old City. Many travelers find songthaews to be a convenient and affordable option for navigating the city.
Yes, Grab (Southeast Asia's ride-hailing app) and regular taxis are readily available in Chiang Mai and can take you directly to Central Market Kad Luang. It's a well-known landmark, so drivers will have no trouble finding it.
From Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), you can take a taxi or Grab directly to Central Market Kad Luang. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus to the city center and then a songthaew.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Central Market Kad Luang is a public market, and there is no entrance fee to wander through its aisles and explore. You only pay for the goods you decide to purchase.
The market is generally open daily from early morning until late evening. However, the freshest produce and most vibrant activity are typically found in the morning. Some stalls may close earlier than others.
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for early mornings on weekdays. Friday mornings are mentioned as being less crowded and offering good deals.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You can find a wide variety of items, from local handicrafts and textiles to spices, dried fruits, and snacks. The fringes of the market are particularly good for unique finds from local communities.
For fresh produce and food items, prices are generally fixed. However, for souvenirs and handicrafts, especially if you're buying multiple items, polite negotiation might be possible.
The spice stores at Central Market Kad Luang are legendary, particularly those selling ingredients for northern Thai dishes like prik laap. Look for vendors with a wide selection of dried chilies and herbs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The market offers a fantastic array of local food and snacks. You can find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to cooked meals, curries, noodles, and sweet treats. It's a great place to sample authentic Chiang Mai street food.
While the market is known for fresh produce, many cooked dishes contain meat or fish sauce. However, with some exploration, you can often find fruit stalls, vegetable-based snacks, and some vendors who can prepare simpler dishes without meat.
Generally, street food in Thailand, including at Kad Luang, is safe and delicious. It's always a good idea to choose vendors with high turnover and visible hygiene practices.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early in the morning is highly recommended for photography. The light is softer, the market is bustling with community activity, and the heat of the day hasn't set in, making it more comfortable for exploring and shooting.
The fringes of the market, where small farmers and hill tribals trade, offer unique visual opportunities. The vibrant displays of fresh produce and the interactions between vendors and shoppers are also excellent subjects.
It's always respectful to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially those in traditional attire. A smile and a gesture can go a long way.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Focus on trying local snacks and fruits together. While buying raw ingredients might not be practical, the experience of exploring the market and tasting new flavors can be a fun family activity. Keep an eye on little ones in crowded areas and consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid the peak heat and crowds.
💰 Budget Travelers
When shopping for souvenirs, be prepared to politely negotiate for better prices, especially on handicrafts. The market offers a wide range of goods, so compare prices before making a purchase. For transportation, using songthaews is a very economical way to get to and from the market.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't shy away from the market's fringes where you can find unique cultural shots of hill tribes and local farmers. Remember to be respectful of people's privacy and ask for permission before taking close-up portraits.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Chiang Mai's Local Life
Travelers often highlight the market's cleanliness and organization, noting a lack of the strong fishy smells sometimes associated with Asian markets. The friendly demeanor of the stall owners adds to the welcoming atmosphere. While tourists might not need to buy groceries to cook, the experience of immersing oneself in this local commerce is highly rewarding.
For those interested in unique finds, exploring the market's fringes is a must. Here, you'll encounter small farmers and hill tribespeople in their traditional dress, adding a rich cultural dimension to your visit. This is where you can find truly distinctive items and witness a more traditional form of trading.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits
Don't miss the legendary spice stalls, which are a major draw for both locals and visitors. These vendors offer an incredible array of dried spices, herbs, and chili pastes, including those essential for making traditional northern Thai dishes like prik laap. Picking up these fragrant ingredients can be a unique souvenir for aspiring home cooks.
While the market is a fantastic place to eat, it's worth noting that if you're staying in a hotel, purchasing raw ingredients to cook might not be practical. However, the opportunity to taste a wide variety of local snacks and prepared foods makes it a worthwhile culinary stop.
Photography Opportunities
The fringes of the market are particularly photogenic, showcasing hill tribes in their traditional attire and local farmers bringing in their harvest. These scenes offer a unique cultural perspective that is less common in more commercialized tourist spots. Remember to be respectful and ask for permission before taking close-up shots of individuals.
Beyond the people, the sheer abundance and variety of goods – from exotic fruits and vegetables to fragrant spices and local crafts – make for compelling still-life and detail shots. The market's organized yet bustling nature provides endless frames to explore.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit