Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
A bustling hub of activity, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar offers a sensory feast with diverse street food, unique crafts, and lively entertainment.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Largest crowds & widest selection
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Best Time
Largest crowds & widest selection

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling hub of activity, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar offers a sensory feast with diverse street food, unique crafts, and lively entertainment.
"The businesses and folk of Thailand really know how to do their night bazaars."
🎯 Bargain Like a Pro
Always haggle for prices! Start lower and meet in the middle. Cash is preferred by most vendors .
💰 Bring Cash
Many vendors don't accept cards, so having cash makes transactions smoother and quicker.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Street Food Delights
Kalare Food Centre & surrounding stalls
Indulge in a culinary adventure with diverse Thai street food, from Pad Thai to mango sticky rice. Affordable and delicious!

Handmade Souvenirs
Various stalls throughout the bazaar
Discover unique, handcrafted items like clothing, jewelry, and local crafts. Perfect for finding that special memento.

Live Music & Atmosphere
Open areas within the bazaar
Enjoy a lively ambiance with live music performances, adding to the vibrant energy of the market.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Haggling Culture
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bargain Like a Pro
Always haggle for prices! Start lower and meet in the middle. Cash is preferred by most vendors.
💰 Bring Cash
Many vendors don't accept cards, so having cash makes transactions smoother and quicker.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Path
Venture into smaller alleys and side markets like Kalare and Anusarn for more variety and hidden gems.
🍜 Sample Widely
Don't stick to one stall! Try different dishes from various vendors for the full street food experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bargain Like a Pro
Always haggle for prices! Start lower and meet in the middle. Cash is preferred by most vendors.
💰 Bring Cash
Many vendors don't accept cards, so having cash makes transactions smoother and quicker.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond the Main Path
Venture into smaller alleys and side markets like Kalare and Anusarn for more variety and hidden gems.
🍜 Sample Widely
Don't stick to one stall! Try different dishes from various vendors for the full street food experience.
⏰ Check Market Schedules
The Sunday Walking Street is huge, but other markets like the Saturday Walking Street also offer great experiences.
🛍️ Look for Unique Crafts
Beyond typical souvenirs, seek out handmade jewelry, pottery, and custom items.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse street food, and wide array of unique souvenirs. The opportunity to bargain and the lively entertainment add to the overall enjoyable experience. However, some find the souvenir prices a bit high for tourists and recommend exploring side markets for better deals.
"A fun filled night bazaar that has food, games and cheap stuff to buy. Be ready to bargain, never take the first price. Best to bring cash as some vendors don’t prefer credit (costs them a %)
My favorite was the potstickers or fried dumplings, however you may call them in your part of the world."
John Foster
"Lovely market, lots of things to look at and buy, and things are not repeated which is a nice change. Some quite touristy restaurants but the food court is ok. If you love Thai food perhaps just explore and go over the road to one of the amazing restaurants like Ekachan for a proper meal! There is a little bar (photo) on the corner down near the back entrance that is nice and chill though and worth a visit for a cold drink and some people watching."
Alexander Scott
"Vibrant, cheerful, colourful - everything you can expect from a tourist staple. The souvenirs ard overpriced, so do haggle. There are a lot of food options, bit stick to the traditional items - noodles, fried chicken, banh mis ."
Bodhisattva Sen Roy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is centrally located on Chang Klan Road. You can easily reach it by songthaew (red shared taxis), Grab (ride-sharing app), or even a pleasant walk if you're staying nearby in the Old Town or Nimmanhaemin area.
Yes, songthaews frequently pass by Chang Klan Road, making it a convenient and affordable way to get to the bazaar. Just tell your driver 'Night Bazaar'.
From the Old Town, you can hop on a red songthaew heading towards the Night Bazaar. It's a short ride and very budget-friendly. Alternatively, it's a walkable distance for many, allowing you to see more of the city.
While there isn't a dedicated large parking lot directly at the main bazaar, there are smaller parking areas and street parking available nearby. It's often easier to use ride-sharing or public transport to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, tuk-tuks are readily available in Chiang Mai and can take you to the Night Bazaar. Be sure to agree on a price before you start your journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is free! You only pay for the items you choose to purchase or the food you eat.
The main Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is typically open daily from around 5 PM to midnight. However, specific market hours can vary, so it's good to check closer to your visit.
Yes, Chiang Mai has several popular night markets, including the main Night Bazaar (daily), the Saturday Walking Street, and the larger Sunday Walking Street. Each has its own unique charm and offerings.
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for a weekday evening, ideally earlier in the evening (around 5-6 PM). Weekends, especially Sunday, are significantly busier.
Yes, the main Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is open every day of the week, including Mondays. Other smaller markets might have different schedules.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a vast array of souvenirs, including elephant pants, silk scarves, handmade jewelry, carved wooden items, ceramics, paintings, and unique local crafts.
Absolutely! Bargaining is a key part of the experience. Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, but always do so respectfully.
Yes, most prices for souvenirs are negotiable. Vendors expect you to haggle. For food, prices are usually fixed.
Explore the smaller side markets like Kalare and Anusarn, as they sometimes offer slightly better prices than the main street stalls. Also, don't be afraid to walk away and come back if you don't agree on a price.
Yes, there's a wide selection of clothing, from casual t-shirts and elephant pants to more traditional Thai attire and fashion items.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
The Night Bazaar is a food lover's paradise! You'll find everything from classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai and green curry to grilled meats, seafood, fresh fruit smoothies, and local desserts like mango sticky rice.
Generally, yes. The safest bet is to eat at busy stalls where food is cooked fresh and in front of you. Look for vendors with good turnover and where locals are eating.
Don't miss mango sticky rice, Pad Thai cooked in an egg omelet, grilled skewers, fresh coconut water, and various noodle dishes. Many reviewers rave about the potstickers/fried dumplings too.
Yes, many stalls offer vegetarian options, especially with dishes like Pad Thai, spring rolls, and vegetable curries. You can often ask for modifications.
Food prices are very affordable. You can get a delicious meal for around 50-100 Baht. Drinks and snacks are even cheaper.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant colors of the food stalls, the intricate details of the handicrafts, the bustling crowds, and the lively atmosphere with street performers. The evening light creates a magical ambiance.
It's generally polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their stalls, especially if you're not purchasing anything. A smile and a gesture usually suffice.
The golden hour just after sunset offers beautiful lighting. However, the market truly comes alive after dark with all the lights, creating a unique photographic experience.
The food sections, especially those with colorful displays of fruits and cooked dishes, are very photogenic. Also, look for stalls selling unique crafts or those with interesting signage.
Use a wider aperture to capture more light, increase your ISO cautiously to avoid excessive noise, and consider using a tripod or stabilizing your phone for sharper images in low light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Night Bazaar Maze
Navigating this labyrinth can be part of the adventure. Don't be afraid to wander down smaller alleys or explore the areas just off the main thoroughfare. You might discover hidden gems or quieter spots to enjoy your food. Many visitors find that the sheer scale means you can't see it all in one go, so embrace the exploration and enjoy the discoveries you make along the way.
A Foodie's Paradise: What to Eat
When choosing where to eat, look for stalls that are busy, especially with locals, as this is a good indicator of quality and safety. Food is generally cooked fresh to order, ensuring a delicious and safe experience. Don't be shy about trying new things; many vendors offer small portions, allowing you to sample a variety of flavors. For those concerned about food safety, eating at the night market is often considered safer than random street vendors due to the higher turnover and visibility of preparation.
Shopping for Treasures and Bargaining Tips
When shopping, remember that haggling is not just accepted but expected. Start by offering a price significantly lower than the asking price (perhaps 50-70% less) and be prepared to negotiate. Maintain a friendly and respectful demeanor throughout the process. If you can't agree on a price, it's perfectly fine to politely decline and move on; sometimes, vendors will call you back with a better offer. Bringing cash is highly recommended, as many vendors prefer it and some may not accept credit cards. Exploring different stalls and comparing prices before making a purchase can also help you secure the best deals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit