Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
A vibrant hub for delicious street food, unique crafts, and lively entertainment, offering an authentic taste of Chiang Rai after dark.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More vendors & lively atmosphere
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Best Time
More vendors & lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant hub for delicious street food, unique crafts, and lively entertainment, offering an authentic taste of Chiang Rai after dark.
"A must-visit for an authentic and enjoyable evening, filled with food, crafts, and local vibes!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Food
Popular street food stalls sell out fast! Aim to arrive by 6:30 PM for the best selection and seating.
💰 Bargain for Souvenirs
Don't be afraid to haggle a little for clothes and gifts to get the best prices.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Street Food Paradise
Central Food Court
Indulge in a vast array of authentic Thai dishes, from savory skewers to sweet treats. A must-try for any foodie!
Handmade Crafts & Souvenirs
Market Stalls
Discover unique, locally made jewelry, clothing, and gifts. Perfect for finding that special memento.
Live Entertainment
Central Stage
Enjoy traditional dance performances and live music that add to the vibrant evening atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Night time activities in Chiang Rai?
🎯 Arrive Early for Food
Popular street food stalls sell out fast! Aim to arrive by 6:30 PM for the best selection and seating.
💰 Bargain for Souvenirs
Don't be afraid to haggle a little for clothes and gifts to get the best prices.
Food recommendations at the night market.
Is 6 hrs to Chiang Rai worth it?
🍜 Adventurous Eating
Try the local specialties, including fried insects if you're brave!
🚶♀️ Stroll and Explore
The market is pedestrian-friendly, so wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Food
Popular street food stalls sell out fast! Aim to arrive by 6:30 PM for the best selection and seating.
💰 Bargain for Souvenirs
Don't be afraid to haggle a little for clothes and gifts to get the best prices.
🍜 Adventurous Eating
Try the local specialties, including fried insects if you're brave!
🚶♀️ Stroll and Explore
The market is pedestrian-friendly, so wear comfortable shoes for walking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar for its lively atmosphere, delicious and affordable street food, and wide variety of unique crafts and souvenirs. It's considered a must-visit for an authentic local experience, though some note it can be a bit touristy and quieter on weeknights.
"Lively and Fun Experience!
Chiang Rai Night Market is a fantastic spot to explore local culture, food, and crafts! The market is filled with delicious street food, unique souvenirs, and handmade items, all at great prices. There’s also live music and traditional dance performances, creating a lively atmosphere. It’s a wonderful place to wander, grab a bite, and soak in the local vibe. A must-visit if you’re in Chiang Rai for an authentic and enjoyable evening!"
Jeny Rai
"Very nice area to walk around and experience all kinds of different handmade crafts and lots and lots of food. Because it is located right in the center is easy accessible but at the same time also a bit touristy. You can easily spend 1-2 hours in this area depending on you are having dinner here. There are many options indeed. Open everyday so go have a look"
Kasper Hammer-Hansen
"Very happy with my visit to Chiang Rai night bazaar. All the best thai food in a big open food court. The streets are closed to traffic. Had a good time shopping for clothes and souvenirs at the many street stalls. This is a must visit in Chiang Rai. Come early to the food court. I took two pictures, I cane early at about 6.20pm, plenty of seats, and another 7.30pm when it's very fully occupied and busy. I had a plate of battered fried shrimps and a meat dumpling at 40baht and 28baht."
Yulea Xia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is centrally located and easily accessible. Many hotels offer shuttle services, or you can take a songthaew (red shared taxi) from anywhere in the city. It's also a pleasant walk from many downtown accommodations.
While the streets are closed to traffic during market hours, there are usually parking areas nearby. However, given its central location, walking or using local transport is often more convenient.
For groups, hiring a private songthaew or a small van can be cost-effective and convenient. Negotiate the price beforehand.
Yes, taxis are readily available in Chiang Rai. Simply tell your driver you want to go to the 'Chiang Rai Night Bazaar' or 'Chiang Rai Night Market'.
The main bus terminal is a short ride from the night bazaar. From there, you can easily catch a songthaew or a taxi to reach the market.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is free. You only pay for the food and items you purchase.
The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is typically open daily from around 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. However, hours can vary slightly, especially on quieter weeknights.
The Saturday Night Market Chiang Rai is an extension of the daily market, often featuring more vendors and a larger selection of goods and food, making it a popular choice.
Similar to the Saturday market, the Sunday Night Market Chiang Rai usually kicks off around 6:00 PM and runs until late, offering a wide variety of shopping and dining options.
Yes, the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar often features live music and traditional Thai dance performances, adding to the lively atmosphere. Check local listings for schedules.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
You'll find an incredible variety of Thai street food, including grilled meats, seafood, noodles, curries, fresh fruit, and desserts. Adventurous eaters can try fried insects and scorpions.
For clothing and souvenirs, bargaining is generally expected and can lead to better prices. For food, prices are usually fixed.
Popular choices include grilled pork skewers (moo ping), pad thai, mango sticky rice, and various noodle soups. Don't miss the chance to try local specialties.
While many dishes are meat-based, you can often find vegetarian options like vegetable stir-fries, spring rolls, and fruit. It's best to ask vendors about ingredients.
Look for handmade jewelry, carved wooden items, local textiles, silk products, and unique t-shirts.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Capture the vibrant food stalls, colorful crafts, live performances, and the bustling atmosphere. The food court at dusk is particularly photogenic.
It's generally polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their specific products, especially if you're not purchasing anything.
The golden hour just after sunset offers beautiful lighting for capturing the market's ambiance. As it gets darker, the market lights create a magical glow.
The central stage area with performers, the diverse food stalls, and the rows of colorful merchandise offer great photographic potential.
Use a wider aperture to let in more light, a slightly higher ISO if needed, and a tripod or stable surface to avoid blur from slower shutter speeds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting with children, consider arriving earlier in the evening to avoid the peak crowds and ensure easier navigation. The food court offers a wide range of familiar and new tastes, so there's likely something for even picky eaters. Encourage them to try a new fruit or snack, making it a fun culinary adventure.
💰 Budget Travelers
This is the perfect place to experience authentic local culture and cuisine without breaking the bank. Instead of expensive restaurant meals, immerse yourself in the vibrant street food scene. You can easily spend an entire evening here, enjoying food, shopping, and entertainment, all while keeping your expenses low.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Culinary Delights of the Night Bazaar
When exploring the food stalls, it's wise to arrive early, especially on weekends, as popular items can sell out quickly.
Beyond the main food court, you'll find smaller stalls selling snacks, sweets, and refreshing drinks. From sweet mango sticky rice to refreshing fruit smoothies, there's something to satisfy every craving. The vibrant atmosphere, combined with the incredible variety of flavors, makes dining at the night bazaar a truly memorable experience.
Shopping for Treasures
Bargaining is a common practice here, so don't hesitate to negotiate prices, especially for clothing and souvenirs. A friendly approach and a smile can go a long way in securing a good deal.
Beyond the typical souvenirs, keep an eye out for unique local products that showcase Chiang Rai's artistry. The market provides a platform for local artisans to sell their creations, offering a glimpse into the region's craftsmanship. Whether you're looking for a small trinket or a more substantial piece, the night bazaar offers a diverse shopping experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit