There are no shortage of markets in Chiang Mai, but I do have a favorite. I just love the Sunday Night Market near Tha Phae Gate.
To be honest, I think all of the markets are very similar, as is standard with most towns. You have your crafts, food, clothing and much more. You are likely to find these same items at the night bazaar or the Saturday night market too.
So why is the Sunday night market my favorite?
It is in the heart of the old city! I love that! It is on a wide street, with shops, restaurants, temples and homes to gaze at as well. Come on and I’ll show you.
Sights of The Sunday Night Market
My all time favorite thing to do is to People Watch! This is the market to do just that. I could just stand in the middle and let the world go by. It would be nice if there were a fan blowing too, as it is pretty hot in Thailand. Of course it is fun to look at all of the handicrafts as well. We don’t buy anything, as we carry everything we own. Alan joked and said “If we ever settle somewhere, we are coming back to buy a bunch of lamps and stuff.” 😉
This particular market passes by the big Wat (temple) in the center of town. It was gorgeous all lit up at night and they have food stands all around the courtyard too.
Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan
Sounds of The Sunday Night Market
What better to help you with the sound, than to provide you a brief video. Sound overload!
Smells of The Sunday Night Market
Well, I wish I had smellovision for you, but this is something you will just need to take my word for. There are smells! Some good and some not so good, depending on your likes. Of course, most of the smells creep in when you are near the many food stalls. I have to admit, we don’t know what half of the stuff is, but we can verify it does have a smell!
We think she is making fish balls. If you know, tell us! We don’t plan on tasting it.
No Clue! Do you know? On the right are tiny eggs.
We got this one! Fruit! 🙂
Location
The Market starts at Tha Phae Gate on the East side of the Old city and runs down the center road (Rachadamnoen Road), feeding into many side streets and even into the courtyard of Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan. The market is roughly within the area in the red box below.
Have you been? Where is your favorite street market?
What to do in Chiang Mai!
We also have a very all inclusive list of Things to do in Chiang Mai with kids or without. This also includes our expenses living in Chiang Mai, where to eat and places to stay in Chiang Mai.
Hi Heidi! I skyped with you once from the Ullan’s house in Chiang Mai. I just wanted to let you know that my favorite spot/moment in all of Chiang Mai was 6pm at the Sunday Night Market when everyone stands still for the national anthem. That market is amazing, and that moment is the exclamation point. Glad you’re enjoying CM!
Hey Ellen! So happy to hear from you. Yes, we remember and we are absolutely loving every minute of Chiang Mai. We are are super busy on the social circuit too, so many other travelers here. We met up with a great couple today and did the Scorpion Boat Tour on the Ping River. I really don’t think our 3 months here is enough to do everything! But we will make the most of the time we have. We love San Diego too, say hello to the Ullan Family for us as well.
So cool! Some of my favorite markets have been in Central America, though I haven’t done too much travel through Asia yet! I am in the throes of planning a trip to Thailand. I only have about 10 days so I am not sure if I should just pick one town or jet around to a few.
Hey Katie, I love Central America too! You will love Asia. I would say you may want a few stops while in Thailand. The North is so different from the South, but there is a long journey in between. The southern islands are gorgeous, but we are also really loving the nature and mountains in Chiang Mai. Let us know if you need any tips.