If you’re a shopping lover, Thailand is the place for you.
Everywhere you go, you’ll find shops, both big and small. In the big cities, you’ll also come across malls, sometimes more than one, but the real highlight is: the markets.
These might be local food markets, clothing markets, or touristy ones full of trinkets. What they all have in common is that they offer a unique experience.
In this post, I’ll tell you about the night markets in Chiang Mai.
What You’ll Find at the Market:
🍉 🥥🥤 Food & Drinks
- Ingredients for Thai cooking
- A wide variety of ready-made dishes (both meat-lovers and vegetarians will find something satisfying)
- Fresh fruit, peeled, chopped, and ready to eat
👕🩳👗 Clothing
Of course! Pants, shirts, dresses, skirts, you name it.
If you’re into elephant prints, you’ve hit the jackpot, there are tons of elephant-patterned items.
There are also many plain pieces and other unique prints.
Brand lovers who don’t want to break the bank can find copies of famous brands at great prices 😆.
👜 👓 💍 Souvenirs
Because how can you go home without a little something for the kids/family/friends/neighbors? 😁
At Thai markets, you’ll find a huge variety of trinkets and gifts:
- Bags in all sizes, shapes, and colors
- Jewelry
- Incense
- Decorative items
- Kitchenware
- Watches
- Sunglasses
- Unique art pieces
…and much more.
Prices
Prices at the markets are usually cheaper than in malls and can often be negotiated.
If a vendor’s English is limited, they’ll type the price into a calculator for bargaining.
Always negotiate politely and respectfully. A smile might be helpful as well. Often, you’re bargaining over a very small amount for you that will make all of the different for the seller.
Example prices:
- Mango sticky rice – 50 baht
- Fruit shake – 30 baht
- Pad Thai – 50 baht
- Sushi – 10 baht per piece
- Veggie wrap – 80 baht
- Gorgeous ring – 160 baht
Markets in Thailand Are Not Just for Shopping:
As you stroll through the market, you’ll hear music playing, sometimes with singers performing live.
Locals try their luck performing, hoping for a bit of attention (and a few coins).
Oftentimes, the musicians are people with disabilities, a man in a wheelchair, a young person with Down syndrome, a blind woman.
It’s heartwarming to see how, despite their challenges, they work hard to earn their living.
After walking between stalls, shopping, and carrying loads of bags, your feet hurt and your hands are sore, time for a massage!
Yes, you can find massages right in the market.
Whether 30 minutes or an hour, you decide.
Skilled hands will ease your tense muscles, and you’ll feel “like new.” And the prices? Super tempting.
Popular Markets in Chiang Mai We’ve Visited:
- Chiang Mai Night Bazaar – Open every evening
- Saturday & Sunday Night Markets – As the name suggests, one runs on Saturday night and the other on Sunday night (the Sunday market is the biggest and most diverse)
- Saturday Night Market
- Sunday Night Market
In Conclusion:
No matter which market you visit, what day it is, where it’s located, or what’s being sold, markets in Thailand are magical, stimulate all the senses, and offer a truly unique experience.
