Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is doubtless the most famous market in the city and one of its most important tourist attractions as it offers a great shopping experience. Open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, this night market takes place in an area of city that is rather lively even during the day, as it is packed with permanent shops, hotels, restaurants and fast food such as Burger King and McDonalds. Located about 600 meters east of Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar covers a very large area. Although its more lively heart is located at the intersection of Chang Khlan Road and Loi Khro Road, the market extends for two blocks in both directions and includes other small alleys filled with plenty of stalls and food stands. The first vendors open their stands when the sun goes down, usually at 6pm, but the market begins to be packed around 8pm and shopping continues until 10.30pm, with a few stalls remaining open even later. The night bazaar consists of countless stalls packed along the sidewalks and spilling out into the street. You can purchase just about anything you can think of from the vendors. The variety of items on sale is simply staggering and includes: Thai silk, handicrafts, clothes, shoes, jewellery, gadgets, luggage, makeup, scarves, clothing, purses, wallets, watches, luggage, house wares, furniture, statues of aliens made from auto parts and samurai swords, as well as a huge selection of cheap video games, CDs and DVDs. Here you'll mainly find products made close to Chiang Mai with an emphasis on Hill Tribe goods such as textiles and silver jewellery. Quality varies from seller to seller, but prices are always competitive. Although prices seem very cheap, bargaining is a fixed rule as in all Thai markets, since the first price is rarely the best price. A good rule is negotiating to get another 20-30% off their first price. There are a number of food vendors located along the whole bazaar where you can get a fresh juice or a tasty snack and there are also several places to stop and sit down to enjoy your favourite Thai dish.
How to get there: if you're already within the old city walls, you can get there by red songthaew or tuk tuk, simply ask the driver to take you to the Night Bazaar. A shared songthaew should only cost 20 baht per person and a tuk tuk 100 baht per ride from Tha Phae Gate. Otherwise, you can take a scooter and park anywhere nearby as the roads remain open. If walking, the trip from Tha Phae Gate is only a short 1 km.Read More