


Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Running every evening from 5pm along Changklan Road in the heart of Chiang Mai, the Night Bazaar transforms the surrounding streets into an open-air marketplace where hundreds of stalls spill across sidewalks and into dedicated shopping areas. It draws a mix of locals and travellers looking for handmade crafts, clothing, souvenirs, and an authentic slice of northern Thai street life. The atmosphere is lively without feeling overwhelming, and the sheer density of vendors makes it easy to spend several hours wandering. Food is a genuine highlight here, with vendors catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. Vegetarian options are particularly well represented, with fried tofu, mushroom dishes, and international bites like Indian-style snacks available alongside traditional Thai street food. Prices throughout the market are generally reasonable, and the variety means there is something to suit most budgets and appetites. A practical tip for shoppers: many vendors stock similar items at varying price points, so it pays to browse before committing to a purchase. The market runs seven nights a week, making it easy to factor into any Chiang Mai itinerary, and nearby streets host additional markets on certain evenings, giving repeat visitors fresh ground to explore.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is one of those places that perfectly captures the energy and charm of the city. It’s not just a market — it’s an experience that blends shopping, food, culture, and atmosphere into one lively evening destination. From the moment you step into the area, the place comes alive. Rows of vendors stretch along the streets, offering everything from handcrafted goods and clothing to artwork, souvenirs, and locally made products. Whether you’re browsing casually or hunting for something specific, there’s a satisfying sense of discovery around every corner. What truly elevates the Night Bazaar is the atmosphere. The mix of lights, music, aromas from street food stalls, and steady buzz of conversation creates a vibrant yet relaxed environment. It never feels rushed or overwhelming like some larger markets — instead, it feels inviting and enjoyable to explore at your own pace. Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy. Street vendors and nearby restaurants serve up a wide variety of Northern Thai dishes, fresh fruit smoothies, desserts, and international options. Even if you’re not shopping, the bazaar is worth visiting purely for the culinary experience. Another standout feature is the variety of entertainment. Live music, street performers, and small bars scattered throughout the area add a dynamic, social feel. It’s easy to spend hours wandering without realizing how much time has passed. For visitors to Chiang Mai, the Night Bazaar offers something for everyone — shoppers, photographers, food enthusiasts, or travelers simply looking to soak in local culture. It’s lively without being chaotic, tourist-friendly without losing authenticity, and consistently enjoyable. In short, if you’re visiting Chiang Mai, an evening at the Night Bazaar isn’t optional — it’s essential.
It’s great, very cheap and lots of food and clothing vendors. I ended up coming every night 😅 shop around before you buy as many vendors have similar items but different pricing! Also different markets will have different food stalls so don’t just go to the first one you see or get something there and then continue exploring the others for more variety. It gets crowded as of 8/9pm and as of Thursday - weekend. I would say 7 is a decent time to get there before it’s hectic!
Nice place to walk around in the evening with lots of shops, street food, and souvenirs. Very lively atmosphere and easy to spend a few hours here. Food options are plenty and prices are reasonable. Go after 7 PM for the best vibe. Bargaining is normal. Try local street food stalls. Keep cash for small purchases. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the city.
Location Info
Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, ThailandVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)
Where to stay near Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Tips for Visiting Markets & Shopping
Haggle at Markets, Not Malls
Prices at market stalls are negotiable — start at 50–60% of the asking price and meet in the middle. Fixed-price shops and malls don't haggle. Smile and keep it friendly; aggressive bargaining is considered rude.
Arrive Early or Late
Vendors believe the first sale of the day is lucky — you'll often get a better deal if you arrive right when the market opens. Late in the evening, sellers may also discount to avoid packing unsold goods.
Be Cautious with Tailors
Bangkok has excellent tailors, but also many tourist traps. Avoid anyone offering suspiciously cheap suits or who approaches you on the street. Ask your hotel for recommendations, read reviews, and always get two fittings.
Also Popular in Chiang Mai

Doi Suthep Temple
A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.

Tha Phae Gate
Chiang Mai's iconic eastern Old City gate, a restored Lanna-era landmark surrounded by a lively public square.

Wat Phra That Doi Kham
A hilltop Buddhist temple southwest of Chiang Mai, free to enter and genuinely peaceful year-round.

Central Chiangmai
Chiang Mai's largest modern mall, with two food halls, designer boutiques, and a grocery store along the superhighway.
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Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)
Where to stay near Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.