Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Turn up at 7pm. That's my advice. The stalls open from 5pm along Changklan Road, but the market only really fills out in the evening, and by 8 or 9 (especially Thursday through the weekend) it's shoulder to shoulder. An hour of relative calm gives you time to walk the length of it before deciding what's worth your money.
And you should walk it first. Dozens of vendors sell near-identical elephant trousers, carvings and souvenirs at wildly different prices, so the first stall you see is rarely the one to buy from. Bargaining is normal here. Keep cash on you for the small stuff. The food is the part I'd give proper time to, and it's unusually good for vegetarians by market standards, with fried tofu and mushrooms, samosas and cheese corn sitting alongside the Thai street food. Different sections run different food stalls, so eat as you go rather than committing to the first plate. Anusarn Market next door is worth folding into the same evening.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
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.
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.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a must visit if you like to shop in little stalls. All the street around this place turn at evening into shopping malls on sidewalks. Awesome! Unique pieces but also a lot of the typical market stuff. Anusarn Market nearby also offers a great experience. Great
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 27,259 reviews on Google.
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Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chiang Mai Night Bazaar worth visiting?
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar holds a 4.3★ rating from 27,259 Google reviews — a strong rating for markets & shopping in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Chiang Mai Night Bazaar?
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is typically open 17:00-00:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Chiang Mai Night Bazaar?
The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Chiang Mai Night Bazaar located?
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is at Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
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
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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.
Nearby Places
Kalare Night Bazaar
A lively nightly market on Changklan Road blending street food, shopping, and live cultural performances.
Night Bazaar Shopping Street
A sprawling evening market on Changklan Road selling Thai handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and street food.
Ploen Ruedee Night Market
Come for the live band and the seating, not for the food, which is decent and no more.
Phaploen Market
A lively night market on Changklan Road combining street food stalls, casual outdoor dining, and nightly live music.
Similar Markets & Shopping Across Thailand
Chatuchak Weekend Market
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centralwOrld
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Asiatique The Riverfront
Go at dusk, arrive by the free shuttle boat, and treat it as an evening out rather than a shopping trip.
MBK CENTER
Eight floors of small stalls and haggling, closer to an indoor market than a mall, and all the better for it.
Where to stay near Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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)