Chiang Mai University Night Market
A student night market where the food stalls, not the souvenirs, are the reason to turn up.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 17:00–23:00
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.
Details
Full opening hours
Book ahead in Chiang Mai
Bookable experiences in Chiang Mai that pair with a visit here.
Why go, and how to do it well
This is the night market students actually use, which is the whole point of it. Prices are low, nobody's working hard to sell you elephant pants, and the crowd is mostly young people from the university eating dinner. If you've done the Sunday Walking Street and the Night Bazaar and found them exhausting, this is the antidote.
The stalls sell casual clothes, accessories, handmade bits and souvenirs, and honestly I'd treat that side of it as browsing rather than shopping. The food is where it earns its keep. Thai street food at local prices, plenty of choice, and you can eat well for very little. Go hungry and skip dinner beforehand.
Timing matters more than the day. It opens at 5pm every evening and runs to 11pm, and the first hour is calmer, with room to walk and look properly. After that the post-dinner crowd arrives and it tightens up fast.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
Stay within reach of Chiang Mai University Night Market
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Book ahead in Chiang Mai
Bookable experiences in Chiang Mai that pair with a visit here.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Chiang Mai University Night Market, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Chiang Mai University Night Market, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
ซอย สุเทพ Tambon Chang Phueak, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore markets & shopping nearby
All within 1.5 km of Chiang Mai University Night Market.
THE WALL
Nimmanhaemin Road
PAÑPURI
Daiso Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center
Tips for Visiting Markets & Shopping
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.
Claim Your VAT Refund
Spend 2,000+ THB at a single store displaying 'VAT Refund for Tourists' signs, get a yellow form at the register, and claim 7% VAT back at the airport. It adds up fast on bigger purchases.
Chiang Mai University Night Market: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chiang Mai University Night Market worth visiting?
Chiang Mai University Night Market holds a 4.3★ rating from 1,968 Google reviews — a strong rating for markets & shopping in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Chiang Mai University Night Market?
Chiang Mai University Night Market is typically open 17:00–23:00 — 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 University Night Market?
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: Mid-February – April (smoke & heat).
Where is Chiang Mai University Night Market located?
Chiang Mai University Night Market is at ซอย สุเทพ Tambon Chang Phueak, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city center).
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