Kalare Night Bazaar
Located on Changklan Road in the heart of Chiang Mai, Kalare Night Bazaar is a bustling evening market that draws both travellers and locals with its mix of street food stalls, souvenir shops, fabric merchants, and artisan goods. The market sits within the broader Night Bazaar district, making it a natural stop for anyone exploring the area after dark. Open every night from 4:00 PM until 11:30 PM, it offers a reliable and accessible option for an evening out regardless of the day of the week. The atmosphere is energetic and colourful, with live music and traditional Thai cultural performances adding to the experience. Food is a central draw, with a wide variety of dishes and cuisines available across multiple stalls and small restaurants. Visitors should be aware, however, that some reviewers note the food skews toward international palates, with flavours that feel milder than what is found elsewhere in Chiang Mai. Prices are also considered relatively high by local standards, so it is worth setting expectations accordingly. For those primarily interested in souvenir shopping, the night market directly across the street is generally considered the better option for browsing and buying. Kalare itself is best approached as an atmospheric spot to eat, wander, and take in a performance rather than a dedicated shopping destination. Arriving early in the evening allows more time to explore before the crowds peak later in the night.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Kalare Night Bazaar, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Kalare Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai is an absolute must-visit if you love food, culture, and a lively atmosphere. The market is impressively clean, full of energy, and set right inside the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, surrounded by high-end hotels. Between the live music, dancers, and the buzzing crowd, the whole place feels festive and welcoming. The food section is outstanding, with endless Thai stalls offering dishes in the 50–80 baht range, making it both affordable and delicious. You’ll find everything from vegetarian and vegan stir-fries, curries, mango sticky rice, fresh coconuts, and fruit smoothies, to hearty options like fried chicken (I’m vegetarian, but I have to say it looked fit for a king at just 80 baht!). Beyond Thai food, there are Indian food stalls serving fragrant curries and naan, and even international choices like pizza and ribs for those craving something different. The variety here means there’s truly something for everyone. As a vegetarian, I was blown away by the options—nearly every stall had something for me, which is rare in many markets. The vegetarian Thai fried rice I had was hands down the best I’ve ever tasted—flavorful, fresh, and cooked right in front of me. Kalare Night Bazaar is more than just a night market; it’s an experience where food, music, and culture come together in one vibrant space. Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner, live entertainment, or just a fun night out in Chiang Mai, this place is perfect!
Kalare Night Bazaar is a lively and colorful evening spot in Chiang Mai, perfect for experiencing the city’s night market vibe. There’s a great mix of street food, small restaurants, souvenir shops, and live music that creates a fun, energetic atmosphere. Food options are plenty, from Thai classics to international dishes, and prices are generally reasonable, though slightly tourist oriented. It can get crowded and noisy at peak hours, but that’s part of the charm. Overall, it’s a nice place to relax, eat, shop, and enjoy a casual night out in Chiang Mai.
The pros are that you have a wide variety of food options and the atmosphere is really awesome great place to hangout. Cons are that relative to Chiang Mai it’s expensive and that you’re definitely eating tourist trap food
Location Info
89, โครงการกาแลไนท์บาซาร์, 2 Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand+66 62 592 3447Visitor 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 Kalare 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.
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 Kalare 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.