PHAPLOEN MARKET : พาเพลิน มาร์เก็ต
Phaploen Market is a popular evening destination on Changklan Road in central Chiang Mai, drawing both locals and visitors with its combination of street food, outdoor dining, and nightly live entertainment. The market comes alive after dark, when cover bands and dance performances take to the stage, creating a relaxed but energetic atmosphere that sets it apart from more conventional shopping markets. Food is the main draw here. Visitors can browse a wide range of stalls offering grilled meats, ribs, corn, mushrooms, coconut drinks, and Thai dishes, with options that cater to vegetarians and vegans as well. Seating is plentiful, with rows of tables spread across the outdoor space beneath strings of twinkling lights, making it a comfortable spot to linger over a meal. Meals with drinks typically run around 200 to 250 baht per person, offering reasonable value for the setting and experience. Good to know: Phaploen Market operates as a night market, so arriving in the evening is essential to experience it at its best. Specific opening hours are not listed, so arriving around sunset and confirming current hours locally before visiting is advisable. The outdoor layout means weather can affect the experience, and the market sits conveniently close to other Chiang Mai attractions along Changklan Road, making it easy to combine with an evening out in the area.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After PHAPLOEN MARKET : พาเพลิน มาร์เก็ต, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
The Phaploen market was probably my favorite. The area is decorated beautifully with twinkling lights. There are rows of tables and seating that set up casual dining. Plenty of different food and drink stalls. I enjoyed the fresh coconut stall where you can get smoothie or a whole fresh coconut. I would love to try the Khao Soi stall next time! They always have live music which is super fun. The artists are talented and they perform some pretty great setlists. Now for my standard comments. Location is pretty clean and well kept. Some tables can get a little messy but in general, it was easy to find a good spot to settle.
Phaploen Market is a popular night market in Chiang Mai, known for its excellent street food and live entertainment. Its vibrant outdoor atmosphere features several live cover bands every night. Food stalls offer a variety of cuisines, including Thai, Chinese, BBQ, and Western options. Many bars serve cocktails and beer. Be sure to try the fresh coconut smoothies at the stalls. It's a great place to spend some time.
Loved it here! Came here twice for dinner during my stay at Chiang Mai. Many choices of food and drinks. Personally loved the grilled mushroom, grill meat and corn, ribs, coconut milk shake, and Thai beer! Casual dining experience made better with the live performances. Ample of table and seats, airy place. Do remember to clean up your table after eating though.
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
Hilltop temple overlooking Chiang Mai with stunning golden chedi
Tha Phae Gate
Chiang Mai's iconic eastern gate to the Old City, a historic Lanna-era landmark free to visit any time.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
A hilltop golden Buddha temple near Chiang Mai offering panoramic city views, free entry, and genuine tranquillity.
Central Chiangmai
A large modern shopping mall on the Chiang Mai superhighway with extensive dining, retail, and a celebrated food hall.
Similar Markets & Shopping Across Thailand
Chatuchak Weekend Market
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centralwOrld
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Asiatique The Riverfront
Illuminated at night, this sizable Ferris wheel in an open-air mall offers scenic river views.
Siam Paragon
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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)