Phaploen Market
A lively night market on Changklan Road combining street food stalls, casual outdoor dining, and nightly live music.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Mon–Sat 18:00–00:00
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
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. Phaploen Market operates as a night market, so arriving in the evening is essential to experience it at its best. 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.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
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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 Phaploen Market, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 1 minPloen Ruedee Night MarketMarkets & Shopping · 10 m · 4.5★
- 1 minNight Bazaar Shopping StreetMarkets & Shopping · 70 m · 4.3★
- 1 minThe Chiangmai Experience TravelActivities & Tours · 100 m · 4.8★
- 2 minKhao Soi IslamRestaurants & Food · 140 m · 4.4★
- 2 minNorth CountryNightlife & Bars · 140 m · 4.8★
- 2 minKiti PanitRestaurants & Food · 150 m · 4.3★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Phaploen Market, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
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.
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.
One of the most enjoying evenings we had in chiang mai! Awesome bad playing luve music, food at somewhat afordable prices (around 200-250 per person including drinks), tables, not too crowded. Love it!
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 269 reviews on Google.
25, 31 Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore markets & shopping nearby
All within a 2-minute walk of Phaploen Market.
Ploen Ruedee Night Market
Come for the live band and the seating, not for the food, which is decent and no more.
Night Bazaar Shopping Street
A sprawling evening market on Changklan Road selling Thai handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and street food.
Kalare Night Bazaar
A lively nightly market on Changklan Road blending street food, shopping, and live cultural performances.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Get there around 7pm, before the crowds land, and browse the whole stretch before you buy anything.
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.
Phaploen Market: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Phaploen Market worth visiting?
Phaploen Market holds a 4.7★ rating from 269 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated markets & shopping in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Phaploen Market?
Phaploen Market is typically open 18:00–00:00 — 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 Phaploen 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: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Phaploen Market located?
Phaploen Market is at 25, 31 Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, 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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