Bandu Market
This is where people in Ban Du buy dinner, not where tour groups get dropped off. That's the whole point of going. It's compact but densely stocked: fresh vegetables, fruit, herbs, meat, fish, eggs, spices, plus clothes and general goods. Produce sits towards the back, cooked food and everything else nearer the front. There's a pharmacy by the entrance too.
If you're eating, the fried chicken and a cup of coffee will cost you very little, and there's a wide spread of ready-made Thai dishes at local prices. Vendors are friendly even without much English. Go in the morning if you want the produce section at full strength, though reviewers mention plenty of stalls still trading at night. Fair warning: it's a traditional wet market, so the meat and fish sections come with the smells and sights that entails. One reviewer noted rat for sale. I wouldn't come here squeamish.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Bandu Market, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Lots of stalls even at night. You can buy all kinds of food and cooking groceries here. Also a lot of veggies, fruits and meat seller at the backside. Local price, and people were mostly very friendly even they don't apeak english. A pharmacy also available near the entrance. Would be a good choice for finding some food for your need.
there are so many food dishes here, they are delicious and cheap also. I bought fried chickens, a cup of coffee. Very Nice. Fruit is fresh.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bandu Market (ตลาดสดบ้านดู่) My experience at Bandu Market (ตลาดสดบ้านดู่) was very positive, and I would rate it 4 stars. This market is one of the busiest and most vibrant places in the Bandu area, and it really reflects the lifestyle of the local community. The first thing that stands out is the incredible variety of products available. From fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs to seafood, meat, and poultry, everything you need for daily cooking can be found here. The freshness of the ingredients makes it a reliable choice for household shopping, and the prices are generally very affordable compared to large supermarkets. Apart from raw ingredients, Bandu Market is also a great place for ready-made meals and snacks. There are many food stalls offering traditional Thai dishes, grilled meats, fried snacks, noodles, and desserts. The aroma of freshly cooked street food adds to the lively atmosphere, and it is hard to resist trying something new each time you visit. For students and busy workers in the area, this market is very convenient for grabbing a quick and tasty meal at a good price. The atmosphere of the market is another thing that makes it special. It is always bustling with activity, especially in the mornings and evenings when most people come to shop. The friendly vendors and the sense of community make shopping here feel more personal compared to modern shopping malls. You can often see people chatting, bargaining, and smiling, which gives the place a warm and welcoming character. Of course, like most traditional markets, Bandu Market can get a little crowded at peak hours, and finding parking may sometimes be a challenge. But these small inconveniences are outweighed by the value, freshness, and authentic local experience the market offers. Overall, Bandu Market is a place I would recommend to anyone staying in Chiang Rai, whether you are a local resident or a visitor wanting to experience real Thai culture. That is why I rate it 4 stars.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 3,677 reviews on Google.
Also Popular in Chiang Rai

Rong Suea Ten Temple
Free to enter, electric blue from floor to ceiling, and quieter first thing in the morning.

Wat Rong Khun
All white plaster and mirror glass, dazzling in the sun, and packed with people from the moment it opens.

Golden Triangle
Stand where three countries meet on the Mekong, then decide if the 1.5-hour drive was worth it.

Wat Huay Pla Kang
A 79-metre Guan Yin you can climb inside, plus a nine-storey pagoda and hilltop views, all free to enter.
Bandu Market: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bandu Market worth visiting?
Bandu Market holds a 4.3★ rating from 3,677 Google reviews — a strong rating for markets & shopping in Chiang Rai.
What are the opening hours of Bandu Market?
Bandu Market is open 24 hours a day — 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 Bandu Market?
The best months to visit Chiang Rai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Bandu Market located?
Bandu Market is at 217 ตำบล บ้านดู่ Tambon Ban Du, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city centre); Songthaews.
Location Info
217 ตำบล บ้านดู่ Tambon Ban Du, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, ThailandVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)
Where to stay near Bandu Market
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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

Big C Supercenter Chiang Rai 2 Airport
A big air-conditioned supermarket near the airport, best used for snacks, gifts and a cheap food court meal.

MegaHome Chiang Rai
A large home improvement warehouse on Phahon Yothin Road stocking everything from tools to furniture and paint.
Similar Markets & Shopping Across Thailand

Chatuchak Weekend Market
Go at six in the morning, before the heat turns 15,000 stalls into an endurance test.

centralwOrld
Vast, air-conditioned and genuinely easy to navigate, with a top-floor food scene worth the trip alone.

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 Bandu Market
Find hotels in Chiang Rai 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 – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)
