Cicada Market

This place is an excellent spot for everyone who visits Hua Hin. It isn’t hard to come here; you can take a Grab or public transportation such as tuk-tuk or songthaew, and there is a parking lot across the market for those who drive themselves. The market is lively with music and art. In the back of the market, there are many handmade items by local artists from small crafts to large canvas paintings. For those who crave music, near the restroom, there is a live music show where you can grab drinks and enjoy the atmosphere of the market. The last time I visited, they played jazz music which I really enjoyed, and I was impressed by the musicians a lot. Not only that, there is a magic show for young children available at 7 pm and 9 pm in front of the market. For the food zone, they might be a little bit pricey but affordable and understandable as a Thai person, the food is nice and there are many multicultural cuisines options you can choose. Drinks and desserts are also available. I highly recommend the pineapple crackers which are under the white building, they are always fresh out of the oven, the scent is irresistible.

If you are spending a weekend in Hua Hin, Cicada Market is an absolute must-visit. Unlike some of the more chaotic markets in Thailand, Cicada has a relaxed atmosphere that makes for a fantastic night out. The variety is massive!! Plenty of fresh seafood, classic Thai street food, and even some great international options. There is live music everywhere! It makes the whole experience feel like a mini-festival. We had a great experience and would go back in a heartbeat!

Cicada Market is a well known night market in Hua Hin that used to be especially popular with local visitors from Bangkok, particularly middle to upper middle class families. Today, about 90 percent of the visitors are foreign tourists. Food prices are higher than typical local markets but still considered fair for the quality and variety. The Thai food selection is very appealing and goes beyond the usual dishes that foreigners typically know. You can find authentic items such as crispy oyster omelette, boat noodles with rich broth, and Northeastern Thai cuisine. Most food stalls require you to purchase coupons before buying. Any unused coupons can be refunded, which is convenient. Tips If you see a long line at a coupon booth near the entrance, walk further inside. There are several other booths with much shorter lines or no queue at all. At the front stage, there are traditional cultural performances such as Southern Thailand shadow puppet shows, as well as entertainment for children including magic shows, balloon artists, and street performers. This area is especially suitable for families with kids. The back zone features a live band that performs very well, along with a relaxed seating area where visitors can enjoy drinks and music comfortably. There is also a large section selling handicrafts and interesting souvenirs. The products feel curated rather than cheap mass market items. Near the back stage, there is a unique vintage shop specializing in high street second hand menswear, offering collectible pieces and rare items that stand out from typical market clothing. The downsides are the heat and the occasional difficulty in finding seats during busy hours. Parking is available across the street with plenty of spaces. The fee is 50 baht and covers parking from early evening until the market closes.