Chiang Mai Night Bazaar Guide: Food, Shopping & Chiang Mai Tourism Experiences

Have​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ you ever thought about what Chiang Mai is like after dark? After the sun goes down, the city practically explodes with energy—lanterns are lighting up the night sky, delicious food is being cooked on grills, fun-loving people are out, and songs are being played to the delight of the crowd. This is the wonder of the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is frequently referred to as the best place to visit in Chiang Mai for food, culture, and late-night shopping.

It stretches for almost a kilometre along Chang Klan Road, where this colourful market is a mix of handcrafted masterpieces, street artists, food from around the world, and the Lanna tradition at its most genuine. If you are here just to eat the delicious Northern Thai dishes, or if you are looking for unique souvenirs, or if you want to immerse yourself in the music and the atmosphere, the Night Bazaar is certain to be an unforgettable ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌evening.

• The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ ideal time to visit Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is between November and February, when Chiang Mai has cool and pleasant evenings that are perfect for walking through the bazaar.
• The months from March to May are hotter, but a visit after 6 PM is still pleasant, as the market comes alive with cool night vibes.
• June to October is the rainy season, but rain showers are mostly brief. If you arrive early in the evening, you can still enjoy the bazaar before it rains.
• If you want to experience the most crowded and festive atmosphere, then definitely make your trip during Loy Krathong and New Year, when the whole market is illuminated with lanterns and celebratory ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌events.

1. Chang Klan Road Market (Main Street): Step into the buzzing heart of Chiang Mai nightlife, where lights, sounds, and aromas greet you at every corner. This main street stretches almost a kilometre, promising endless discoveries. Perfect for first-time visitors, it’s where culture, shopping, and vibrant street energy collide.

• Timings: Daily 5:00 PM – midnight
• Perfect For: First-time visitors, souvenir hunters, and culture enthusiasts
• What to Find: Hill-tribe textiles, Thai silver jewellery, bamboo lamps, leather goods, local paintings, and traditional décor

2. Anusarn Market (Family-Friendly & Organised): Looking for a calmer pace without missing the magic? Anusarn Market offers a more relaxed, organised vibe with plenty of space to explore. Families and casual visitors can enjoy great food, souvenirs, and a stress-free stroll.

• Timings: Daily 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Perfect For: Families, casual dining, and easy souvenir shopping
• What to Find: Sit-down restaurants, seafood BBQ, souvenir stalls, and cocktail bars

3. Kalare Night Bazaar (Food Court & Cultural Shows): If you want a feast for your senses, Kalare is a must-visit, blending music, dance, and flavours in one lively spot. It’s truly one of the top things to do in Chiang Mai, offering a perfect mix of culture and fun. Grab a bite, watch traditional performances, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

• Timings: Daily 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Perfect For: Couples, culture lovers, and live music fans
• What to Find: Budget-friendly food courts, boutique clothing, live music, and traditional Thai dance performances

4. Ploen Ruedee Night Market (Trendy Food & Nightlife Hub): Looking for modern vibes with a twist? Ploen Ruedee blends international cuisine, craft drinks, and energetic nightlife. Young travellers and foodies flock here for late-night eats, music, and a lively crowd.

• Timings: Daily 6:00 PM – midnight
• Perfect For: Young travellers, foodies, and nightlife seekers
• What to Find: Fusion dishes, Western foods, vegan options, craft bars, and live DJ performances

5. Handicraft Street (Local Art & Souvenir Heaven): Want authentic Northern Thai souvenirs? Handicraft Street offers unique treasures from local artisans that you won’t find anywhere else. From textiles to wooden carvings, it’s a paradise for culture lovers and collectors alike.

• Timings: Daily 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Perfect For: Art lovers, souvenir collectors, and culture enthusiasts
• What to Find: Lanna textiles, bamboo lamps, coconut bowls, wooden carvings, hill-tribe bags, and handmade soaps

• Khao​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Soi – The must-experience Northern Thai dish is definitely Khao Soi, a coconut curry noodle soup from Chiang Mai, which is deep, creamy, and full of delightful spicy aroma.
• Sai Ua – Try the spicy, herb-packed Northern sausage, which is a favourite among local people; the smokiness and aromatic herbs will make your foodie memory of the place unforgettable.
• Hang Lay Curry – If you want to taste real Northern Thai food, this pork curry with Burmese influence, full of rich and delicious flavours and very tender meat, is the answer.
• Mango Sticky Rice – Delicious, creamy mango served with glutinous rice is probably the most popular dessert and is rated as the best street food in Thailand.
• International & Snacks – Whether you want to eat grilled chicken skewers, Thai crispy pancakes, or pizza slices, Korean BBQ bowls, and vegan wraps, the Night Bazaar is your Chiang Mai world food ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌tour.

1. Thai Silver Jewellery – Handcrafted Elegance & Cultural Charm: Wrap​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ yourself with the elegant textures and artful works of Thai silver jewellery. Every silver piece is a reflection of the ancient culture of Northern Thailand and is truly ideal for gifting or keeping as a memory.

• Price: THB 300–2,500 (INR 700–6,000)
• Best Places to Buy: Chang Klan Road stalls, Anusarn Market, Kalare Night Bazaar

2. Hill-Tribe Textiles & Bags – Colorful Tradition & Souvenirs: Beautifully crafted and colourful patterned Hill-tribe textiles and embroidered handbags are the representation of the old ways of the tribal weaving and the age-old rich heritage of the culture of Northern Thailand. Besides that, they are excellent souvenirs that are both efficient and attractive.

• Price: THB 200–1,500 (INR 500–3,500)
• Best Places to Buy: Chang Klan Road, Handicraft Street, Kalare Bazaar

3. Bamboo & Wooden Lamps – Warmth & Local Craftsmanship: These beautifully crafted furnaces can bring the delight of Lanna culture into your living space. Besides being perfect as home décor or gifts, they are beautiful and useful art pieces that make places bright in a lovely ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌way.

• Price: THB 250–2,000 (INR 600–5,000)
• Best Places to Buy: Chang Klan Road stalls, Anusarn Market, Kalare Night Bazaar

1. Always carry cash, as many stalls do not accept cards.
2. Visit between 6 PM and 9 PM for the best atmosphere and manageable crowds.
3. Wear comfortable shoes, because the market area is larger than it looks.
4. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy lanes.
5. Stay hydrated, as evenings can be warm and humid.
6. Be aware that some stalls may close earlier on Sundays.
7. Keep small change handy for snacks and street food purchases.

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ delight of the night market in Chiang Mai lies in the way it appeals to the various senses. Here one can find an interesting mix of food, culture, shopping, and music, fascinated by the stars. This market is the perfect representation of Northern Thailand. Apart from being a phenomenal source of local products and delicious food, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is one of the best places to visit in Chiang Mai, giving you a night that you will remember forever, full of tastes, colours, and local ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌charm. Check out Pickyourtrail Chiang Mai tour packages for a fully customisable travel plan and a hassle-free trip.