Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Chiang Mai Overview

Located on Chang Khlan Thanon, on the eastern side of the old city, the bustling Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a favorite haunt for shopaholics, with stalls selling clothing, accessories, decor items, artwork, toys, and electronics. It is also a great place to try local Thai delicacies like mango sticky rice, pad Thai, and spring rolls.

As you tread along the one kilometre stretch of Chiang Mai Night Bazaar you are sure feel the vibe of Thailand’s buzzing night life. Pass through the street during the day and you can catch some behind the scene action as the shopkeepers prepare for the night by laying out the stalls and their wares. The real action kicks off at night when the street bazaar comes alive in every sense of the word. Shop till you drop and then bite into some delicious snacks at the restaurants dotted along the street. And then live up the night at the discotheques and night clubs.

Things to Buy at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Rightly called the shoppers’ paradise, the night bazaar which starts at the junction of Chang klan and Loi Kroh street offers everything you can think of, right from clothing to jewellery. There is a sea of stalls to choose from where you can find great variety of things that are required daily for the household. You will be simply amazed by the kind of stuff that is found here, be it DVDs, CDs, Silk from Thailand, antique watches, purses, video games, luggage, artwork, furniture and so on.

Don’t be surprised if you find some unique objects of art like a statue assembled out of spare parts, samurai swords, antiques of all shapes and sizes at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. You may also find some amazing jewellery pieces in silver, spices and some really nice souvenirs to take back home. While many of the stalls sell similar stuff, there is a good chance to find some really exceptional stuff as well.

Food at Chiang Mai Night Market

Chiang Mai Night bazaar offers some great options when it comes to food. With plenty of restaurants, cafes and food joints to choose from you will be spoiled for choice. Part of the famous Anusarn Market, Anusarn Food Court is a great place for some amazing food. Those looking out for some tasty delicacies from the east or that tasty Thai chili preparation to tingle your taste buds then Anusarn Food Court is a must visit. You can munch on some amazing barbequed offerings of seafood or relish some authentic Thai cuisine. With plenty of open-air stalls to choose from you can enjoy a meal in outdoorsy set up.

Located on Sridonchai Road, Whole Earth restaurant offers some amazing Indian and Thai cuisine. It is an ideal restaurant for large groups in a beautiful setting inspired by traditional Thai architecture. It has been around for three decades and has been the hot favourite amongst locals as well as tourists for great variety in vegetarian and non-vegetarian food from the east.

Food at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar — Source

Tips

Though the prices of the commodities may seem low at first there is most certainly a margin on their selling price, sometimes up to 30%. Like it is said, ‘when in Rome do as the Romans do’ and it is most applicable at Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Most seasoned travellers suggest that one must initiate dialogue with the shopkeeper in the local language to breed familiarity. That way there are less chances that you will be taken for a ride as you will come across as more knowledgeable and then you can bargain more effectively on that coveted piece that you so desire.

It is a good idea to buy using Thai currency which makes for an easy shopping experience. There are many ATMs and outlets for exchanging money that can be availed of which are located in Anusarn Market and near the well-known fast food restaurant of McDonalds.

How To Reach Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Chiang Mai Night bazaar is located on Chang Khlan Thanon which lies between River Ping on one side and the old city on the other. It is flanked by Sridonchai and Tha Phae roads on either side. Le Meridien Chiang Mai forms the starting point for this famous night bazaar. It is made of several smaller markets within, like the flower market of Ton Lamyai, Anusarn market and the night market of Ploen Rudee.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is easily reachable by taxi or car. You can also walk down from City Centre. Even local transport like the Tuk Tuk can be taken.