1. Night Market and Bazaar
Location: Chan Klan road, between Tha Pae and Sri Donchai roads. Opening Hours: DAILY 5pm - 11pm
Here are services stalls like tour agents, massage, pedicure, manicure, cybercafes, and such.
This night market offers a range of Northern Thai and Hill Tribe Handicraft products including Thai sweets, Snacks, woodwork, carvings, artwork, handmade, soap, perfumes, lamps, artificial flowers, suitcases, clothes, fabrics, jewelry, Gem, souvenirs, shoes, sandals, bags, watches, CDs, DVDs, software, computer games, varieties of imitation designer labels - shirts, bags, watches, and many more.
Most sellers speak good English and have good sales skills. Bargaining power is crucial between sellers and buyers where calculators are being pushed here and there for the right figure before goods and bahts are exchanged!
If the price is NOT right for you, just Be polite and walk away, Don'T LoOk back. Shut your ears. And if you had bought something and see the Same same thing in any other stalls with a much cheaper price, DON'T bang your heart!
If you have problem with money... Don't worry, mobile banks are available.
The Night Market and Bazaar area comprises of hundreds of stalls on both sides of pedestrian walkways, little lane ways and large shopping arcades packed with small shops. Food courts with classical Thai performances accompanied by Thai muSic ensemble are popular with tourists. There are numerous fast food outlets, coffee shop chains, local and western restaurants and cafes; and ice-cream parlours too.
2. Saturday Night Market (Wualai Walking Street)
Location: Wualai Street - Outside Chiang Mai Gate up to Tippanet Road. Opening Hours: SATURDAY only 5pm-11pm.
Wualai Street is full of Silversmith shops. There are plenty and good quality of silverware, lacquer ware and aluminium sculptures on display. You will also find handicrafts, bags, clothing, perfume, shoes, belts, lanterns, street performers, woodwork, sketch artists, ornaments, candles, housewares, souvenirs, food stalls, snacks, local fruits, and such.
If you are a food adventure lover, try "Pan Sod "or pork ball Spicy salad which is not only delicious but it will burn your mouth to the end. A kind of love and hate experience. My favourite food in this market are charcoal congee, Thai style omelette rice (khai jiao) and Som Tam (Thai spicy papaya salad) with fresh passion fruit juice being my favourite drink.
This market is a smaller version of the other two markets and geared much to the local people than tourists. A one kilometer lovely walking street with friendly vendors.
3. Sunday Night Market (Sunday Walking Street)
Location: Along Ratchadamonoen Road (through the old town) to Thapae Gate. Opening Hours: SUNDAY only 4pm-11pm.
The Sunday Walking Street market is very much a showcase of an incredible array of truly authentic and original art and craftsmanship of Northern Thailand. Very artistry and creative displays of simply cute and irresistible items which are mainly sold by the makers themselves and are mostly NOT available at the everyday Night Bazaar.
There are cultural performances, live music and buskers to add live to the atmosphere. The best place to see genuine Thai street entertainment too.
The streets, temples courtyards and shop corners are lined with glorious abundance of authentic Thai food, snacks, varieties of desserts and drinks along with cafes and restaurants. Many stalls sells fabulous local treats freshly cooked before your eyes. Make sure you have enough stomach space or else you've to wait for another Sunday.
You can have any picture drizzle on this little delicious pancake (dorayaki) for only 5 baht (RM0.50/US0.18). I told the maker i want a picture of myself. She took a glance at me and there...Nice job!! Next time i want her to drizzle Angry Bird with those annoying pigs..
It get crowded as the night sets in. Shop till you dropped, Eat till you PopPed. The Sunday Walking Street is the BEST place for inexpensive food and Thai products, souvenirs and everything!! Especially if you're hunting for interior decoration stuffs or a uniQue art piece and perhaps a special gift to bring home.
