Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market with Insider Food Tips

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Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market: The Basics

Opening Hours: 4pm-12am

The Sunday Night Market in Chiang Mai is open every Sunday from about 4 pm to midnight, rain or shine. Get there early to beat the crowds – it gets busiest from about 7pm to 10pm – or embrace the chaos and stay all night!

Tha Phae Walking Street Location & Getting There

The Sunday Night Market Walking Street (closed to vehicle traffic) stretches for about 1.1 km (0.68 miles) along Rachadamnoen Road, starting from Tha Pae Gate and extending through the heart of the Old City until Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan (temple). 

On any other day, it would take less than 20 minutes to walk from one end to the other, but on Sunday nights, it takes about 40 minutes because of foot traffic. You can start on either end, but the main food court is closer to the Tha Phae Gate side.

Here’s how to reach the Sunday Night Walking Street in Chiang Mai:

• By Foot: If you’re staying within the Old City, it’s a convenient walk.

• Songthaew: For a fun local ride, flag down a red songthaew. It should cost 30 baht per person within the Old City.

• By Grab or Taxi: This option is more comfortable but pricier, ranging from 50-100 baht, depending on your location.

Parking Tips for Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market

Driving yourself? Finding parking near the market can be tricky, but it’s possible. 

You’ll see motorbikes parking along the sidewalk across from the market entrance, but the spaces fill up fast.

Here’s my secret side street parking spot that lets you skip the crowds and jump right into the main food court.

Alternatively, you can park at one of the temples near the Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market or small lots nearby for a small fee of 20-30 baht.

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Map of Sunday Night Walking Street in Chiang Mai

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Best Foods to Eat at the Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market

Food stalls are scattered throughout the Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Streets, but the highest concentration is in food courts. 

The market is pretty touristy, so it’s not the cheapest night market in town, but it’s still really cheap. You’ll likely pay 30-70 baht ($1-2 USD) for most food items. Food is a set price that you should see posted on the food stall (save the haggling for souvenir shopping).

The food courts have open seating. If you’re solo, don’t be afraid to ask to share a table with another traveler – I do that all the time, so I don’t have to wait for a table to open up.

I couldn’t possibly list every single thing on offer at the Sunday Night Market Walking Street, but here are some of my favorites!

1. Papaya Salad (Som Tam)

My go-to papaya salad is from the Papaya Salad Lady at the main food court. I don’t know what she does differently, but her som tam always comes out perfectly balanced – spicy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweetness. While waiting for my salad to be freshly made, I can’t help but snack on the crispy fried chicken from the cart right next to her.

2. Sausage on a Stick

The sausage stand across the courtyard from the Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street serves flavorful sausages packed with noodles, herbs, and spices. You can choose between spicy and sour.

3. Corn Stand

Don’t miss the buttery grilled corn on the cob. It’s simple yet delicious and the perfect sidekick to the spicy street food.

4. Grilled Skewers

One of my favorite stands is the Grilled Skewers stall, where you pick your skewers (meats, veggies, or seafood), pop them into a basket, and watch as they get grilled to perfection.

5. Coconut Pancake Dessert Stall

For dessert, head to the Pancake Dessert Stall, where you can choose from different toppings like coconut or corn. 

6. Sushi Stall

If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s a Sushi Stall that offers a range of fresh rolls and sashimi. I haven’t tried it because I’m a bit of a sushi snob, but it’s always popular with the crowd.

7. Khao Soi

Khao Soi is a must-try – this Northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup is rich, flavorful, and perfect if you’re looking for something filling. But if you have time, grab lunch at one of my favorite khao soi spots in town.

8. Mango Sticky Rice

Look for the stalls selling Mango Sticky Rice. The combination of ripe mango, sticky rice, and coconut cream is a classic dessert that can’t be missed.

9. Bug Snacks

If you’re feeling brave, several stands offer deep-fried bugs like scorpions and grasshoppers. It’s a fun way to test your adventurous spirit! I’m afraid of bugs, so this one isn’t for me.

10. Pad Thai

You can’t go wrong with a steaming plate of Pad Thai. Look for the stalls offering this classic stir-fried noodle dish with your choice of chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

11. Gyoza (Dumplings)

The Gyoza stalls offer crispy and savory Japanese dumplings that are always a hit.

12. Spring Rolls

Fresh or fried, spring rolls make a great snack. Look for the stands that serve them with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.

13. Thai Iced Tea & Coffee

Grab a refreshing Thai iced tea or coffee from the drink stalls scattered throughout the market. They’re sweet, cold, and perfect to beat the heat.

14. Durian

Love it or hate it, durian is known as the “King of Fruits” for its distinctive aroma and unique flavor. Find it at the stalls selling whole durians or in pre-packaged portions. Just remember the smell is quite strong, so keep it sealed until you’re ready to eat! I wanted to like it, but the taste was worse than the smell for me!

Tips and Tricks for the Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market

• Expect Crowds: The market gets very crowded, especially after 7pm. The two main lanes typically have people moving in opposite directions, so expect a slow-paced shuffle from one end to the other.

• Take Your Time: Walking from one end to the other can take 30-40 minutes due to the crowds. Go early or plan for a leisurely stroll as you explore each stall.

• Bring a Napkin: As is typical in Asian markets, napkins are hard to find. I always carry a handkerchief with me, and I recommend you do the same!

• People-Watching Spots: Several restaurants and bars are along the street, where you can sit, grab a drink, and watch the busy market go by.

• Support Locals: Many stalls are run by local artisans and families. Supporting them directly is a great way to contribute to the community while picking up unique souvenirs.

• Meet Other Travelers: The market is a hub for meeting other travelers. Don’t be shy to strike up a conversation, especially in the food courts or at the drink stalls.

• Keep Your Belongings Safe: With the crowds, keeping your belongings in front of you and being mindful of your valuables is essential. Consider wearing a money belt or a crossbody bag.

• Cash Only: Most stalls only accept cash, so be sure to have enough on hand. ATMs are available inside the 7-Eleven stores on the Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Streets.

• Haggle for Goods, Not Food: While food prices are fixed and usually posted, you can haggle for goods like clothing, jewelry, and crafts. Remember that you’ll get what you pay for – my elephant pants ripped the first time I wore them!

• Hydrate and Stay Cool: It’s easy to get dehydrated while navigating the market, especially when it’s hot. Grab a refreshing coconut, Thai iced tea, or fruit smoothie to stay cool.

• Pack Light: Bring a small, reusable shopping bag for your purchases, but avoid overloading yourself. You’ll want both hands free to sample all the tasty snacks! Bringing your own tote will help cut down on some of the plastic.

💧 Thirsty? Always have clean drinking water on hand and save money with this reusable water bottle! It works great, turning tap water into safe-to-drink water that tastes good.

My Favorite Night Markets in Chiang Mai

Can’t make it to the Sunday Night Market when you’re in Chiang Mai? No worries, visit one of these!

Another piece of advice – if you’re feeling a little anxious about unfamiliar foods or want to get to know the dishes unique to Chiang Mai, I strongly recommend you take this Chiang Mai food tour! You’ll have a blast learning about Northern Thai cuisine, which is DELICIOUS.

• Saturday Night Market (Wua Lai Walking Street): The Saturday Night Market takes place along Wua Lai Road and is very similar to the Sunday Night Market but (slightly) less crowded. Expect a great mix of local artisans, street food vendors, and live entertainment. The silver jewelry shops here are also worth checking out since the area is known for its silversmiths. Combine with a visit to the Silver Temple.

• Chang Phuak Gate Night Market (North Gate Market): Famous for the Cowboy Hat Lady and her mouth-watering Khao kha moo (stewed pork leg), this market near the North Gate is a local favorite. You’ll find plenty of street food stalls selling grilled meats, noodle soups, and desserts. It’s a bit less touristy than other markets, making it a great place to dive into authentic Thai street food culture.

• Night Bazaar: The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a huge market that stretches along Chang Klan Road. You’ll find everything from handicrafts to clothes and electronics. It’s tourist-oriented, but I still come here often. The connecting Anusarn and Kalare Night Markets have good street food, plus live music and ladyboy cabaret shows.

• Chiang Mai University Night Market (Malin Plaza): A favorite among university students, this market is packed with affordable clothing, accessories, and delicious street food. I love it here! And I hardly ever see anyone here besides locals. It’s less touristy and provides a genuine glimpse into the local student lifestyle.

• Gate Market (Pratu Chiang Mai Market): Located near the Chiang Mai Gate in the Old City, this market is known for its fresh produce in the morning and a bustling street food scene at night. It’s the perfect place to grab a late-night snack like mango sticky rice or pad Thai.

• White Market at One Nimman: If you’re in the trendy Nimman area, don’t miss this small night market held every Friday to Sunday from about 2pm to 10pm. While not as large as others, it has a cool, hip vibe with vintage clothing stalls, craft beer, and fusion street food. A great spot to start your evening before heading to nearby bars and clubs. It’s more expensive than the other markets.

• Mueang Mai Market: Here, you’ll find an incredible selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood. I come here weekly for fresh fruit at a fraction of the price as the other markets, plus it’s a fun experience to shop with the locals!

• Ton Lamyai Market: Known for its beautiful fresh flowers, this colorful market is a joy to explore early morning. Ton Lamyai is part of the larger Warorot Market complex and features food stalls, clothing shops, and a variety of home goods. Don’t miss the food court at the back!

• Warorot Market: One of Chiang Mai’s oldest and most famous markets, Warorot Market (or Kad Luang) is a treasure trove of Thai snacks, spices, textiles, and souvenirs. I love the market’s maze-like alleys and the endless variety of street food stalls. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic market experience.

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FAQs About Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street Market

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