Chiang Rai night markets may not be as big as the ones in Chiang Mai, but what they lack in size they make up for in organization and in the laid-back character you’d expect from smaller-town bazaars.
So if you’re looking for things to do, great places to eat, and information on Chiang Rai’s nightlife, keep reading.
What to Expect from a Thai Night Market
– Northern Thai food and drinks
– Handcrafted products
– Thai massages
– Clothing
– Thai dancing shows
– Folk concerts
– And a good time
Thai people love night markets, and they do so for a reason: it’s too hot to be shopping during the day. For us foreigners, the night markets are more than a place to shop for souvenirs. They’re communal places to go for entertainment, music, and good food — we’re talking about Thailand after all!
Chiang Rai Saturday Night Market
Open every Saturday from 04:30 PM to 00:30 AM.
Located on Thana Lai Road, right in the city center.
Every Saturday by mid-afternoon, Thana Lai Road closes to traffic and opens up for people to wander through the stalls. After a bit of browsing, you’ll find the quality work of local artisans standing out from the generic bric-a-brac.
However, if you’re not planning on buying anything else due to your luggage being full, there’s an abundance of Thai snacks and desserts to fill your empty stomach.
If you go there to eat, we recommend an early dinner — by 8:00 PM the place will be jammed packed with people and the queues for buying food get quite long. Having said that, this is also the time when the market starts to come alive.
But besides the great food, there are other attractions in Chiang Rai Saturday Night Market. A good visual cue is: if the Chinese lanterns are lit, entertainers and musicians are performing.
Tip: Around here, if you’re a tourist you’ll have to bargain. It’s very likely that sellers doubled the price just for you.
Sunday Happy Street (Snag Khon Noil)
Open Sundays from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Located on Sankhongnoi Road near the Chiang Rai Hospital. Just a 10-minute walk from the Night Bazaar.
The Sunday Happy Street in Chiang Rai is worth visiting for its family-friendly atmosphere. The eating spots on this one are a great way to relax, mingle with locals, and enjoy typical northern Thai cuisine.
The Sunday street market is smaller than the one on Saturdays, however, shops along Sankhongnoi Road open their doors so it all evens out in the end
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Open daily from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Located near the Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, off Phaholyothin Road.
We found the Night Bazaar to be more touristy than the weekend markets. And not necessarily by the number of tourists walking around, but for the type of products being sold — the same overpriced knick-knacks repeated on every stall (but vendors were never pushy though).
Most locals hang out near the food and beer area. Next to it is a temple yard with benches and tables where they eat, socialize, and watch the artists perform. When the crowd is familiar with the music, they’ll get up and dance, and everyone is invited to join.
The Chiang Rai Municipal Market Food Court
Open from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Located near the Night Bazaar is a tin-roofed Municipal Market.
It’s basically a food court with stalls all around the perimeter selling fried treats, and hot pots. In the center are hundreds of chairs and tables to eat on, and a stage where local entertainers perform while you munch a crispy deep-fried whatever.
Photo by Marvin Wan
Image by Marvin Wan
Kaad Luang (The Big Wet Market)
Open daily from 5:00 PM to 00:00 A.M
Located on Uttarakit Road, three blocks north of the Clock Tower.
During the day Chiang Rai Kaad Luang is a regular bazaar, but as the sun begins to set, it transforms into a street food paradise.
Vendors hit the streets and set up their stalls around the main building. In almost no time, the entire street block is occupied by a myriad of fresh fruit and pick-up meal options: from fresh seafood to desserts.
If you don’t know where to begin, let the scents guide you.
Are you traveling in northern Thailand? Check out the 6 Best Markets in Chiang Mai.
Cover photo by Maxim B.
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