3 Great Local Markets Around Chiang Mai

3 GREAT LOCAL MARKETS AROUND CHIANG MAI

3 GREAT LOCAL MARKETS AROUND CHIANG MAI

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3 GREAT LOCAL MARKETS AROUND CHIANG MAI

Chiang Mai has no shortage of markets, but for a truly local affair it pays to explore beyond the old city walls. With a perfect mix of authentic street food, handicrafts and traditional clothing, these are our three favourite local markets around Chiang Mai. They all take place at the weekend, so time your visit accordingly!

CHAMCHAA MARKET

Hidden away in an idyllic little spot east of the old city, Chamchaa Weekend Market’s emphasis is on artisinal produce and traditional crafts. The area is home to an artists’ community and the beautiful wooden shops and quaint ambience are reason enough to visit. You’ll find plenty of northern style Lanna clothing, jewellery, handicrafts and sweet treats. There’s even a very photogenic pizza bus!

Handicrafts for sale at Meena Rice Based Cuisine next to the Chamchaa market around Chiang Mai

A small traditional wooden house near Chamchaa market around Chiang Mai

A dog rests in the shaded doorway garlanded by Songkran decorations at the Chamchaa market around Chiang Mai

Handicrafts at Chamchaa market around Chiang Mai

After you’ve wandered the market, stroll up the track to the fabulous Meena Rice Based Cuisine for lunch. Sitting on a wooden deck, surrounded by water and greenery, it’s the perfect place to relax.

Meena Rice Based Cuisine in Chiang Mai, Thailand

A smorgasboard filling the table at Meena Rice Based Cuisine in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The focus is, naturally, on all things rice and the colourful presentation is exquisite. The taste lives up to the look, their dishes very much combining style and substance.

Saturday & Sunday 9am – 2pm

Meena Riced Based Cuisine open daily 10am – 5pm except Wednesdays

A jar of coconut nectar glistening in the afternoon sun on a dark wood table at Meena Rice Based Cuisine in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Delicious rice based food plated up perfectly at Meena Rice Based Cuisine in Chiang Mai, Thailand

SAN KAMPHAENG SATURDAY MARKET

If you’re looking for cheap eats and a genuine local vibe, the Saturday night market in San Kamphaeng is hard to beat.

A lady prepares somtum (spicy papaya salad), choosing her fruit from a big bowl of green topped with red chillies at the San Kamphaeng Saturday Market in Chiang Mai, Thailand

San Kamphaeng Saturday Market in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Women peruse the traditional Lanna clothing on racks at the San Kamphaeng Saturday Market in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Known as ‘walking street’, the main drag comes alive with street food vendors and clothing stalls, aimed very much at a local crowd.

Pad Thai being served up at the San Kamphaeng Saturday Market in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Delicious oyster pancakes being served up at the San Kamphaeng Saturday Market in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Cruise the street, munching as you go on delicious oyster omelette, crispy pork, mango sticky rice or whatever takes your fancy! You can also pick up some traditional Lanna clothing to keep you cool in the Chiang Mai heat – there’s a good range of styles to be found.

The crowd builds as dusk approaches at the San Kamphaeng Saturday Market in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Head here in the late afternoon for the best choice.

Saturday 3pm – 9pm

Why not make a day of it and combine your visit with a trip to Muang-on Cave and the incredible Huen Jai Yong Lanna food restaurant for lunch?

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JINGJAI RUSTIC MARKET

A little north of the old city you’ll find the charming JingJai Rustic Market. This is more of a farmers market, with organic fruit and veg, specialty produce, handmade goods and a laid back vibe.

Fresh fruit and vegetables ready to be juiced at the Jingjai Rustic Market around Chiang Mai

Live musicians provide a great soundtrack as you munch away or peruse handicrafts, jewellery and clothing. There’s plenty of areas to grab a seat and chill out.

An area for prayer at the Jingjai Rustic market in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

People sit on low stools being served artisan coffee from a gentelman in traditional dress at the Jingjai Rustic Market in Chiang Mai, Thailand

This is also the only market we visited that proactively promotes sustainable packaging, with many vendors using banana leaf food trays and paper straws (although sadly not all). It’s best to get here early as many vendors start to pack up by noon.

Saturday & Sunday 7am-2pm

Delicious food being prepared at the Jingjai Rustic market in Chiang mai, Thailand

FIND THE MARKETS

Check out the map below for the locations of these three great local markets around Chiang Mai.

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Ask away if you have any questions about these markets, or if you know of other great markets around Chiang Mai, share with us in the comments below!

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Shuvo

Amazing article, your blog looks awesome. Thank you for sharing the best information about this market with us and other travelers. By the way your pictures are very nice

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Going the Whole Hogg

Thanks very much. And you’re welcome, glad you found it useful.

3 GREAT LOCAL MARKETS AROUND CHIANG MAI

3 GREAT LOCAL MARKETS AROUND CHIANG MAI

3 GREAT LOCAL MARKETS AROUND CHIANG MAI

CHAMCHAA MARKET

SAN KAMPHAENG SATURDAY MARKET

JINGJAI RUSTIC MARKET

FIND THE MARKETS

ORGANISE YOUR TRIP TO CHIANG MAI NOW

Still Not Sorted Your Travel Insurance? It’s Not Too Late! Get A Quote Now

Liked This Post? Pin It For Later!

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EXPLORE MORE OF ASIA

Ask away if you have any questions about these markets, or if you know of other great markets around Chiang Mai, share with us in the comments below!

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