Sunday Walking Street Market, Chiang Mai

The famous Chiang Mai Sunday Market – known locally as just Walking Street – is a vast affair stretching from the tourist hub of Tha Pae Gate as far as the ancient temple of Wat Pra Singh in the Old Town as well as, taking in many of the side streets along the way. (In fact, it seems to grow by about 50 metres every week!)

It is getting very popular these days so for any proposed visit we’d suggest getting there early before crowds build up and when the light’s nice for photos.

Stall-holders usual set up from 4ish onwards with the market kicking off around 4.30 or 5.00 in the afternoon and continuing until late. So 5 is probably the go and what you may miss with a few late-comers’ stalls you gain from the extra walking space. By around 7.00 to 8.00 in the evening it will be seriously crowded as visitors – a mix of locals and tourists – take the opportunity of a post-dinner stroll. We’d say wander first and eat afterwards.

The wide range of items on sale reflects the market’s wide surface area although there’s a general emphasis on handicrafts with the easy to carry hand-painted ornamental soap dishes containing carved soaps being one of the popular souvenir items among many.

There are also quite a few stands selling original artwork, (below), although being more awkward to carry these are presumably more aimed at residents.

Other popular stands include myriad food and drink sellers with again, a huge range of items, from local specialities to a bag of chips of offer, while drink stalls proffer coffee, local teas, fresh juices or herbal drinks. You’ll also find food stalls proliferating in the temples along the route which open up their yards to snackers with stools or mats on the floor so you have the choice of nibbling as you wander or a full sit down dinner.

A lot of fun and a great spot to wander and graze but, as we suggested, get there early! For details of all our Thai tours, including those featuring Chiang Mai’s Sunday Walking Street, check this page.

Cheers!