There isn’t an official permanent Walking Street in Chiang Mai, but every Sunday the length of Ratchadamnoen, the Old City’s main east–west axis, plus several side streets, are closed to traffic and become one long open air street bazaar.
The market stretches from Wat Phra Singh down to Tha Pae Gate—well over a kilometre—and it seems to grow longer by around 25 metres every week. It kicks off late afternoon and goes on until late evening, but come 18:00 or 19:00 it starts to get seriously busy, so it’s worth turning up early.
Before peak hour. Photo: Mark Ord
Some 1.2 kilometres of dawdling browsers, buskers, lost tourists and donation-seeking Thai Girl Guides can be draining. You’ll find for sale predominantly handicrafts (local and otherwise), bric-a-brac and clothes, along with quite an eclectic range of products including some appealing original artwork.
Food-wise, you’ll find the usual range of Thai snacks and drinks, plus a few more strictly local-style specialties while, for sit-down fare, it’s fun to pop into one of the temple courtyards that line the street and morph into al fresco eating areas for the evening.
Gifts for all and sundry. Photo: Mark Ord
Think food courts with Buddhist decor: You select dishes from vendors and sit on mats on the ground or low benches to eat. Plenty of regular cafes and bars line the streets around here too if you need sustenance and want to sit more comfortably.
The lack of vehicles and good range of items on sale make this a far more browser-friendly, and indeed picturesque, market than the night bazaar. But if it’s Chang Beer T-shirts or pirated DVDs you’re after, this is not the place to go. A very similar Saturday equivalent market sets up just south of the Old City along ... please log in to read the rest of this story.
Don’t miss the boat!
Please subscribe to Travelfish.org to read the rest of this article, or log in here.
Subscribing to Travelfish costs A$35 per year and it gets you access to more than 200 downloadable guides to specific destinations, fabulous discount coupons and 50% off our personalised travel planning service. Sign up here.
By
Mark Ord.
Last updated on 30th July, 2017.
Popular hotels in Chiang Mai on Agoda
(4 reviews)
(145 reviews)
(156 reviews)
(208 reviews)
(961 reviews)
Location map for Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street Market
Start planning your holiday today
Sent every Monday, our newsletter is full of travel advice, news & special deals. Read past issues.
Popular attractions in Chiang Mai
A selection of some of our favourite sights and activities around Chiang Mai.
Best places to stay in Chiang Mai
A selection of some of our favourite places to stay in Chiang Mai.
What next?
Browse our independent reviews of places to stay in and around Chiang Mai.
Check prices, availability & reviews on Agoda or Booking
Read up on where to eat on Chiang Mai.
Check out our listings of things to do in and around Chiang Mai.
Read up on how to get to Chiang Mai, or book your transport online with 12Go Asia.
Do you have travel insurance yet? If not, find out why you need it.
Planning on riding a scooter in Chiang Mai? Please read this.
Buy a SIM card for Thailand—pick it up at the airport when you arrive.
Browse the web securely while travelling with TunnelBear. Try with a 7–day free trial.