Hang Dong market

While there are numerous similar markets scattered around Chiang Mai’s outlying areas, we’re mentioning this one as it lies on your way to, and provides an interesting contrast to, popular Ban Tawai.

The market is located in what passes for the centre of Hang Dong, on the north side of Route 108, close to the turn-off for Ban Tawai. It’s housed in a new and spacious covered market building, so don’t expect quaint thatched roofs, but it does make it easier to walk around than some of the more cramped downtown markets. It also means there’s more light for the photographically inclined.

Getting shots in say bustling Worarot can be tricky, since you can feel like you’re getting in the way—indeed often you are—but though Hang Dong can get busy early on, it’s generally far less hectic, with a relaxed feel to it. Vendors have got the time to chat and even pose for photos.

Hang Dong is a wet and dry market, so there are clothes and household goods as well as plenty of local farm produce on offer, plus an excellent range of prepared food dishes. You’ll find the usual chicken on rice and noodle soup vendors in the market plus more noodles, fried rice, phat kra pao (chicken with basil and chillies) and so on. A couple of basic restaurants facing the market building in the side streets are worth checking out if you want an alternative to trendy Ban Tawai cafes.