CHIANG RAI NIGHT BAZAAR

About Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

There are other great night time locations around Chiang Rai city but this bazaar seems to attract just about everyone.

This market brings together locally made handicrafts, souvenirs, inexpensive Thai food from the many stalls, and live entertainment within a compact and easy-to-explore area. There are two entertainment and food areas, the smaller one has an open style roofed restaurant with its own entertainment stage and the much larger venue with outdoor seating for hundreds, surrounded by many small food stalls and an entertainment stage.

The shopping area contains rows of stalls displaying clothing, jewellery, handbags, paintings, wooden ornaments and decorative objects. You will also find woven fabrics, embroidered products and traditional hill-tribe community handicrafts. Prices are usually displayed, although polite bargaining may be acceptable if you purchase several items.

Food is one of the main reasons to visit Chiang Rai Night Bazaar. The market has a main central dining area surrounded by vendors preparing Thai dishes, northern specialities, snacks, desserts and local fresh fruit drinks. There is a huge varied selection available of grilled meat skewers, fried chicken, seafood, noodles, curries, spring rolls, grilled whole salted fish, BBQ northern Thai style sausages, and freshly cooked stir-fried dishes. For sweets, dont forget to find the famous Roti, Thai style pancake. Simply choose the type of filling from the short list menu and watch it being cooked fresh in front of you. Favorite fillings are banana and egg, chocolate sauce, sweet corn, coconut, pandan custard, or mango, and then drizzled with sweet condensed milk on top. It is cut up into squares and you eat it using a short pointy stick.

During the night there is usually live music, singers and cultural performances with traditional Thai dancing on stage. Some nights may feature traditional entertainment while others have contemporary singers or small bands. The night bazaar is a fairly casual event held every night during peak season, so just simply turn up and enjoy the evening.

Best time to visit Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

This busy Bazaar is one of the most popular places to experience the city after sunset. It is always packed with locals and tourists, especially during peak season from November to February.   It's not as large as what you will find in Chiang Mai or Bangkok, but definately well worth the visit.

Opening Times and Entry Fees

There are no entry fees. Opening times are generally between 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm every night during the entire week, but stall vendors may close earlier on quieter nights. Actual operating times and performances can occasionally change because of weather, public holidays or special events being held elsewhere.

Where is Chiang Rai Night Bazaar and How to Get There ?

It's a bit hidden off from the main road, so check the interactive map below for exact location and how to get there. The bazaar is one of the "must visit" attractions in Chiang Rai and very easy to reach.

The bazaar is situated beside Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 in the central Wiang area. You probably travelled to Chiang Rai by bus to this terminal. If you are staying near the city Clock Tower, central hotels or the main commercial streets then you can reach it on foot.

A tuk-tuk or local taxi provides a simple alternative when staying farther away. To book a ride, use the Grab app for convenience. Ask the driver for “Chiang Rai Night Bazaar” or “Bus Terminal 1,” as both destinations are well known.