Hey Leosquad! If you’re planning a trip to Northern Thailand, the Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market 🌙🛍 is one experience you simply can’t skip ✨. Every Sunday evening, the heart of the Old Town transforms into a lively street market — a place where incredible food 🍜, creative crafts 🎨, and relaxed city vibes come together🫂. It’s the biggest night market in Chiang Mai. Do not MISS this!

🛍️ What Will You Find as You Walk Through the Market

Walking through the market feels like stepping into a world where every corner smells amazing 😋 and every stall has something new to tempt you. I tried fried squid eggs, and the owner even offered me a free shot of rum. You’ve gotta check out his stall — he’s a super chill Thai guy. Watch my youtube video to see the whole vibe. 🍿

You’ll find everything—from grilled skewers 🍢 to handmade crafts 🎨, and even cute, stylish beach hats 👒 (yes, you can actually get one for around 160 THB). I got completely pulled into the craft stalls—so many unique pieces you’ll be happy you discovered.

I ended up taking home a wooden Chinese chess set and a Western chess set, a Lanna handwoven cloth, the beach hat (which I later wore in Koh Samet 🏖✨), and a cutesy Chicken Khao Soi fridge magnet. I almost bought a Lanna handwoven tablecloth too… but I talked myself out of it (just barely 😅).

Chinese and Western Chess Set

Khao soi Magnet Fridge

SO artsy, SO cutesy— Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market truly has my heart 💖.

🗺️ Map Route of Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market

Start at Tha Phae Gate—the place where pigeons usually “work.”
But honestly? By late afternoon they’re off duty 😂, so don’t expect a crowd of birds.
There’s often a small bazaar around the gate, so that’s a great warm-up before you dive in.
From there, begin your journey:

• Zone 1 → Zone 2 → Zone 3
This is the classic route—food, crafts, performers, and lots to explore.

I found fried squid eggs before zone 1. The Location is on my vlog below!

If you still have the energy, you can push all the way to Zone 6, but…
💡 Leotrails’s Recommendation
End your night in Zone 3, all the way at the Three Kings Monument.
It’s lively, open, and has the perfect “final stop” vibe.
You’ll usually see:

people skating

School girl singing

People skating in the square

A school girl singing and busking

Locals and tourists chilling, chatting, and enjoying the breeze
It’s a wholesome, energetic place to wrap up your night market wander. Perfect ending, perfect mood.

📍 Where the Market Happens and When to Go

One of the best parts about the Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market is where it happens—right in the middle of the Old Town. That central location makes it easy to reach no matter where you’re staying. And since it only appears when the sun sets on Sundays, the sense of anticipation makes the whole experience feel special. Vendors set up stalls along Ratchadamnoen Road, and before you know it, the entire stretch is glowing with lights 🕯️, music 🎵, and irresistible smells.

🕒 Open: 17:00 – 22:00
💰 Entrance: Free
🎨 What to Expect: Street food, handmade crafts, local music, and lively cultural vibes
💡 Tip: Start your stroll from Tha Pae Gate for the best experience

🧭 How to Enjoy the Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market Like a Local

Me eating Fried Squid Egg

Handmade Food Magnet Crafts

So how do you enjoy it best? Simple—just let yourself wander 🧭.
Follow the crowd, follow the scents, follow your curiosity. Try something new, pick up a small souvenir, chat with local artisans, and savor every bite 🤤. The market is long, but the real magic is in slowing down—browsing, tasting, and soaking in the atmosphere ✨.

✨ The Experience That Makes This Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market Unforgettable

Rum Toast

Shopping for my new hat

Whether you’re here for the food, the shopping, or the vibe, the Chiang Mai Sunday Night Market shows the city at its best. It’s lively but relaxed, and full of small surprises that make the walk meaningful 💛. Locals and travelers keep coming back because the food is authentic, the mood is easy, and the prices stay friendly 🤗.

Only on Sunday nights. Only in Chiang Mai. Don’t miss it. Your next adventure starts the moment you step into the crowd.

Planning more stops? Check out my Top 9 Things to Do in Chiang Mai to help you plan the best things to do in the city.

Follow Leotrails for more exciting adventures and insider tips from Thailand

That’s it for this blog post! If you found this helpful, give it a thumbs up! See you in the next post! Love you all! Thank you!
Travel Deeper, Eat Bolder, Live the Moments, and Follow the Trails.✈️🍜🔥🌏
Bye Bye!

🎥 Watch The Full Video Here!

Source: Trip.com

Where I Stayed: Nampiangdin Boutique Hotel

Staying at Nampiangdin Boutique Hotel feels calm and homey, with cozy rooms, a quiet garden, and a small azul-blue pool that’s perfect for slowing down after a day out or even getting some work done. It’s peaceful, welcoming, and a nice little escape just outside the busy part of the city.

Want to learn more about Nampiangdin Boutique Hotel? Check out this blog post here!

Source: Trip.com

Other Recommended Stays: Akira Thaphae Hotel

The rooms in Akira Thaphae Hotel are stylish and comfy, the pool is a nice place to chill, and the staff are friendly and helpful. It’s close to Thaphae Gate and all the fun cafes and markets, so it’s easy to wander out for food or exploring