Night Bazaar and Food in Chiang Rai

Part of the Chiang Rai travel guide — see every topic in All Chiang Rai Guides.

Evenings in Chiang Rai are about food and walking. The Night Bazaar opens every evening in the city centre, with a big food court and a stage. On weekends, two streets close to cars and become walking markets. Northern Thai food is everywhere, from curry noodles to grilled sausage. This guide explains the markets, the dishes and how to plan your evening.

The Night Bazaar

The Night Bazaar is in the centre of the city, between the old bus station and Phahonyothin Road. It opens every evening, from about 7 pm to 10 pm or later. There are rows of stalls selling clothes, crafts and souvenirs. At the centre is a large food court with more than 50 food stalls and many tables. Live music and dance shows are often held on a stage, so you can eat and watch. It is a relaxed place for a first night in the city. Bargaining is common at the craft stalls, but not for food.

Weekend walking streets

On Saturday evening, Thanalai Road in the city centre becomes a walking street, from about 6 pm to 10 pm. Stalls sell handmade goods, clothes and lots of street food. There is often music, and local dance groups perform. On Sunday evening, a smaller walking street opens on San Khong Noi Road, in the southwest of the city. It is more local and less busy with tourists. Both markets are good places to try many small dishes. Arrive early in the evening, when the stalls are set up and the crowds are smaller.

Khao soi and noodle soups

Khao soi is the most famous dish of northern Thailand. It is a soup of egg noodles in a curry broth with coconut milk, topped with crispy noodles. It comes with pickled greens, shallots and lime on the side. Nam ngiao is a different noodle soup, made with rice noodles, pork, tomato and dried flowers. It is a little sour and spicy. Many noodle shops open in the morning and close in the afternoon, so try these for lunch. Look for busy shops with local customers. A bowl of noodles is cheap and filling.

Other northern dishes

Sai ua is a grilled pork sausage with lemongrass, chilli and herbs. You can buy it by the piece at markets. Sticky rice is eaten with the hand and often comes in small bamboo baskets. Try it with nam prik noom, a green chilli dip, and fresh vegetables. Many stalls sell grilled chicken, pork skewers and fresh fruit. In the cool season, look for strawberries and other fruit from the hill farms. If you do not like spicy food, say mai phet, which means not spicy. Drink bottled water.

Planning your evening

The city centre is small, and the markets are easy to reach on foot from most hotels. Ride apps such as Grab work well in Chiang Rai, and tuk-tuks wait near the markets. The gold clock tower in the city centre is lit up in the evening and is an easy meeting point. Evenings in the cool season, from about November to February, are pleasant and dry. In the rainy season, markets still open, but showers can stop trade for a while. Bring small notes and coins, because most stalls only take cash.

Night Bazaar and Food at a glance

More in Chiang Rai

All 5 Chiang Rai guides·Thailand tourist maps

Featured Videos