When I googled for Chiang Rai Night Market, Chiang Rai Night Bazaar came out on the top of the list. Although it is a friction of the size of the night market in Chiang Mai, it is located just a few minutes walk from Spinomad. Hence, it was on my itinerary list. However, if you are visiting Chiang Rai over the weekend and wanted something less touristy, here is another option for you, Chiang Rai Sat Night Market!
Located just a stone throw away from Chiang Rai Clock Tower, Chiang Rai Saturday Night Market is a massive night market that starts from the junction between Suk Sathit and Thanalai Road and spanned all the way to the junction between Wisetwaing Road and Thanalai Road. You can find stalls setting up from as early as 5pm on a Saturday and end till late.
Known for the hill tribes in the Northern part of Thailand, it is not difficult to find hill-tribe handicrafts as well as hill-tribe inspired clothes.
There are also groups of school students dancing to raise fund for their school fee as you walk along the unceasing rows of stalls.
For those who love to shop at the night market, items here are generally cheaper than Chiang Rai Night Bazaar as well as in Bangkok. Of cos, if you want to shop, do remember to bargain.
Interestingly, there are also stalls that sells fresh produces here.
For street food lovers, there are plenty of stalls selling street food along the way and that includes a serving of bugs for $30 baht.
If you are only there for food and drinks, just head over to the junction between Wisetwaing Road and Thanalai Road. This is where there is a big stage where the thai bands would perform while you can grab a table (if you are lucky enough to find one) and enjoy your food with a couple of beer.
Around the big stage, there are a lot of stalls selling different food. You can even find mango sticky rice for $50 baht. So remember to go there HUNGRY!
As compare to Chiang Rai Sat Night Market, Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is very much smaller and one can finish exploring the place within an hour. Although things are more expensive here and required more haggling skills, it is also less crowded. There is also a stage near the beer garden where one can enjoy a beer or two while watching the Thai artists perform. For those who are wondering which part of Phaholyothin Rd is it located near to, it is located near the opposite of Watsons. So if you missed the Sat Night Market and wanted to immerse in the Thai night market vibes, Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is your next best bet as it is open everyday from 6pm onwards till about 11pm.
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Off Phaholyothin Rd, Chiang Rai
Booking.com
