Chiang Mai University Night Market: A Guide to the Best Food and Shopping

Chiang Mai University Night Market is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the vibrant street food scene of Northern Thailand. Located in front of Chiang Mai University, this night market is a popular hangout spot for students and locals alike. With over 100 stalls and shops, it offers a wide range of products and services, from fashion to food, and everything in between.

One of the unique features of Chiang Mai University Night Market is its focus on student entrepreneurship. Many of the vendors are young entrepreneurs, offering innovative and creative products and services. This gives the market a lively and dynamic atmosphere, with a diverse range of offerings that are sure to appeal to visitors of all ages and interests.

Whether you are looking to try some delicious local delicacies, shop for souvenirs, or simply soak up the atmosphere, Chiang Mai University Night Market is the perfect destination. With its convenient location and diverse range of offerings, it is a great place to spend an evening exploring the vibrant street culture of Northern Thailand.

Location and Opening Hours

Chiang Mai University Night Market is located at the campus of Chiang Mai University in Tambon Chang Phueak, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is a popular night market for locals and tourists alike, and it is also known as the CMU Night Market.

The market is situated in the northern part of the city, near the Chiang Mai Zoo and the Huay Kaew Waterfall. It is easily accessible by public transportation, and there are plenty of parking spaces available for those who prefer to drive.

The market is open every day from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. It is a great place to visit in the evening, especially after a long day of exploring the city. The market is full of energy and excitement, with vendors selling a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food.

Visitors can expect to find a variety of local and international cuisines at the night market. Some of the most popular dishes include pad thai, grilled meat skewers, mango sticky rice, and fresh fruit smoothies. The market is also a great place to try some of the local delicacies, such as khao soi, a northern Thai noodle soup, and sai ua, a spicy Chiang Mai sausage.

Overall, Chiang Mai University Night Market is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Chiang Mai. It offers a unique and authentic experience of the local culture, and it is a great place to shop, eat, and socialize with locals and other travelers.

Stalls and Vendors

Chiang Mai University Night Market is a bustling market that offers a diverse range of stalls and vendors selling food, clothing, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Here are some of the most popular categories of stalls and vendors you can find at the market.

Food Stalls

Food stalls are the heart of the Chiang Mai University Night Market. You can find a wide variety of local and international dishes at affordable prices. Some of the most popular dishes include pad thai, grilled meat skewers, fried chicken, and mango sticky rice. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available.

Clothing and Accessories

If you’re looking for cheap clothing and accessories, the Chiang Mai University Night Market is the place to be. You can find a wide variety of items, including t-shirts, dresses, shorts, sunglasses, and jewelry. Most of the clothing and accessories are aimed at students, so the prices are very affordable.

Handicrafts and Souvenirs

Local handicrafts and souvenirs are also available at the Chiang Mai University Night Market. You can find handmade items such as wooden carvings, pottery, and silk scarves. If you’re looking for souvenirs to take back home, you can find keychains, magnets, and postcards.

Overall, the Chiang Mai University Night Market is a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine of Northern Thailand. With its diverse range of stalls and vendors, you are sure to find something that suits your taste and budget.

Food and Drinks

Chiang Mai University Night Market is a hub for foodies who want to indulge in some delicious Thai cuisine. The market offers a variety of street food, restaurants, cafes, smoothies, and desserts to satisfy your cravings.

Street Food

The market has several food stalls that offer a wide range of Thai dishes, including seafood, vegetables, fruits, and more. One of the most popular dishes is mango sticky rice, which is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. You can also try grilled meat skewers, crispy fried chicken, or spicy papaya salad.

Restaurants and Cafes

If you prefer to sit down and enjoy your meal, there are several restaurants and cafes in the market. You can try traditional Thai dishes such as pad thai, green curry, or tom yum soup. There are also international options available, including Italian and Japanese cuisine.

Smoothies and Desserts

After indulging in some savory dishes, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with some delicious desserts. You can try various flavors of ice cream, including coconut, mango, and durian. There are also several smoothie stalls that offer fresh fruit smoothies, including banana, pineapple, and watermelon.

Here is a table summarizing the food and drink options available at Chiang Mai University Night Market:

Type of Food/DrinkExamples
Street FoodGrilled meat skewers, crispy fried chicken, spicy papaya salad
RestaurantsPad thai, green curry, tom yum soup
CafesCoffee, tea, pastries
SmoothiesBanana, pineapple, watermelon
DessertsMango sticky rice, ice cream, fruit shakes

Overall, Chiang Mai University Night Market is a great place to experience Thai cuisine and indulge in some delicious food and drinks. Whether you are in the mood for street food, a sit-down meal, or a sweet treat, you will find something to satisfy your cravings at this market.

Atmosphere and Experience

Chiang Mai University Night Market is a bustling and lively night market that offers visitors a unique shopping and dining experience. The atmosphere is vibrant and energetic, with crowds of people browsing through the various stalls and vendors.

The market is particularly busy on Saturday nights, when locals and tourists alike flock to the area to enjoy the lively atmosphere and to hunt for bargains. Visitors are encouraged to take their time and browse through the many stalls, as there are plenty of unique and interesting items to be found.

One of the standout features of the Chiang Mai University Night Market is the polite and friendly nature of the vendors. Visitors can expect to be greeted with a smile and a warm welcome, and the vendors are always happy to answer any questions or provide recommendations.

While the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and the Sunday Night Market may be more well-known, the Chiang Mai University Night Market is a hidden gem that offers a more authentic and local experience. Visitors can expect to find a range of products, from handmade crafts to fresh produce from local farms.

Overall, the Chiang Mai University Night Market is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the vibrant night markets of Chiang Mai. With its lively atmosphere, friendly vendors, and unique products, it is a great place to spend an evening exploring and soaking up the local culture.