Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Every Sunday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, this large evening market takes place in the center of Chiang Rai and attracts mostly locals. This gives it an authentic feel that sets it apart from the more touristy markets in the region. Vendors offer handcrafted items, traditional textiles, secondhand clothing, and local artwork, alongside a wide variety of street food stalls serving everything from pork dumplings and sugarcane juice to takoyaki and northern Thai curries. Live music and occasional cultural performances contribute to the relaxed, convivial atmosphere, which intensifies as the evening progresses.

The culinary offerings are an absolute highlight: the stalls are generally well-maintained, and the selection is so diverse that there's something for everyone. The market has both covered and open areas, so you can stroll comfortably even when it gets crowded. Popular food stalls are often sold out by late evening, so you'll find the widest selection in the early evening if you're looking for specific dishes.

A visit between 5 and 7 pm offers the best combination of well-stocked stalls and manageable crowds, as the market becomes significantly busier after 7 pm. Small bills are helpful for payments, as some vendors do not accept card payments. The market is accessible by songthaew or other public transport and is located near restaurants and shops in the center of Chiang Rai – ideal for a relaxing Sunday evening.