In the city · Citywide
Evenings: Markets, Walking Streets & The Canal
Chiang Mai's evenings are organised by day of the week, and knowing which is which is the difference between a great night and a wasted one. This is not an itinerary so much as a calendar.
An in-city day, written to be done on two wheels. Inside the moat a small scooter is faster, cheaper and far easier to park than a car, and several of these lanes are closed to cars anyway. There are no distances here on purpose: you park once and walk.
By the night
| Evening | Where | What |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Wua Lai Road | Saturday Walking Street — the silver quarter, one long lane of stalls and street food |
| Sunday | Ratchadamnoen, Tha Phae Gate west | Sunday Walking Street — the bigger of the two, running through the old city with temple courtyards used as food halls |
| Any night | Chang Klan Road | Night Bazaar — permanent, touristy, reliable, with good food courts behind the stalls |
| Any night | Khlong Mae Kha | The restored canal walk — lanterns, small bars, the newest of the four |
| Any night | Wua Lai / San Kamphaeng road | Khum Khantoke or the Old Chiangmai Cultural Center for a khantoke dinner |
Getting around
Both walking streets close to all vehicles from late afternoon. Park the bike a few streets out and walk in; riding into a closure is the most common visitor mistake of the week. Carry small notes. Pickpocketing is rare but the crowds are dense enough to be worth ordinary care.
