Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street Place guide

Add art and flavor to your Chiang Mai adventure by heading to the unmissable Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street. This gathering of artists, craftsmen, performers, and traders runs from the center of the old walled city from Tha Phae Gate down the entire length of Ratchadamnoen Road every Sunday from 4:00pm until midnight. 

Shop

The fleeting yet festive market showcases art and excellent craftsmanship that the Northern Thai people are known for. Many of the vendors here actually create their merchandise with their own hands!

The market mainly features handcrafted gifts made of ceramic, glass, metal, paper, silk, or wood. You can also find stalls that specialize in wearable works of art such as clothes, shoes, and jewelry. 

See

Aside from unique crafts and colorful products, the Sunday Walking Street also draws in crowds with its lively sounds and energetic performances by musicians, puppeteers, street entertainers, and Thai dancers. 

If you’re within the vicinity of the Sunday Walking Street before 4:00pm, try to visit Wat Phan Tao on the main street and Wat Chedi Luang down a side street before you head to Ratchadamnoen Road.

Wear comfortable clothes for the long walk. Should you get tired in the middle of exploring stalls and food outlets, you can easily get a 30-minute foot massage for as low as THB 30!

Eat

The Sunday Market Chiang Mai offers a wide variety of food options. Come to the market hungry and leave with a full stomach; the street is lined with bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. 

The food court offers an excellent al fresco dining experience with its Buddhist décor and floor mats for customers to sit on.

When to go

The street really comes to life by nightfall with its colorful lights and live street performances. However, the spectacles also attract most of the market’s patrons and first-time visitors. If you want to explore the art stalls and food booths, it’s best to begin your exploration before 6:00pm or 7:00pm. 

Note that the entire 1.2km stretch of Ratchadamnoen Road is closed to traffic while the market is open, so prepare to stretch your legs if you plan on seeing it from end to end.