Chiang Mai Food Markets: 5 Popular Spots to Eat

If I live in Chiang Mai (which I kinda do now), I honestly don’t see why I’d ever need to cook. You’re spoiled with food options here, across all kinds of cuisines and prices. Sure, every few metres you can find a decent Thai restaurant, but while most of them are good, I find eating at the markets much more interesting because you can try a little bit of many different things in one place.

Here are five popular food markets in Chiang Mai I keep coming back to.

You may also like this article: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai – 4 Things to Know

Chiang Mai Walking Street

This is probably the biggest market in Chiang Mai, held every Sunday. It stretches from Tha Pae Gate all the way to Wat Phra Singh – if you walk the whole route, it’s around 1 km long. Most vendors sell handcrafted items, clothes, and souvenirs, but you’ll also find buzzing food markets inside the courtyards of two temples along the way. Once your tummy is full, you can browse the street vendors or surrender to the joy of a foot massage which you can find right outside the temples – like….a whole street of pop up foot massage chairs.

🍜 Food and drink highlights: chicken and pork skewers, grilled oyster mushrooms, pad thai, longan juice
💵 Prices: 10 – 150 baht
⏰ Opening time: Every Sunday, 4pm – late
📍 Location: Chiang Mai Old Town – walk from Tha Pae Gate
🚽 Toilet: At the temple entrances (bring a 5-baht coin)

Chiang Mai Walking Street, image credit: Destino Chiang Mai

Lanna Square

Still in the Old City area, there’s this outdoor food court – a good starting point for beginners, hehe. Why beginners? Because I feel like it’s more geared towards tourists; prices are slightly higher, and the food selection is more international, not just Thai. You’ll find everything from Japanese dishes and Western comfort food like beef brisket and loaded fries, to ice cream. There’s even Burmese cuisine I’ve never tried before. There’s also live music on the front stage, which adds a nice atmosphere. It’s usually busy, but in a comfortable way – not too hectic and not overly loud (perfect for millenials, hehe). It does get a bit quieter when the Chiang Mai Walking Street market is on.

🍜 Food and drink highlights: prawn pad see ew from Thai Taste, black sesame mochi, chicken satay
💵 Prices: 60 – 300 baht
⏰ Opening time: Every day, 5pm – midnight
📍 Location: Chiang Mai Old Town – 5 Ratvithi Rd , Tambon Si Phum
🚽 Toilet: At the entrance of the market (bring a 5-baht coin)

A busy night at Lanna Square, Image credit: Lanna Square Facebook page

You may also like this article: How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days

Kalare Night Bazaar

Every time I come here or bring friends along, I have one very important mission: to eat the crispy pork belly from this stall right in the centre of the market. There are plenty of other tasty options too, but from what I’ve observed, many people come here for the seafood feast. It can get quite busy around dinner time and seating is limited, but if you’re patient and keep an eye out, you’ll eventually find a table. The market is part of the Night Bazaar, so it’s also a nice area to wander around and do a bit of shopping afterwards. And in case this helps with planning, there are a few five-star hotels nearby, like Marriott and Mövenpick.

🍜 Food and drink highlights: crispy pork belly, chicken and pork gyoza, pad see ew, fruit smoothies
💵 Prices: 50 – 250 baht
⏰ Opening time: Every day, 5pm – midnight
📍 Location: 2 Changklan Rd, Chang Khlan Sub-district
🚽 Toilet: Inside the market (bring a 5-baht coin)

The lively ambiance at Kalare Night Bazaar

One Nimman Street Food Market

This market is located in an open-air shopping space called One Nimman. They have a backyard area that regularly turns into markets and events; from vintage markets and wine festivals to flower festivals. On weekends, it usually hosts a street food market. If you’re going with friends or a group, I like how convenient the place is: you can explore the food stalls, sit and eat in the market area, and then grab coffee at one of the nice cafés afterwards.

🍜 Food and drink highlights: steamed buns, pizza, gyoza, Thai tea
💵 Prices: 50 – 200 baht
⏰ Opening time: Friday – Sunday, 3pm – 10pm
📍 Location: 1 Nimmanhemin Road, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai
🚽 Toilet: Within the shopping centre

There’s also live entertainment at One Nimman Street Food Market

Coconut Market

Just when you think you’ve already been to all the food markets in Chiang Mai, there’s the Coconut Market. At first, I assumed everything there would be coconut-based (which I don’t really like – ironic, I know). But it turns out it’s just a regular market, though yes, coconuts and coconut ice cream do make their expected appearances, hehe. I think the name simply comes from the setting: an open field surrounded by coconut trees.

🍜 Food and drink highlights: tom yum noodles, som tum salad, grilled chicken, watermelon slushies
💵 Prices: 20 – 100 baht
⏰ Opening time: Saturday & Sunday, 8am – 3pm
📍 Location: 94 Soi Ban Tong 2 Mu 3, Fa Ha, Chiang Mai
🚽 Toilet: Inside the market

The relaxed weekend vibe at Coconut Market

Food markets are honestly one of the best ways to experience Chiang Mai. They’re lively, affordable, and full of little discoveries – whether it’s a new snack you’ve never tried before or a stall you keep coming back to for that one dish you can’t stop thinking about. If you’re visiting the city, try to explore at least one or two of these markets. Hope you find this information useful, and thank you for reading! 😊

You might also want to read

18 Feb 2026 by Bella in Asia

How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days

If you’re Indonesian, you probably already know that Thailand is among the countries we can enter without a visa. But I only recently found out that not many people realise you can actually stay for a total of 90 days. You get 60 days visa-free when you first enter, and then you can apply for an extension at the local immigration office. At first, I thought I needed a visa agent because I’d never done anything like this before and was scared of getting rejected. But when I went to the immigration office in Chiang Mai for the first time, they happily explained the steps. It was surprisingly easy - and you can absolutely do it yourself. Check how many days you can stay in Thailand visa-free on Thai e-visa official website You may also like this article: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai: 4 Things to Know The first 60 daysArriving in ThailandAfter your first 30 daysApplying for your extensionFinal Thoughts The first 60 days After checking several trusted official websites, the rule (at the time I’m writing this) hasn’t changed. Indonesians can enter Thailand visa-free and stay for 60 days, despite the uncertain news you might have seen on social media. What shocked me was that during check-in at Soekarno–Hatta, when I showed my return ticket, the staff questioned my 60-day stay - even the immigration officer seemed unsure. But don’t worry. If you’re ever in doubt, you can check the official Thai e-visa official website and enter your nationality (if you’re not Indonesian) to confirm whether you can enter visa-free and how long you’re allowed to stay. Fill in TDAC online before you fly Arriving in Thailand Don’t forget to fill in the TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) form before arriving in Thailand - you can do it a day before your trip to stay organised. In the form, you’ll be asked for your return flight details. When you’re in the immigration line, you just need to scan the barcode sent to your email. As long as you haven’t been going in and out of Thailand a suspicious number of times in the past few months, you should be fine. I landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, and after scanning the QR code, they didn’t even ask me any questions. You may also like this article: What It’s Like to Live in Bali: Cost, Culture, and Everyday Life After your first 30 days Depending on where you’re staying in Thailand, you can look up the nearest immigration office. I was based in Chiang Mai, and the immigration office there is conveniently located inside a shopping mall called Central Festival Chiang Mai. After you’ve spent a month in the country, or basically before your 60 days run out, you can apply for a 30-day extension. Here’s what you’ll need: Applying for your extension It’s actually pretty straightforward once you have all your documents ready. You can show up during opening hours, but like most administrative offices, I’d suggest going early. I’m not sure about other cities, but in Chiang Mai they’re closed for lunch from 12–1pm. When I arrived, an officer checked our documents first. They’ll let you know if you’re missing anything or forgot to fill in a section. If everything’s in order, they’ll sign it off and give you a queue number. After that, you just sit inside and wait for your number to be called. When it’s your turn, hand over the checked documents and pay the 1,900 Baht fee in cash. Then you wait another 15–30 minutes (depending on how busy it is). Your name will be called, they’ll take a quick photo of you, and hand back your passport with a new stamp giving you another 30 days to stay in this beautiful country. In my personal experience, I wasn’t asked a single question, and the staff were actually pretty nice - you know how immigration offices can sometimes feel a bit intimidating? Anyway, that’s it. The whole process was done in one day, which was great and super efficient. Final Thoughts So yes, staying in Thailand visa-free for 90 days is completely doable for Indonesians and many other nationalities, and you don’t need an agent to make it happen. It might feel intimidating at first (especially with all the mixed information online), but once you understand the steps, it’s actually very manageable. My biggest tips are to double-check official sources, prepare your documents properly, and go early to the immigration office. That’s really it. Hope you find this article useful and happy holiday!

24 Mar 2026 by Bella in Asia

Chiang Mai Cafes: 5 Cute Places with Great Coffee and Bites

Chiang Mai has turned into one of my favourite cities for coffee - I don’t think I’ve had a bad cup here so far. They’re all good for my taste, my stomach, and my wallet. I find coffee prices here really fair, and even the fancy ones with cream, oat milk, and all that stuff are still reasonable (compared to Bali at least). I haven’t tried many coffee shops in Chiang Mai yet, so this list will keep growing as I discover more cute spots. But for now, here are some of my favourites - places that are not only cute but also serve great coffee, pastries, and sweets. Monday AttackForest BakeGroonLondon BakeryMars You may also like this article: Chiang Mai Food Markets - 5 Popular Spots to Eat Monday Attack I like to imagine that the people behind this café simply weren’t built for office life, probably hated Mondays, and decided to start this coffee shop instead hehehe. Monday Attack has a cozy retro interior that looks cool from every corner, complete with a photobooth and nice cold air con (essential - if you need a little escape from the heat outside). I first came here after exploring Waroros Market nearby, and their iced latte topped with soft serve instantly won my heart. Turns out Mondays aren’t so bad when they involve good coffee and chilling. Forest Bake This is where you go when you want to enjoy a slow day in the garden with tea or coffee and an artisanal cake. Their pastries are made in small batches every day, so it’s best to come in the morning when everything is fresh, also because they tend to sell out quickly. The main bakery sits inside a cute little cabin that looks like it belongs in a European storybook. Outside, there’s a garden with a woodland aesthetic where you can truly take your time. I especially like their tarts; the blueberry and lemon ones are my favourites. Image credit: Forest Bake Instagram You may also like this article: A Guide to Doi Suthep Temple, Chiang Mai - 4 Things to Know Groon I have so many good things to say about Groon. Not only is the coffee good, but they also make great scones, honey shokupan, and sometimes I even come here for lunch because I love their chicken quesadillas and truffle pasta. This café sits between two other dessert spots; one frozen yoghurt place (which I also like) and a bingsoo shop. My guess is that they share the same owner because everything is connected, and you can order from whichever one you feel like. Pastry image credit: Groon Instagram London Bakery Spoiler alert: they don’t sell any London or British pastries here haha! Quite the opposite, they serve Asian-inspired items like matcha flan, ube soft bread, and salt bread, alongside classics such as blueberry cheesecake, croissants, and pretzels. The interior looks very 90s in a charming way, featuring a candy-coloured gate (to the toilets, lol) and a giant statue of their mascot that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into the world of Hansel and Gretel. And yes, of course, the coffee is good. But I usually come here for the munch, accompanied by coffee - not the other way around, hehe. You may also like this article: How to Stay in Thailand Visa-Free for 90 Days Mars Literally just a few steps away from London Bakery (I counted), you’ll find Mars café. The name already tells you what to expect the moment you walk in. Considering how Instagram-worthy this place is, it’s surprisingly not packed with people just taking photos. They actually come for the coffee too, which is nice. By the way, this café shares its entrance with a hotel upstairs, which makes for some very funny moments; you’ll see confused guests walking in expecting a normal hotel lobby, only to find themselves on what looks like a Star Trek film set, haha! I really like Chiang Mai and it’s coffee scene - every corner seems to hide another charming spot waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re here for serious coffee, sweet treats, or just a cozy place to slow down for a while, there’s always somewhere nice to try. And knowing me, this list definitely won’t stay at five for long. BRB checking out more cafes in town! ☕️

16 Feb 2026 by Bella in Australia

Where to Eat in Sydney: 5 Spots I’ll Always Go Back to

Where to eat in Sydney - Every time I’m back in this beautiful city, one thing is guaranteed: I plan my days around food (other than hanging out with my family and friends, of course! hehe). From local restaurants, global chains, to comforting desserts, these are some of my personal favourites - the ones I genuinely crave, talk about, and immediately recommend to friends. The Grounds Coffee FactoryNando’s Peri Peri ChickenIsland RadioTenacious BakehouseYogurberry The Grounds Coffee Factory I know The Grounds of Alexandria is on pretty much everyone’s must-visit list when in Sydney. And yes, their art installations (which change every few months) are always impressive. But did you know there are other The Grounds locations too? And they’re just as special, with genuinely good food. My cousins took me to the one in Eveleigh, an area that was once a major locomotive and railway hub back in the late 19th century. This branch is an actual coffee factory, so while you’re eating, you can see (and smell!) the coffee being crafted through the glass windows. If you want to enjoy The Grounds’ great food without the long queues, this one’s definitely worth a visit. Image credit: The Grounds Coffee Factory Instagram You may also like this article: A Playful Stay in Copenhagen: My 25hours Hotel Experience Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken For those who have been touched by the deliciousness of Nando’s peri-peri chicken, let’s hug and agree it’s one of the best things to eat in the world. And if you’ve never tried it before, imagine this: tender, charred, flame-grilled chicken marinated in a spicy, tangy peri-peri sauce. Depending on the heat level, the spice builds into a warm, zesty kick rather than a burn-your-mouth moment. The flavour goes all the way to the bone. Pair it with peri-peri-sprinkled chips or corn on the cob and boom - you’ve got the kind of meal you find yourself craving again and again. Nando’s is a global chain and I’ve tried it in a few other countries, but in my personal experience, Nando’s in Oz is the best. Image credit: Nando's Australia website Island Radio “You can take a girl out of Asia, but you can’t take Asia out of a girl” - I guess that saying is true. As much as I love international cuisine, Asian food wins every time. No competition needed. This trendy spot in Redfern serves up a South-East Asian–inspired menu. They change their menu every now and then, by the way, which keeps things exciting - but this is what we had: sate Padang (Padang beef satay), grilled chicken, quinoa salad, their take on mie ayam (chicken noodles), and a Balinese pie susu (milk pie) for dessert. Nothing disappointed. The Indonesian dishes still had spot-on flavours, even with a modern twist - and I have to admit, their pie susu was actually better than the OG, whoops! Bonus points: they have a disco toilet. Because no night out is complete without a bathroom rave! What we had at Island Radio - sate padang, mie ayam, and pie susu Tenacious Bakehouse As a dessert person and a lifelong lover of Asian flavours like matcha, taro, and ube - I have to say this, and I’m really not exaggerating: their Taro Cream Croissant is one of the best pastries I’ve ever had. They claim to use natural sweetness with 60% reduced sugar, and I believe it, because it’s not overly sweet like most pastries. The cream somehow tastes rich and light at the same time (how is that even possible??). It’s best eaten cold, which makes the taro cream taste almost like ice cream. That purple dusting on top is sweet potato powder, and it ties everything together perfectly. I’m sure their other pastries are amazing too… but I’ll save those for next time. The star - Taro Cream Croissant and other interesting pastries at Tenacious Bakehouse You may also like this article: Pastries, Passion, and a Little Bit of Magic at Theo’s Wife Lois Yogurberry And another dessert spot...I know you can get frozen yoghurt pretty much anywhere, but going back to my love for Asian flavours, yogurberry has taro froyo! Woot woot! And that alone is why, even with all the newer and trendier frozen yoghurt spots around, Yogurberry is still my favourite. It’s pay-by-weight, so you can customise it exactly how you like. I usually go for taro froyo topped with their unsweetened mochi, coconut jelly, and almond flakes. Simple, not overly sweet, and deeply comforting. I was so happy to see that even after years of not being back in Sydney, this place still exists. I wish them all the success so they stay open foreverrrr!!! Image credit: Yogurberry Australia Instagram Sydney’s food scene is massive, but these places hit that sweet spot between comfort, flavour, and personal nostalgia for me. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or coming back like I was, I hope this list gives you a few delicious reasons to eat your way through the city.