Chiang Mai Saturday Night Market (also known as the Wualai Walking Street) is located at Wualai Road, which is the south-west side of the old city opposite Chiang Mai Gate (the south gate). The lively and fun night market takes place every Saturday evening from 4.00pm to 10.30pm.
The Saturday Night Market is basically a mini size Sunday Night Market some vendors do both markets with a smaller crowd and are less touristic. Best known for its high quality authentic northern silver and lacquer ware, unique handicrafts, local food, and traditional performances.
Same as other walking streets, there will be street entertainers and musicians playing music, singing, dancing or whatever. The Silver Temple near the night market lit up at night.
The Saturday night walking street is growing in popularity, and towards sunset tends to be the busiest time. It’s still easy enough to walk along one side and then back along another, checking out all the different stalls. There is a real variety in the types of stalls at Wualai Market, and it includes not only hill tribe souvenirs and “I love Thailand’ t-shirts, but also some more interesting stands selling clothing and accessories from local designers, original paintings and even an orchid or two, if you think they will survive the journey home! Wualai Road was once more famous for its silverware and lacquer workshops, and there are still a handful of shops open in the evenings. To wander around the market would take around an hour or two, depending on how many stops you take to eat.
Many people come here for the food as much as the shopping. There are local restaurants serving hot Thai food: barbequed fish, som tam, fried rice and pad Thai. There are also plenty of stands selling snacks to eat as you walk, including traditional Thai sweets made from coconut, freshly blended smoothies and satay with fiery peanut dipping sauce. After having some food and a wander you can rest at one of the street side massage booths – there’s no better way to end an evening.
Credit: ถนนคนเดินวัวลาย | Wua Lai Walking Street Facebook
Location: Wua Lai Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100
