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The Market life in Chiang Mai, Thailand

The market is traditionally the way of commerce in Chiang Mai. This has been since it was the stop over point on the silk route here was, were the merchants stopped during the journey. As such it has made Chiang Mai a melting pot as such with Chinese merchants still controlling the commerce generations later. Most rich families here are of Chinese descent. Like the present leader of the Thai Rak (love) Thai Party and prime minister of Thailand. The Night Market or Night Bazaar is the most famous but perhaps the smaller and less tourist markets are of more interest to the traveler as they maintain the roughness and flavor that is Thai. Markets fall into two main categories. One is non permanent market those that fold up and are open one a week or biweekly or even monthly. These tend to be the interesting ones as the venders traditionally just come when they want and change often. Non Permanent Markets The best examples of these are the Bull market on Saturday morning on the Hangdong Road. Yes you can buy a water Buffalo or ever a used motor bike and everything in between a farmer may want. There are others like the month end market next to the Suandok Hospital which is every last week day of the month were the items are more city style and even if you do not intend to purchase anything you will and absurdly enough love doing it. Wualai Road walking Street is a weekly blocking of the traditional silver road and selling of many handicrafts and clothes. It really starts at about 6:30 till about 10:45 but the city closes the street in their wisdom at 4:00 while it is too hot in the sun for venders to sell or customer to walk. It is no where near as busy at the other walking street but it also is less tourist oriented mostly filled with young Thai families and college girls. Wualai road market at 6:30 pm Jan.14, 2006 "Sunday Walking Street" that started oddly enough by the prime minister is now on the street that runs from Taphae gate into the old center of town closing the street from about 3:00pm till 11:00 on Sundays only with food and crafts and entertainment. Handicraft Markets Baan Tawai it is located off the Chiang Mai - Hangdong road and is the best place to purchase handicrafts but the tour guides are not going to be too happy to take you there as if they do get any kickbacks it is minimum compared to Sangapang road. Baan Tawai used to never be having tour buses but it is clear the tour buses have some arrangement made out there now too. The Night Market is wonderful to people watch as long as you like watching tourists and Burmese shop girls as there are few Thai people working there anymore. It is still a great place to see the type of handicrafts available as most large stores and manufactures have their standard products on display there. Sangapang road is great a wonderful place to see the art of bamboo parasol being made and to check out some tourist factories selling to the bus tour and unsuspecting "handicraft tour" takers. Every Day Markets The food markets come in every type and size from tourist oriented high end sea food open air restaurants to on my god how gross butcher stalls. Wa-row-ros road market The grandfather of them all is is one block away from the river near the Maeping police station. It is really two large multi story buildings the main floor will sell everything from nearly dead fish that have been sliced alive to frogs and fresh seasonal and import fruits. The upper floors sell cheap clothing and dry goods. You just need to use your noise to find it or fallow the Thai people. Cut Flower Market is located in front of the Maeping police station and one block up stream. It is a permanent flower market that is where hill tribes and farmers come to sell their cut flowers to vendors who then sell to anyone from the hotels and young lovers. It is open to various degrees 24 hours a day. Well worth the trip for photo taking this is a common thing for Thais to do. Fresh Produce Market -Muang Mai market that is most strange is the on also one the river street in front of the old city hall and further up river. It is open all day but at dark it starts to expand with vendor coming in their pickups and truck and selling wholesale out the back with them locally grown fresh fruits and vegetable in season.   The food Stall markets are everywhere. These precooked or cooked to order stalls are set up everywhere as many poorer Thais do not have the space to cook where they live as well as the rich love the taste and convenience to just choice many different dishes at the last moment and take home to eat like westerners and the fast food places. The one at Chang Puek gate is a wonderful example where many a retail or department store girl will stop and eat after a long day on her feet standing next to the man who just stopped by and is interested in taking home some noodles or rice to his family. There are dozens of food stalls and small eateries behind the Mashaw University if you wish to experience real Thai street cuisine. For a more elegant eating is Anusan Market in Night Bazaar it is filled with local seas food and some rice restaurants. My personal favorite the Galare Market located on the river side of Chang Clan road. Small entrance but good value it has varied Thai and international dishes from many vendors that may be purchased using coupons that are sold centrally. The draft beer and free Thai dancing show is a nice plus too. Well worth the visit for a evening.   Talad Kamtieng Live Plant market is located on the super highway behind the Tesco's Super store. It is a collection of hundreds of small stalls selling live plants and trees as well as garden accessories. It also has pet vendors and aquarium makes and tropical fish sellers. As well as a weekly Buddha statue and amulet market as well.