Chang Puak Market

Chang Puak Market in Chiang Mai is one of the city’s most popular night markets for locals and visitors seeking authentic Thai street food, lively atmosphere, and good value.

Located just north of the old city near the Chang Puak Gate, this market comes alive in the early evening and stays active well into the night.

The layout of Chang Puak Market is informal but easy to navigate, with food stalls concentrated in the centre and seating areas around the edges. Visitors can sample a variety of dishes while watching chefs at work. Some of the highlights often include khao kha moo (braised pork leg on rice), sai krok Isan (Isan sausage), grilled chicken, and fresh seafood. There are also vegetarian and vegan options available, though the focus remains on traditional northern Thai cuisine.

In addition to food, the market features vendors selling clothes, accessories, phone accessories, and inexpensive souvenirs.

Prices are generally lower than in the more tourist-oriented markets such as the Sunday Walking Street, making Chang Puak Market popular with budget travellers and locals alike. Bargaining is common for non-food items, so it helps to be comfortable with polite negotiation.

The atmosphere at Chang Puak Market is relaxed and informal, with music playing and people sitting at shared tables, creating a social, communal feel. It is a great place to experience everyday life in Chiang Mai after dark, mingle with residents, and try authentic dishes that may be harder to find in standard restaurants.

For many visitors, the market offers a memorable taste of northern Thailand’s vibrant street food culture.

Must Try Dishes

Here’s a list of must-try dishes at Chang Puak Market, one of Chiang Mai’s best street food spots:

• Khao Kha Moo
  Braised pork leg served over rice with pickled greens and a boiled egg. Rich, tender, and slightly sweet, this is the market’s signature dish and often draws long queues.
• Sai Ua
  Northern Thai herbal sausage packed with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, chilli, and minced pork. Smoky, spicy, and full of flavour.
• Sai Krok Isan
  Fermented Isan sausage, slightly sour, grilled until crispy on the outside. Usually served with fresh cabbage, ginger, and chilli.
• Moo Ping
  Grilled pork skewers marinated in garlic, coriander root, and palm sugar. Sweet, smoky, and perfect as a snack while walking.
• Gai Yang
  Grilled chicken, often marinated in turmeric and garlic, is cooked over charcoal for a juicy, slightly crispy finish.
• Som Tam
  Green papaya salad is made fresh to order. Choose your spice level. Tangy, spicy, and refreshing.
• Pad Thai
  Classic stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, and your choice of meat or seafood.
• Khao Soi
  Chiang Mai’s famous curry noodle soup with egg noodles, coconut curry broth, crispy noodle topping, and pickled mustard greens.
• Hoy Tod
  Crispy oyster or mussel omelette cooked on a hot flat grill, served with chilli sauce.
• Mango Sticky Rice
  Sweet, ripe mango with coconut sticky rice and a drizzle of coconut cream. A perfect dessert to finish your visit.

Most dishes are affordable and cooked fresh in front of you. Go hungry, share plates with friends, and try a mix of northern specialities and classic Thai favourites for the best experience.

Getting There

Here’s how to get to Chang Puak Market from popular areas around Chiang Mai. The market is located just outside the north wall of the Old City, near Chang Puak Gate, making it easy to reach from most central locations.

From the Old City
If you are staying inside the Old City, especially near the north side, it is an easy walk. From Tha Phae Gate, head north along Moon Muang Road until you reach the moat, then continue toward Chang Puak Gate. The walk takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

By songthaew or Grab, it is usually under 5 minutes, depending on traffic.

From Nimmanhaemin
From Nimman, head east toward Huay Kaew Road and continue toward the Old City. By car or motorbike, the trip takes about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

Red songthaews frequently pass along Huay Kaew Road and can drop you near Chang Puak Gate for a small fare.

Grab is also affordable and convenient from this area.

From the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar Area
If you are staying near the Night Bazaar, it is about 3 km away. By car or motorbike, allow 10 to 15 minutes.

You can also take a red songthaew by telling the driver “Chang Puak Gate.”

Walking is possible but will take around 35 to 40 minutes.

From Chiang Mai Airport
The market is about 6 km from the airport. By taxi or Grab, expect a 15 to 20-minute drive depending on traffic.

Airport taxis have fixed rates, while Grab may be slightly cheaper.

Public Transport Tips

• Songthaews are the most budget-friendly option. Always confirm the price before getting in. If you prefer comfort and direct service, Grab or Bolt are widely used in Chiang Mai and generally inexpensive.
• Chang Puak Market opens in the late afternoon and runs into the evening, so plan to arrive after 5 pm when most food stalls are operating.