Ploen Ruedee Night Market

The Ploen Ruedee Night Market in Chiang Mai, Thailand is a lively, welcoming space that combines great food, casual drinks, local crafts and live entertainment in one convenient location.

Set in a central area of the city close to the Old Town and riverside, it has become a favourite stop for both visitors and residents looking for a relaxed evening out.

Ploen Ruedee Night Market, Stalls, Opening Hours & Address, Chiang Mai

From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere feels friendly and unpretentious. A wide variety of food stalls line the pathways offering Thai favourites like pad thai, grilled meats, fresh seafood, mango sticky rice, and spicy papaya salad. There are also options for those who want international fare, including burgers, pizzas, kebabs, and vegetarian dishes. The portions are generous and priced reasonably, which makes sampling several different stalls part of the fun.

Beyond the food, there are casual bars with outdoor seating that give you a place to unwind with a cold drink. Beer, cocktails, fresh fruit shakes, and Thai iced tea are all on offer. Evenings often feature live music from local bands or solo performers, adding to the market’s vibrant, social feel.

If you enjoy browsing for unique items, you will find an assortment of vendors selling handmade jewellery, clothing, art prints, accessories, and souvenirs. It is a good opportunity to pick something distinctive to take home or to choose gifts that reflect local creativity.

The market is family-friendly, and its layout makes it easy to walk around and explore at your own pace. It usually runs every evening, which means you can plan to visit on multiple nights during your stay in Chiang Mai.

Whether you are hungry, looking for a drink, in the mood for people watching, or hoping to find interesting local crafts, Ploen Ruedee Night Market strikes a balance between a traditional Thai experience and modern, relaxed evening entertainment.

Must Try Foods / Drinks

Thai Classics

• Khao soi – This iconic Northern Thai curry noodle soup features egg noodles in a rich coconut curry broth, topped with crispy noodles, pickled greens, lime, and chilli oil.
• Som tam – A vibrant green papaya salad combining shredded papaya, lime juice, fish sauce, and chilli for a bold mix of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours.
• Pad Thai – Thailand’s famous stir-fried rice noodle dish cooked with egg, tofu or prawns, bean sprouts and peanuts, finished with fresh lime.
• Sai ua – Northern Thai herbal sausage flavoured with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf and chilli, grilled over charcoal for a smoky, aromatic bite.
• Moo ping – Sweet and savoury marinated pork skewers grilled over hot coals, making them an easy and delicious market snack.
• Gai yang – Thai grilled chicken marinated with garlic and coriander root, typically served with a tangy dipping sauce.
• Laab – A spicy minced meat salad mixed with toasted rice powder, fresh herbs, and lime juice for a punchy, zesty flavour.
• Thai fried rice – Wok-fried rice with egg, vegetables, and your choice of meat, offering a simple yet satisfying meal option.

Seafood and Grilled Favourites

• Grilled prawns or squid – Fresh seafood cooked over charcoal and served with a fiery seafood dipping sauce.
• BBQ fish – Whole fish grilled until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, often accompanied by fresh herbs and chilli sauce.

Snacks and Street Bites

• Spring rolls – Crispy fried rolls filled with vegetables or minced meat, served with sweet chilli sauce.
• Khanom buang – Traditional Thai crispy crepes filled with sweet coconut cream or savoury toppings.
• Fried chicken wings – Deep-fried wings seasoned with Thai spices, crunchy on the outside and juicy inside.

Rice and Noodle Dishes

• Pad kee mao – Also known as drunken noodles, this spicy stir-fried noodle dish features basil, chilli, and vegetables.
• Stir-fried morning glory – A popular Thai vegetable dish quickly cooked with garlic, chilli, and soy sauce.

Sweet Treats

• Mango sticky rice – Ripe mango paired with coconut sticky rice and finished with a drizzle of coconut cream.
• Coconut ice cream – Creamy coconut ice cream is often served in a coconut shell with toppings like peanuts or sweet corn.
• Fried bananas – Banana fritters coated in batter and fried until golden and crisp.

International and Fusion Options

• Kebabs and wraps – Grilled meats wrapped in flatbread with fresh salad and sauces, offering a Middle Eastern-style option.
• Burgers or pizzas – Western comfort food choices that provide a familiar alternative to Thai dishes.

Drinks to Try

• Thai iced tea – Sweet, creamy tea made with strong brewed tea and condensed milk served over ice.
• Fresh fruit shakes – Blended tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple, or watermelon served ice cold.
• Chang or Singha beer – Popular Thai lagers that pair perfectly with spicy street food dishes.

Getting There

From the Old City (Central Chiang Mai)

• Walk – If you’re staying inside the Old City walls, you can walk to the market, but it’s a fair distance (around 20–30 minutes on foot). This is doable if you enjoy walking in warm weather and want to see more of the city on the way.
• Tuk-tuk or songthaew (shared red truck) – These are inexpensive and plentiful in Chiang Mai. Just hail one on the street and tell the driver, “Ploen Ruedee Night Market, Chang Klan Road”. Negotiating the fare before you go is common practice.
• Taxi or ride-share (e.g., Grab) – These are simple options if you prefer direct transport. Grab can drop you right at the market entrance and is comfortable after a day of exploring.

From Nimmanhaemin or Shopping Malls (e.g., Maya Mall, Central Festival)

• Taxi or Grab – Best choice if you’re coming from more distant neighbourhoods like Nimmanhaemin or the major malls, since public transport options are limited in Chiang Mai. A short ride will get you to Chang Klan Road quickly.
• Motorbike taxi – A quick and budget-friendly option, especially if you’re travelling solo and don’t have much luggage.

From the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar area

• Walking – The market is just a short stroll from the main Chiang Mai Night Bazaar area, so you can easily combine both in one evening on foot.

Tips for getting back

• Songthaews and tuk-tuks tend to circle the night market area, especially in the evening, so grabbing a ride back to your hotel is usually straightforward.
• Ride-share apps such as Grab are often easiest later at night when hailing a street vehicle might be harder.

If you’re staying anywhere near the Old City or the Night Bazaar, reaching Ploen Ruedee Night Market is quick and convenient by short ride or a leisurely walk.