Chiang Mai Market Guide – Part III
For the final installment of the Chiang Mai Market Guide (don’t miss Part I and Part II) here are three more markets to explore.
Saturday-Sunday Flea Market
I actually don’t know what this is called, but every Saturday and Sunday in the morning to early afternoon this is the place to be for second hand goods like furniture, clothing electronics and jewelery. You also won’t find another farang (foreigner) wandering about…unless they’re with their Thai girlfriend.
- When: Saturday and Sunday, early morning – early afternoon (things are already being taken down by 12:30 p.m.)
- Where: Starts at the intersection of Kaew Narawat and Bumruang Road on the east side of the river
Amulet Market
I’ve mentioned the amulet market in Bangkok before, and while the one in Chiang Mai doesn’t really compare, it’s still an interesting spot. More intriguing than the amulets themselves is watching the craftsmen create protective plastic and decorative silver and gold casings for the amulets themselves. Everything is done by hand and with surprisingly few tools. It’s easy to become mesmerized by the rhythm of their work.
- When: Daily except Sundays (Saturdays are pretty quiet too), morning until early evening
- Where: Thipanet Road near the south end of Wualai Road (the Saturday Walking Street)
JJ Market
JJ Market is a collection of buildings housing different antique shops. From furniture and frames, to old spirit houses and photos, this is the place to come for all you collectors. On another note, the area around JJ Market has a number of Thai bars that are popular with a younger crowd. Go for a taste of the local night life and drinking Thai style.
- When: Mainly Monday – Friday, morning until early evening (all shop times are a little different)
- Where: Atsadathon Road (turn off the northeast corner of the moat heading north, JJ Market will be on your right after a couple lights)
While the markets covered in this series highlight the main ones found in Chiang Mai, there are still more to explore like local fresh markets dotted throughout the city (two of the largest are at the north and south gates of the moat) and a weekend motorbike/buffalo market – just to take care of all your needs in one place.
Been to Chiang Mai – what did I miss? Which is your favorite market? Let me know in the comments below!
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Hey! I'm Alana and I've spent nearly the past decade living in Chiang Mai, Thailand, working as a writer and photographer. I started Paper Planes as a place to share local insight, special places, and how to travel well through a range of experiences — from hostels to high-end hotels, street meat to multi-course meals.
New places are always calling my name...
6/27/13
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Id love to stock my house with furniture from JJ’s – best I work on getting the house first though…
I know right…I’d have the COOLEST house in Thailand, if I had a house…
My mom would love a visit to JJs!
It’s fun to roam around – I love the old photos of the King and Queen
It would be dangerous for me to be around so many awesome markets. Good bye, savings account.
Start practicing your haggling skillz 😉
Aw, now I really want to get back there, your market round-up has me missing Chiang mai. one that I love THE fRIDAY MORNING MARKET. iT’S REALLY SMALL BUT HAS DELICIOUS SAMOSAS AND BURMESE FOODS THAT ARE HARDER TO FIND. IT’S near just adjacent to the mosque, and nearish to the night bazzar. go and try the vendors in the back left corner for as tasty breakfast you can’t find anywhere else! 🙂
I haven’t heard about that one!
Wow.. I thought I’d been to all the markets in Chiang Mai, but apparently not! Nice finds! I’ll have to be sure to check them out next time I’m up there 🙂
Oh there’s more… 🙂
You are already mistaken about Thai amulets. Buddha amulets for sale on general roadside panels Most of them are imitations. It is not a genuine ritual that makes sacred. Most foreigners tend to find Thai amulets. From the street market But Thai people that they want genuine Usually found at a trusted store of amulets