Chang Khlan Chiang Mai
Chang Khlan, home to Chiang Mai's famous Night Bazaar, offers a vibrant mix of shopping, street food, and local culture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Night Bazaar comes alive!
Chang Khlan Chiang Mai
Best Time
Night Bazaar comes alive!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Chang Khlan, home to Chiang Mai's famous Night Bazaar, offers a vibrant mix of shopping, street food, and local culture.
"The Night Bazaar is a sensory overload in the best way, with vibrant colors, lively music, and the constant buzz of activity."
🛍️ Bargain at the Bazaar
Haggling is expected at the Night Bazaar for the best prices on souvenirs and goods! :moneywithwings:
💧 Flood Preparedness
Be aware of potential flooding in the Chang Khlan area during the rainy season. Wading might be necessary .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Chang Khlan Road
A bustling hub for souvenirs, street food, and vibrant night life. Shop 'til you drop!

Astra Condo Rooftop Pool
Astra Condo
Stunning panoramic views of Chiang Mai from a serene rooftop pool. Perfect for relaxation.
Carp Cafe Experience
Various locations (check for specific cafe)
Dine surrounded by koi fish in a unique, tranquil rainforest setting. A truly immersive experience.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Chang Khlan's Charm
Embrace the Local Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛍️ Bargain at the Bazaar
Haggling is expected at the Night Bazaar for the best prices on souvenirs and goods! :moneywithwings:
💧 Flood Preparedness
Be aware of potential flooding in the Chang Khlan area during the rainy season. Wading might be necessary.
☕ Halal Breakfast Spots
Sapa Coffee 786 offers delicious and affordable Halal breakfast options. Open daily except Fridays.
🚗 Easy City Access
Chang Khlan offers good access to the Old City and other parts of Chiang Mai via Grab or short walks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛍️ Bargain at the Bazaar
Haggling is expected at the Night Bazaar for the best prices on souvenirs and goods! :moneywithwings:
💧 Flood Preparedness
Be aware of potential flooding in the Chang Khlan area during the rainy season. Wading might be necessary.
☕ Halal Breakfast Spots
Sapa Coffee 786 offers delicious and affordable Halal breakfast options. Open daily except Fridays.
🚗 Easy City Access
Chang Khlan offers good access to the Old City and other parts of Chiang Mai via Grab or short walks.
🏊♀️ Rooftop Views
Astra Condo boasts impressive rooftop pools with great city and mountain views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chang Khlan is celebrated for its vibrant Night Bazaar, offering a fantastic array of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Visitors appreciate its convenient location, proximity to the Old City, and the lively atmosphere. However, some travelers note concerns about potential flooding during the rainy season and the bustling nature of the market.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), you can take a taxi or a Grab to Chang Khlan. The journey typically takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Many visitors also opt for shared minivans or buses for a more budget-friendly option.
Yes, Chang Khlan is quite walkable, especially around the Night Bazaar. For longer distances, Grab (ride-sharing app) is readily available and affordable. You can also find songthaews (red trucks) for local transport.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk of about 10-15 minutes from the eastern edge of the Old City to the Chang Khlan area, particularly near the Night Bazaar.
For travel to other cities like Chiang Rai, green buses are a popular and affordable option, with tickets often bookable online in advance.
While not as extensive as in some larger cities, Chiang Mai has a decent public transport system including songthaews and buses. Grab is also a very convenient and widely used option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a public market and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely wander and shop, but be prepared to pay for any purchases you make.
The Night Bazaar typically opens in the late afternoon and runs into the night, usually from around 5 PM to 11 PM or later. Specific stall hours may vary.
While the Night Bazaar itself is free to enter, specific attractions like cafes or spas in the Chang Khlan area will have their own pricing. For example, Tweechol Botanical Gardens has a small entrance fee.
Yes, booking accommodation in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season. Many hotels and condos are available through various booking platforms.
While some vendors may accept cards, it's best to have cash (Thai Baht) on hand for most purchases at the Night Bazaar, as many transactions are cash-based. ATMs are available in the vicinity.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
You'll find a wide variety of souvenirs, including handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, wood carvings, silk products, and local art. Bargaining is part of the experience!
Sapa Coffee 786 is a popular spot for Halal breakfast, offering a simple yet tasty menu. It's open daily except Fridays.
Consider the Carp Cafe, where you can dine with koi fish swimming around your sunken table, offering a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.
Street food in Chiang Mai is generally considered safe and delicious. Look for stalls with high turnover and where food is cooked fresh. The Night Bazaar is a great place to sample local delicacies.
Don't miss Khao Soi (curry noodle soup), Sai Oua (Northern Thai sausage), and Gaeng Hung Lay (Burmese-style pork belly curry).
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant stalls and bustling crowds of the Night Bazaar offer endless photo opportunities. The Astra Condo rooftop provides stunning panoramic city views, especially at sunset.
The Carp Cafe, with its koi ponds and lush greenery, offers a surreal and visually striking backdrop for photos.
Late afternoon as the market sets up and early evening when the lights are on and the atmosphere is lively, provide the best photographic conditions.
It's generally polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially vendors. Candid shots of the general atmosphere are usually fine.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide scenes and details. A fast prime lens can be great for low-light conditions. A tripod might be helpful for long exposures, but can be cumbersome in crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more active adventure, the Sticky Waterfalls are a fantastic option, providing a fun and safe way for children to play and climb on the unique rock formations. Consider visiting Tweechol Botanical Gardens for a peaceful outing amidst nature, where kids can explore and enjoy the open spaces.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for local eateries and coffee shops like Sapa Coffee 786 for cheap and tasty Halal breakfast options. Consider staying in condos like Astra Condo if you're looking for longer-term rentals, as they can be more economical than hotels, and offer amenities like kitchens.
couples
Consider a unique dining experience at the Carp Cafe, where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by the serene beauty of koi fish. For a truly relaxing and intimate experience, book a couples' massage at a reputable spa like Fah Lanna Spa.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
While the Night Bazaar is the main draw, the Chang Khlan area itself offers more than just shopping. It's a well-connected district with easy access to the Old City and the riverfront. Many travelers find it a more appealing base than the trendy Nimman area due to its proximity to historical sites and the general atmosphere. However, it's important to be aware of the potential for flooding during the rainy season, which can temporarily impact accessibility.
For those seeking a unique dining experience, the Carp Cafe offers an unforgettable meal surrounded by koi fish in a lush, rainforest-like setting. It's a tranquil escape from the market's hustle and bustle. Accommodation options in Chang Khlan range from budget-friendly guesthouses to modern condos, with some, like the Astra Condo, offering impressive rooftop pools and panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Ethical Elephant Encounters
Visitors can expect to participate in activities like feeding the elephants, walking alongside them, and observing them in their natural environment. It's a deeply moving and educational experience that allows for a genuine connection with the animals. Research is key when choosing a sanctuary; look for those that are transparent about their practices and focus on the elephants' welfare above all else.
Popular ethical sanctuaries often mentioned include Elephant Nature Park and Joy Elephant Sanctuary. These experiences are a highlight for many travelers to Chiang Mai, offering a chance to contribute to conservation efforts while creating lasting memories. Remember to pack insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be prevalent in these natural settings.
Exploring Beyond the Bazaar
For those seeking tranquility and stunning views, Wat Phra That Doi Kham is a significant temple offering panoramic vistas of Chiang Mai and a chance to make a wish at a revered shrine. If you're looking for a more serene escape, consider visiting Tweechol Botanical Gardens, a beautiful green space about 30 minutes from the Old City, offering a peaceful retreat with various plant collections.
Chiang Mai also boasts unique cafes like the Carp Cafe, which provides an immersive dining experience surrounded by koi fish and lush greenery, reminiscent of a Studio Ghibli film. For relaxation and rejuvenation, Fah Lanna Spa is a highly-rated option for traditional Thai massages and spa treatments.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit