Saturday Walking Street Wua Lai Chiang Mai
A vibrant Saturday night market in Chiang Mai offering unique handmade crafts, delicious street food, and a lively atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the peak crowds
Saturday Walking Street Wua Lai Chiang Mai
Best Time
Beat the peak crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Saturday night market in Chiang Mai offering unique handmade crafts, delicious street food, and a lively atmosphere.
"More enjoyable than the Sunday market as it isn’t as busy. Loads of fun and loads of options to buy gifts, souvenirs, food etc."
Go Early for Fewer Crowds
Arrive around 5 PM to enjoy the market before it gets too packed. :camerawithflash:
Bring Cash for Purchases
Most vendors prefer cash, so have enough on hand for food and souvenirs. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Handmade Crafts & Artisanal Gifts
Throughout the market
Discover unique, locally made treasures from jewelry to leather goods. Many items are one-of-a-kind, perfect for souvenirs.
Vibrant Street Food Scene
Along the street
Indulge in a wide array of traditional Thai street snacks, from BBQ seafood to sweet treats. A true culinary adventure awaits!
Live Performances
Various spots along the street
Enjoy local music and cultural performances that add to the lively atmosphere of the market.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Smoother Experience
Cash is King for Bargains
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Go Early for Fewer Crowds
Arrive around 5 PM to enjoy the market before it gets too packed. :camerawithflash:
Bring Cash for Purchases
Most vendors prefer cash, so have enough on hand for food and souvenirs. :moneybag:
Explore Beyond the Main Path
Venture into smaller alleys for hidden gems and unique finds. :mag_right:
Try Diverse Street Food
Sample everything from BBQ squid to kimchi pancakes! :foodie:
Tips
from all over the internet
Go Early for Fewer Crowds
Arrive around 5 PM to enjoy the market before it gets too packed. :camerawithflash:
Bring Cash for Purchases
Most vendors prefer cash, so have enough on hand for food and souvenirs. :moneybag:
Explore Beyond the Main Path
Venture into smaller alleys for hidden gems and unique finds. :mag_right:
Try Diverse Street Food
Sample everything from BBQ squid to kimchi pancakes! :foodie:
Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Compare Prices for Souvenirs
Similar items can be found at different stalls; compare before buying. :shopping_cart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wua Lai Saturday Walking Street is praised for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse street food, and unique handmade crafts, offering a more relaxed experience than the larger Sunday market. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to find artisanal goods and enjoy delicious, affordable food in a lively setting.
"The Sunday Market, which opens the following day at Tha Phae road, is larger and offers more number of vendors, but the great number of people who visit makes it overly crowded.
Compared to the Sunday Market, the Wualai Saturday Market offers a similar variety of vendors, but with fewer vendors selling the same products, it's smaller overall. This makes it less crowded than the Sunday Market, which makes it better enjoyable.
Many vendors at Wualai Market sell the same products at the Sunday Market the next day."
Min-Seok Oh
"Great Saturday market. Lots of food to choose from. Loads of souvenir choices. Enjoyed seeing the artists at work. So much original stuff that I haven't seen at other markets in SE Asia. Pretty busy but still easy to walk around without bumping into other people. We got a hair stick, bbq sausage (not my favorite), bbq chicken & mochi (bit different than Japanese mochi), mango & passionfruit smoothie & kimchi pancakes (delicious)."
Tammy Johnson
"The walking street is a mix of everything! There are lots of food options, and some carts also provide seating (there are specific tables/chairs belonging to stalls so it's best to ask them to find you seats if you wish to order from them). We ordered bbq squid from the stall and could also eat some other food at the table (they were very nice and didn't ask us otherwise). We saw some people looking for a seat, so we finished ours quickly and offered it to them.
You can have a full meal at this place, tom yum soups or noodles, meat skewers, bbq seafood, juices, cakes, sushi, toasts etc. I recommend that you could walk around and buy food as you go, and eventually find a stall that has seating so that you can sit comfortably to enjoy them all. Do be gracious and not hold up the table if there are others waiting, so that the stallholders can have more turnover.
After filling your stomachs, walk around to purchase souvenirs, clothing etc there are many!"
Tricia T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wua Lai Walking Street is located southwest of the Old City moat, along Wua Lai Road. You can easily reach it by Grab, songthaew (red shared taxis), or a short walk from the Chiang Mai Gate. Many visitors find it convenient to take a tuk-tuk or Grab directly to the start of the street.
Yes, songthaews are a common and affordable way to get around Chiang Mai, and they can drop you off near Wua Lai Road. If you're staying within the Old City, it's also a pleasant walk.
The market stretches along Wua Lai Road, starting from the Chiang Mai Gate (South Gate). Starting from the gate allows you to walk the entire length of the market.
Driving and parking can be challenging due to road closures and crowds. It's generally recommended to use ride-sharing services, taxis, or songthaews to avoid parking hassles.
Wua Lai Walking Street is located south of the Old City, while the main Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is to the east. They are distinct markets, and Wua Lai is generally considered less crowded than the Sunday market.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Wua Lai Walking Street. It's a public street market that is free to enter and explore.
The market is open every Saturday evening, typically from around 5 PM to 11 PM. Things start to get busy around 7 PM. 
No advance booking is required. As it's a street market, you can simply show up on Saturday evening.
No, Wua Lai Walking Street is exclusively a Saturday night market. For other market experiences, consider the Sunday Walking Street or the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
The market runs along Wua Lai Road, starting from the Chiang Mai Gate (South Gate of the Old City). You can enter from either end, but starting at the gate provides a clear path through the market.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a wide variety of handmade crafts, including silver jewelry, leather goods, clothing, home decor, and unique artisanal items. Many are specific to Chiang Mai and Thailand.
Bargaining is generally expected at markets like this. Be polite and respectful when negotiating prices for souvenirs and crafts.
Yes, the market is known for its silverwork and other handicrafts created by local artisans. You might find items here that are harder to come by elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Prices vary greatly depending on the item. Small trinkets can be very affordable, while more intricate handmade items like silver jewelry will be more expensive.
Yes, you'll find a good selection of clothing, including t-shirts, dresses, and traditional Thai-inspired garments.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
The market offers an incredible variety of street food, including BBQ seafood, grilled meats, noodles, soups, curries, fresh juices, smoothies, and local desserts. +1
While many dishes are meat-based, you can often find vegetarian options like vegetable stir-fries, fruit shakes, and some noodle dishes. It's best to ask vendors about ingredients.
Some food stalls have small seating areas. It's polite to ask the vendor if you can use their seating if you purchase food from them. Otherwise, you might need to eat standing or find a public bench.
Popular choices include BBQ squid, grilled chicken skewers, mango sticky rice, kimchi pancakes, and various noodle dishes. Don't be afraid to try something new!
Yes, food prices at Wua Lai Walking Street are generally very reasonable, offering great value for the quality and variety.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant stalls, colorful food displays, local artisans at work, and the lively atmosphere of the crowds. The evening lights add a magical touch.
It's generally appreciated to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their detailed work. A smile and a gesture usually suffice.
The market truly comes alive after sunset. The evening light creates a beautiful ambiance, but it can also be crowded. Consider arriving earlier for softer light and fewer people.
Look for stalls with unique crafts, vibrant food presentations, and any areas with live performers. The overall energy of the street is very photogenic.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide shots of the market and details of products. A fast prime lens can be useful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for stalls selling colorful toys and small souvenirs that might appeal to children. The general buzz and occasional live performances can also keep kids entertained. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes, as there will be a lot of walking. Keep a close eye on children in crowded areas and consider having a designated meeting spot in case you get separated.
💰 Budget Travelers
Instead of expensive restaurant meals, make the market your primary dining destination. You can try multiple dishes from different vendors without breaking the bank. For souvenirs, compare prices across stalls and don't be afraid to negotiate respectfully. Bringing cash will also help you stick to your budget and avoid potential ATM fees.
couples
+1Consider arriving a bit earlier to enjoy a more relaxed pace, perhaps finding a cozy spot to share some street food. The evening lights and occasional live music add to the charming ambiance. It's a great place to immerse yourselves in the local culture and create lasting memories.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wua Lai's Silver Heritage
When exploring the market, keep an eye out for stalls specializing in silver. You might see artisans actively working on their pieces, providing a fascinating visual experience. The quality and craftsmanship can be exceptional, making these silver items highly sought-after souvenirs. Remember to compare prices and appreciate the artistry involved.
A Culinary Journey Through Street Food
Navigating the food stalls can be an experience in itself. Many vendors offer small seating areas, encouraging visitors to linger and enjoy their meals. It's a good practice to ask if you can use their seating if you've purchased from them, fostering a sense of community and shared enjoyment. Be mindful of others waiting and try to be efficient with your dining time to allow for more turnover.
Beyond the main dishes, explore the refreshing options like fresh fruit smoothies and juices, perfect for the Chiang Mai heat. For those with a sweet tooth, various desserts are available, offering a delightful end to your food exploration. The sheer variety ensures that every visit can be a new gastronomic discovery.
Wua Lai vs. Sunday Walking Street
Both markets feature a similar range of vendors, including handmade crafts, souvenirs, and street food. However, the Sunday market is significantly larger, boasting more stalls. If you prefer a more intimate shopping experience and want to avoid the biggest crowds, the Saturday Wua Lai market is an excellent choice. It still provides a rich selection of goods and a vibrant atmosphere.
Ultimately, both markets are highly recommended for experiencing Chiang Mai's vibrant street culture. If your visit aligns with a Saturday, Wua Lai is a must-do. If you're there on a Sunday, the larger market is also a fantastic option. Many vendors actually participate in both, so you might find similar items at either.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit