Why I love the markets in Chiang Mai

Artificial coloring? You Bet! Candy treats at the market

Another great thing about this city are its out door markets. Normally when I travel I visit a market once and then try to avoid them for the rest of my stay. I usually dislike being herded around like cattle to move past each stall at the pace of the collective public shoppers, being told that I "had" to buy this or that, and seeing the same dull crappy trinkets one stall after another. The outdoor markets here cover many streets, main and side streets, with stalls along the sides and middle of the road. Yes, there are many vendors selling the same items, however I feel as though I can walk past about 20 different stalls before I start seeing the same objects show up. I have also been enjoying the many vivid colors of clothes, scarves, fruits, toys, candles, lanterns, snacks, etc.

And my number one favorite thing about these markets are that I can stand and look at something in someones stall and the vendor will almost always make eye contact, smile, and offer a price without pressing the matter to make me feel uncomfortable!

Now that we are discussing the market, I can share some very specific things I like.

 Do you happen to need a condiment for your fresh hot snack, possibly of very fancy cut deep fried potatoes, but you just can't manage to hold your food, shopping, and bottle of sauce? Struggle no more friends, the hanging bladder sauce bag is here!


If you enjoy eggs, especially those from small birds like quails, you can order a plate (or in most cases a styraphoam tray) of small fried eggs. To make these eggs is simple. Own an egg hotplate, place over a fire, crack an egg into each divet, cook until done, scoop out, and serve (with soy sauce).

A street market smoothie is easy to order. Just point to the cup of fruit displayed and moments later you will be handed a smoothie. If you desire a less healthy option, choose a Coke or Fanta.

 Bring an umbrella because it will either be blazing hot and you will want it to protect you from the sun,










Or it will be pouring sheets of rain and will protect your head from buckets being unloaded onto you (though the rest of you will be drenched). Pouring rain at a market is not all bad. The temperature usually drops a couple degrees and it usually scares the masses of tourists away.