Chiang Mai Central Market

Posted by Northerner on August 12th, 2011 filed in Attractions, Living here

Chiang Mai Central Market, or Warorot Market, is the biggest market in the central area of the city. Thais usually refer to the market as Gat Luang, which is a direct translation of Central Market in the local dialect, and it is located close to the left bank of the River Ping.

Most people walk or get a communal songtheaw taxi or tuk-tuk as parking is nigh on impossible in the busy streets surrounding Warorot Market. Pedestrians will realise they are approaching the market when they see the slow-moving traffic on the roads here as well as by the stalls that spill over on to the pavement.

The vendors on the streets sell shoes, sandals, cheap clothes for children and adults, exotic fruits, flowers, snacks and lottery tickets. Open shops on the ground floor offer fabrics, gold necklaces and trinkets. A walk through any one of the entrances to the main market will transport visitors into an Aladdin’s Cave where spices and other unique ingredients used in Thai cuisine are piled high on tables.

There is a stall in an alley off the main area where Indian spices are offered. Climbing to one of the upper floors and looking over the parapet allows people a commanding view of the market. Traditional Thai cotton garments and bags, and decorations are sold on the higher levels.