Chiang Mai Gate Market

For adventurous travellers and eaters, Chiang Mai’s numerous fresh markets are excellent places to sample your way through a wide selection of northern Thai delicacies. Markets can be found at all times of day through the city but one of the most convenient to get to is the Chiang Mai Gate Market found at the southern gate of the Old City. The market is open nearly 24/7, with a rotating array of fresh produce stalls and street side food carts depending on the time of day, but go early in the morning (before 8:30 am to 9 am) to really find the local goods. Starting around four in the morning people will set up in the market as well as on the small soi behind the market building selling fruits and vegetables, meats, prepared food items, and authentic treats such as sai oua, spicy Northern Thai sausage stuffed with fragrant herbs, barbecued pork skewers call moo ping and sticky rice (a typical Northern Thai breakfast), pork rinds and dipping sauces. Coming here early in the morning will also allow you to witness another local tradition practiced for centuries, the giving of morning alms to Buddhist monks who wait around the market to receive food from devout Thais.