Chiang Mai’s Student Markets

There are two markets close to Chiang Mai University that are particularly popular with the town’s student population and filled with cheap clothes, cheap food, and plenty of cheap accessories and other trinkets. One of the markets is located close to the back entrance of the university on Huay Kaew Road while the other, Kad Rin Kum, is on the same road but further east toward the center of town. Both are open nightly and don’t see many foreign tourists. Though you may not need to actually buy anything here, unless you’re looking for some new hair bows or secondhand clothing, both the markets are great places to see a different side of the city and get a glimpse into what’s popular with Thai youth while grabbing a bite to eat. Thai barbeque and hot pot places are really popular here so grab a small group and share a family style meal cooking your meat and veggies at your own table. From here, you can also easily get to the trendy Nimmanhaemin neighborhood for a nighttime drink at one of its many bars or cafes.