As the largest city in the north, and provincial capital, Chiang Mai is the main commercial center of the region. For this reason, it’s no surprise that Chiang Mai is a town of many markets. Situated beside the Ping River, and only a few minutes’ walk from Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar, you will come across the largest market that the city has to offer. This market, known locally as Kad Luang, is none other than Warorot Market.

The market has quite a long history. The nameWarorot comes from one of the members of the Royal Lanna family who had the market built back in around the early nineteen hundreds; thus the nickname Kad Luang, which means ‘the royal’s market’. Warorot Market is one of the places where locals do their shopping, so expect to find the same or similar goods that you see at other markets also sold here. However, the goods you find here are cheaper and usually of better quality. You may also find things here that aren’t available in tourist markets like the Night Bazaar.

Warorot market has altogether three floors. The ground/first floor is dedicated to foodstuffs and produce. You will find fresh fruits, vegetables, butchery and bakery products, dried goods, herbs and spices, and much more. Keep a look out for Northern specialties such as Sai Ua (Chiang Mai’s famous sausage), Kaep Moo (Deep-fried pork rinds), and of course Nam Prik (Chili paste).

On the second and third floors, you’ll find plenty of clothing, textiles, handicrafts, jewelry, ceramics, electronic gadgets, and souvenirs, just to name a few. There’s even a food court on the third floor where you can relax and watch the day-to-day activities of local vendors and shoppers while treating yourself to an inexpensive Thai lunch, snack, or dessert.

The items sold at Warorot Market are fairly cheap. You’ll most probably go home with more than what you came for. There are also lots of indoor and outdoor shops and stalls all over the place so be prepared to spend a bit of time looking around; getting lost in this area is just as fun. The market gives you the chance to see the life of local Chiang Mai residents up-close which is an experience that is highly recommended and should not be missed.

Address : Witchyanon Rd., Chang Moi Sub-district, Mueang District, Chiang Mai

GPS : 18.790717, 99.000950

Website : http://www.warorosmarket.com

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/WarorosMarket

Opening Hrs. : The market is open from 04.00 – 19.00 but the stalls around the market are open from 07.00 – Midnight.

Best Time : Go at any time of the day

Highlight : The market is massive with plenty of food, souvenirs, and things to buy.

Activities : Sight-seeing/ Shopping/ Eating

From Tapae Gate, take Tapae road to Nawarat Bridge. Turn left before at the intersection before the bridge to Praisanee road. Contiune straight and you will see Ton Lumyai Market on your left. Drive past the market and turn left again into Chang Moi road. Warorot Market is to your left.