Walking Street Markets
THANALAI ROAD - SATURDAY MARKET
This weekly market held on every Saturday evening, all year round, is the perfect venue to see many original northern Thai wares and food. Many of the local hill tribes are represented here along with traditional music and dancing.
For those of you wishing to dance, you are most welcome to partake in the circular dancing at the main stage and expansive dance floor. You will see local dance groups dancing alongside Thais and foreigners, showing the rest of us the steps and movements we should take. As this event isn’t heavily populated with tourists outside of the high season, it is also enjoyable for the locals to see foreigners mixing in with the activities. The dancing is not traditional Thai as such, it has a more of a modern, late 1960s feel to it.
Food is plentiful at the market of course. This is the real northern Thai street food. Not particularly spicy, but certainly delicious and inexpensive. Those brave souls among us can try ants, insects and frogs if so inclined. Rice dishes, noodles, soups, meat dishes and lots of fried food to suit any palette. Food is the main commodity at this market and frequented by many locals from near and far.
Beer and soft drinks are bought from market vendors along with plastic cups and an ice bucket. Some vendors have their own seating areas, should you buy drinks from them.
Click here for location.
SANKHONG HAPPY STREET MARKET
This is held every Sunday evening since 2011. A smaller market than the Saturday Walking Street Market, but equally enjoyable to visit. There is also a dance area with the usual mix of dancing and light exercise. The market focuses more on clothing, shoes and other goods. Of course there is always plenty of food on offer.
There is amusement for the smallest of children too. A small fairground with carousels, slides and games for the very youngest amongst us.
Low light, high ISO camera settings for a fast lens. Good street photography. Thais love to have their photo taken along with the food they’ve prepared for sale.
