Thing to do
Sunday Walking Street
Weekly evening market that closes Ratchadamnoen Road from Tha Phae Gate to Wat Phra Singh, with crafts, street food and temple-courtyard food courts.
Wualai Saturday Walking Street
Saturday evening market on Wualai Road, starting at Chiang Mai Gate, in the city's traditional silversmith quarter beside the Silver Temple.
At a glance
- Type
- Night market
- Area
- Wualai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Good to know
- Free entry
- Silver crafts
- Street food
Why we recommend it
On Saturday evenings Wualai Road, which leads south from Chiang Mai Gate on the southern side of the Old City moat, closes to vehicles and fills with stalls. The Wualai Saturday Walking Street has a strong sense of place, because this street is the heart of the city's traditional silversmith quarter.
Silver is the main reason to come. Workshops along the road still hammer and chase bowls, jewellery and decorative panels by hand, and many stallholders sell work made nearby. Be aware that cheaper pieces are often nickel or plated, so ask before you assume something is solid silver. Beyond the metalwork you will find hand-woven cotton, lacquerware, soaps, clothing and the usual souvenirs.
Wat Sri Suphan, the Silver Temple, stands a few doors from the market. Its ordination hall is covered in worked silver and aluminium panels and looks especially atmospheric after dark; remember that only men may enter the hall itself. For a seated meal, look for the food areas in temple courtyards such as Wat Sri Suphan and Wat Muen San, while carts along the road are better for quick snacks.
The market runs roughly from 17:00 to 22:00, with stalls setting up from around 16:00, and it may close early in heavy rain. The best window is about 18:00 to 20:00, once everything is set up. As at the Sunday market, the national anthem plays at 18:00 and people stop where they are for around 90 seconds. Cool-season Saturdays in December and January are the busiest, so arrive earlier then. Entry is free and most vendors only take cash.
This market suits shoppers looking for something handmade, and couples or families looking for an evening out on a Saturday. Allow one to two hours. The road closes to traffic from late afternoon, so expect to walk the last stretch; a taxi, ride-hailing car or shared red truck can drop you near Chiang Mai Gate.
Bring a reusable bag for purchases and enough small notes for food and shopping, and agree any price before a piece is wrapped. If you are short of time, combine a daylight look at Wat Sri Suphan with an early evening browse.
Wualai Saturday Walking Street FAQs
When is the Wualai market held?
On Saturdays only, roughly 17:00 to 22:00, with stalls setting up from about 16:00.
Where does it start?
At Chiang Mai Gate on the southern side of the Old City moat, running along Wualai Road.
What is it known for?
Silverwork from the traditional silversmith quarter, plus textiles, lacquerware and souvenirs.
Is everything solid silver?
No. Cheaper pieces are often nickel or plated, so ask the seller.
Can I visit the Silver Temple during the market?
Yes, Wat Sri Suphan is a few doors away; only men may enter the ordination hall.
Where can I sit down to eat?
Temple courtyards such as Wat Sri Suphan and Wat Muen San have food areas.
How long should I allow?
One to two hours.
When is it busiest?
Cool-season Saturdays in December and January draw the biggest crowds.