Somphet Market

📍 Location of Somphet Market 🚘 Directions to Somphet Market

About Somphet Market

The market in question is a small one, opening its doors around 7 am with only a fruit store and a couple of food stores. As the day progresses, the market comes alive with a variety of stalls selling fruits, vegetables, clothing, and cooked food. However, if time permits, some might prefer to visit the larger Warorot market instead.

Despite its size, this market is a treasure trove of goods. Regular visitors love the sights and smells that greet them as they walk by. The market offers a wide range of items for purchase, from fresh fruits and packaged curries to trinkets. It's a place that can be enjoyed at any time.

The market is small and primarily caters to locals, selling mainly fruits and vegetables. Some might find the produce less appealing, but it's a place one is likely to pass while walking around. It's not necessarily a destination to go out of your way to visit.

The market has a touristic feel to it, similar to the Ploen Ruedee night market. A lot of information is provided in English, which might detract from its authenticity for some. It's also a popular spot for cooking classes to bring their students for market shopping, making it quite crowded in the morning and early afternoon. However, it's not a bad place to try out some local flavors and shop for local ingredients. For those seeking a truly local experience, there are some morning markets that open at 3AM, though their names might need to be asked around for.

Located near the Thapae Gate, this market is connected to another market called Ming Muang. It's a bustling place in the early morning, offering fresh and packaged food, vegetables, live animals, and cooked street food.

This small market is a short walk from Tapae Gate. Enter Moonmuang Road Lane 6 and you'll find the market area on your left, under a big roof. It's primarily a fresh market but also has other shops where you can buy clothes or dried fish and fruits. A recommended treat is the Thai style ice coffee from “Tarn Coffee Shop” near the entrance, touted as one of the best in Thailand.

Continuing into Lane (Soi) 6, you'll discover a small guesthouse and backpacker community. It's a quiet area with a range of guesthouses, from budget places for 200 Baht a night to newer, pricier places. It's an ideal spot to search for accommodation if you arrive in Chiang Mai without advanced booking. Around Somphet Market and its side alleys, you'll find everything else you need: a money changer, a pharmacy, food & fruit stalls. The party places are not exactly next door, but they're no more than a 10-minute walk away. On your walk to/from Tapae Gate, you'll pass Wat Dokkham, a nice little temple on the same side of the road. It's nothing special, but well worth a short visit if you're in the area.