Mae Khao Canal Market in Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai’s version of Otaru Canal, a new hot spot in 2024
Chiang Mai has endless markets to visit. In addition to the most popular weekend-only handmade market "Jing Jai Market", the "Khlong Mae Kha Canal Market" transformed from an abandoned river is also worth a visit. The market is open every day (15:00~22:00). It is not as crowded as the Saturday and Sunday night markets. You can sit down to eat and drink a cup of coffee. The atmosphere is leisurely. It is also a popular new attraction in 2023.Khlong Mae Kha Market
Address: 9 Sridonchai Rd, Haiya Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District (click here to view map)
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 15:00-22:00
Khlong Mae Kha Market is located in the southwest of the ancient city, about 1 km away from Chiang Mai Gate in the south. It is very convenient to call a taxi using the APP. If the weather is not hot, it is no problem to take a slow walk there.
The Mae Khao Canal, which was previously severely polluted and like a stinking ditch, began to be renovated in 2018. After several years, the first phase of the project was completed at the end of 2022, and it has become a market that is very popular among young people.
The things sold in the market are similar to other night markets, but the food is quite affordable.
This coffee shop has tables and chairs at the door, turning it into an open-air cafe, and the business is quite good. A portion of Thai fried rice noodles is 30 baht.
The coffee and tea in this small coffee shop are only 30 baht, and desserts like brownies, cupcakes, egg tarts, and handmade cookies are 10 baht, thick toast is 15 baht, and lattice waffles are 30 baht, all of which are so cheap!
Longan juice is not particularly cheap at 30 baht, but it is the first time I have seen such a large amount of longan flesh.
Three small scoops of coconut ice cream are 25 baht, two scoops are 30 baht, and there are also ice cream donuts and ice cream hot dogs.
A few slices of coconut meat were first put into the cone, followed by three small balls of ice cream, and finally another piece of coconut meat. As a coconut lover, I think it is quite delicious. There are also some stalls selling Japanese food here, which adds a Japanese flavor to the Mae Ka Market.
Even the manhole covers with map patterns that can be seen everywhere in Japan can be seen here.
The walls without shops are painted with various graffiti, which is very suitable for taking photos and checking in.
I don’t know if it’s because of the Loy Krathong Festival, but both sides of the canal are hung with lanterns, which look very beautiful when the lights are lit.
There is a huge tree in the middle and back part. The Canal Market is only a few hundred meters long. When you see the second bridge, you are close to the end. There are no stalls in the back part, just a normal residential community.
On the way back, I found that I could also get a massage in the market, for 100 baht for half an hour.
When we returned to the market entrance, we encountered a band performing live. They sang familiar songs from various countries such as "Arirang", "The Moon Represents My Heart", "Flying Dagger of Xiao Li"... The atmosphere was great!
I visited on a weekday evening, so there weren't too many tourists. The weather was cool, so it was quite comfortable to walk around. Although the market is only a few hundred meters long and there aren't too many shops, it was quite relaxing to walk around, take photos, eat and drink. If you have time, you might as well plan an hour or two to walk around the Mae Khao Canal Market.
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