Chang Phuak Gate Night Market Food Stalls is a popular destination in Chiang Mai, Thailand for both locals and tourists alike. Every night, the streets surrounding the ancient city gate are transformed into a vibrant market filled with food stalls offering a wide variety of delicious dishes.
The market is named after Chang Phuak Gate, one of the four main gates that used to surround the old city of Chiang Mai. This gate has been standing for over 700 years and serves as a historical landmark that adds to the charm of the night market.
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Overview Of Chang Phuak Gate Night Market Food Stalls
- Location: Chiang Mai, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Opening hours: 5 PM–12 AM
- Known for: Delicious and authentic Thai street food,
- Best time to visit: Between 5 pm and 7 pm to avoid crowds
- Payment: Cash (preferred), some vendors may accept credit cards
- Getting There: By foot, Grab a taxi, Songhthaew, or Scooter
- Parking: Available on the street right in front of the market, but be careful pulling out
- Price Range: Dishes range from 40 baht to 100 baht
- Vegetarian Options?: Yes, there are some vegetarian options such as pad thai, vegetable stir fries, and bao.
Map
History of Chang Phuak Gate
Chang Phuak Gate Night Market Food Stalls is a must-visit for travelers in Chiang Mai, and learning about the gate’s history is worthwhile.
In Chiang Mai’s Old City, there are four ancient gates: Chang Phuek Gate (North), Tapae Gate (East), Chiang Mai Gate (South), and Pratu Suan Dok Gate (West). The Chiang Mai North Gate, where this night market is located, dates back to the 13th century. It was part of the very first wall constructed to shield the city back when it served as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom!
By the next century, it was given the name Chang Puak due to a legendary sacred white elephant that walked through the gate and up to Doi Suthep. “Chang” means elephant (like the Thai beer you probably drink), and “Phuak” means white.”
10 Chang Phuak Gate Night Market Food Stalls
1. Changphuak Suki (aka Suki Koka)
Changphuak Suki is hands down the best at the Chang Phuak Gate Night Market food stalls! It’s easily one of my top 3 favorite places to eat in Chiang Mai (my other favorites are Roast Chicken Wichienbury and Sushi Umai).
This stand specializes in suki, a Thai hotpot dish. You can choose from a variety of meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles to cook in a simmering broth at your table. It’s a fun and interactive dining experience and the perfect way to warm up on a cool Chiang Mai evening.
Although there is a queue when you arrive, there is not one. Instead, you will need to ask the register for a number and let them know how many people are in your party. A screen will then announce the number when a table becomes available.
- What to Order: Dry sukiyaki with pork and extra noodles
- Cost: 55 Baht for sukiyaki with chicken or pork, 65 Baht for beef or seafood, and 10 Baht for extra noodles.
2. Cowboy Hat Lady
You’ve got to check out the delicious food at the Cowboy Hat Lady food stall in Chang Phuak Gate Night Market if you’re traveling in Chiang Mai! It would help if you tried this traditional Thai dish of braised pork knuckles (called Khao Kha Moo in Thai). Anthony Bourdain made the Cowboy Hat Lady famous (pour one out for Tony! ), and it’s been a top culinary experience ever since.
Cooked in a simmering broth for years, this dish is served over steamed rice with a soft-boiled egg and made with fatty, tender meat that melts in your mouth. Remember to add their homemade chili sauce. There’s a trick I learned from a friend: if you tell them you don’t want fat, they’ll give you less fatty meat.
- What to Order: Pork leg steamed with rice and a soft-boiled egg
- Cost: small 60 baht / large 80 baht
3. Suang Bualoy Changphueak (Dessert)
At the Chang Phuak Gate Night Market Food Stalls, Suang Bualoy Changphueak is a great place to try classic Thai desserts.
The signature dish is the Bua Loy, which in Thai means “floating lotus.”. This long-time local favorite is sold here and has gained popularity with both residents and visitors.
Coconut milk ties everything together perfectly and isn’t too sweet, and the glutinous rice balls are soft and not sticky. Feel free to pick any extra toppings you like, and one is already included! If you haven’t tasted this Thai dessert yet, Suang Bualoy Changphueak is a total must-try!
- What to Order: Add any toppings that look interesting, like a sweet egg (10 baht).
- Price: 25 Baht plus toppings
4.Pedyang Changpuek Roast Duck
Pedyang Changpuek Roast Duck serves up generous portions of roast duck, braised pork, and shrimp dumplings at the small North Gate Night Market in Chiang Mai.
There is a similarity between the roast duck served here and the roast duck served in Cantonese restaurants. Don’t forget to add the sauce to your plate. You simply can’t beat the ba mee egg noodles here in Chiang Mai! This awesome food stall at the Chang Phuak Gate Night Market serves up big portions at super affordable prices. And the family that runs the cart is very friendly and attentive.
- What to Order: Roasted Duck with Noodles and Dumplings
- Price: small 50 baht / large 70 baht
5. Yellow Stir-Fry Food Stall
Yellow Stir-Fry (I’m not sure what the name is, but you’ll find it easily at this small night market) is a great spot for travelers who are nervous about trying some of the other food options. Maybe you’re just craving pad Thai—who can blame you?
You should carb up here the night before you hike Monk’s Trail. You can also get fried radish cake and vegan pad Thai (upon request) here. Fried mussels and fried seafood plates are popular among locals. There’s an orderly seating area so you don’t have to stand up while eating. If you buy something from them as well, they don’t mind if you bring food from other stalls.
- What to Order: Pad Thai Shrimp
- Price: 50 baht
6. Lookchin Chang Phuak
At the North Gate Night Market, Lookchin Chang Phuak (at least that’s what I think it’s called) sells sausages. The Cowboy Hat Lady stall stands right next to it, so you’ll easily spot it.
A specialty of this place is the mini pork balls served with a flavorful sauce on skewers. The northern Thai sausage with vermicelli noodles is also delicious. The sausages will be grilled so they’re delicious and hot.
- What to order: Sausage
- Price: 25 baht
7. Grilled Seafood
The grilled seafood stall at Puak Gate Night Market is a must-try if you like fish!
A variety of condiments and vegetables are served with fresh grilled seafood. Among the delicious options are shrimp, octopus, clams, sea snails, or whole fish. For those who don’t eat seafood, the stall offers fried radish cake and fried rice with shrimp. You can grill up anything you want—just let them know what you want!
- What to Order: Grilled shrimp and octopus
- Price: 200 baht
8. Homemade Coconut Ice Cream
After filling their tummies with sukiyaki and pork leg, travelers flock to the Chang Phuak Gate Night Market for something sweet. A young man is selling homemade coconut ice cream out of a coconut shell in front of the 7-11. Condensed milk, peanuts, and mung beans are available as toppings.
As I tried to return the coconut bowl, thinking he had reused it, he told me to throw it in the garbage in front of 7-11.
- What to order: Coconut Ice Cream
- Price: 30 baht
9. Steamed Bao
spicy ingredients. My family and I went to Chinese dim sum often growing up, and we always had pork bao! There are a variety of fillings available for bao (buns), including pork and custard cream, even though they are not of Thai origin.
In addition to pork shumai, mantou bread is on the menu here. There are bao buns filled with minced pork, custard cream, black bean pandan custard, and taro (although I never saw the taro-filled ones). Whether you’re looking for something spicy or sweet, the steamed bao cart has something for everyone. They’re so easy to eat on the go!
- What to Order: Any bao flavor
10. Mango or Durian Sticky Rice
The stall near the 7-11 at Puak Gate offers mango or durian sticky rice after you finish all the savory dishes at Puak Gate Night Market. Durian is a spicy fruit native to Southeast Asia and known for its strong smell and creamy texture. So if you’ve been meaning to try it, you can try it here! Short-grain rice is soaked in water until it softens to make sticky rice. It can also be called glutinous rice or sweet rice. After that, it’s covered in sweet coconut milk and topped with either fresh mango (the most common) or durian (for the adventurous).
The sweetness of the mango or durian perfectly offsets the creamy texture of the sticky rice. This makes it an ideal snack or light dessert after a night out exploring!
- What to Order: Mango Sticky Rice
- Price: 50 baht
Is Chang Phuak Gate Night Market Food Stalls Good for Vegetarians?
You can find delicious and healthy vegetarian dishes like fried tofu with bean sprouts, stir-fried vegetables, and vegan pad Thai. Many stalls can also modify dishes to be vegetarian by omitting fish sauce or oyster sauce, which are common ingredients in Thai cuisine. Be sure to learn the phrases “ahaan jay” (vegan food) and “ahaan mangsawirat” (vegetarian food) to communicate with vendors.
Chang Phuak Gate Market Tips
- The market is open from 5 pm to midnight.
- It is located just outside the Chiang Mai moat, near the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar.
- There is a lot of seating available at the market, but it can get crowded, so be prepared to stand or wait for a seat.
- If you are vegetarian or vegan, there are still plenty of options available for you. Just look for the signs that say “jay” (vegetarian) or “vegan.”
- Alcohol is available from certain vendors, so remember to drink responsibly.
- Most vendors at Chang Phuak Gate Night Market only accept cash. Be sure to bring enough baht to cover your food and drinks.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
- Old City– The Old City is the heart of Chiang Mai and is home to many of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, including Wat Phra Doi Suthep, Wat Chiang Man, and Thapae Gate. It’s a great place to stay if you want to beat the center of the action. Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to boutique hotels. Expect to pay between 726.46 BHT to 2,905 BHT per night for a hotel in the Old City.
- Night Bazaar– The Night Bazaar is a lively area that comes alive at night with street vendors selling everything from souvenirs to clothing. It’s a great place to stay if you’re on a budget and want to be close to the action. There are many guesthouses and hostels in the Night Bazaar area, with prices starting at around 363.23 BHT per night.
- Riverside– The Ping River runs through the center of Chiang Mai, and the riverside area is a great place to stay if you want a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. There are several hotels and resorts located along the river, offering stunning views of the city. Prices for hotels in the riverside area start at around 1,816 BHT per night.
FAQs Of Chang Phuak Gate Night Market Food Stalls
What are the Chang Phuak Gate Night Market Food Stalls famous for?
The market is famous for its “Cowboy Hat Lady,” which sells delectable Khao Kha Moo (stewed pork leg on rice). On the other hand, a large number of other stalls provide Northern Thai specialties, including curries, noodles, and other delectable treats.
What are the opening hours of the Chang Phuak Gate Night Market?
The market is open daily from 5:00 PM to midnight.
How do I get to Chang Phuak Gate Night Market?
The night market is located just outside the Chang Phuak Gate, Chiang Mai’s northernmost gate. You can take a tuk-tuk, or songthaew, or grab a ride-sharing service to get there.
When is the best time to visit Chang Phuak Gate Night Market?
The ideal time to visit the market is between 6:00 PM and 9:00 p.m., when the food stalls are in full swing, and the atmosphere is buzzing.
Is it okay for vegetarians at Chang Phuak Gate Night Market?
While vegetarian options might be limited compared to meat dishes, there are still some vegetarian-friendly options, like rice dishes with vegetables, tofu curries, and fruit stalls.
Is it cheap to eat at Chang Phuak Gate Night Market?
Absolutely! Expect to spend around 40-50 baht per dish, making it a very budget-friendly way to enjoy delicious Thai cuisine.
Do you have any popular places near Chang Phuak Gate Night Market Food Stalls in Chiang Mai, Thailand?
Yes, you can visit Wat Sri Suphan, Wat Chiang Man
What are some must-try dishes at Chang Phuak Gate Night Market?
- Khao Kha Moo (stewed pork leg on rice) from the Cowboy Hat Lady
- Khao Soi (creamy noodle curry)
- Nam Prik Ong (northern Thai chilli paste with vegetables)
- Saiua (northern Thai sausage)
