Night Life in Chiang Mai

Pastel sunset #wheninthailand🇹🇭 #asia #travel #sunsets #thailand

A post shared by Iyyi (@iyyrish) on Dec 20, 2016 at 3:03am PST

As the sun sets, we were already on the lookout for the night market near us. If we were not too tired, we go out on nights for streetfood or buying souvenirs at night markets.

Early foodies at the night streetfood at Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai #wheninthailand🇹🇭 #asia #travel #asianfood #thailand #chiangmai

A post shared by Iyyi (@iyyrish) on Dec 27, 2016 at 1:42am PST

Night life in Chiang Mai is very much alive. When we were younger, we would've probably preferred to go to bars at night, but for this trip, we preferred to go to the night markets.

There are night markets and food markets in different parts of the city, although they don't have a permanent location. They rotate in different areas. Night markets in Chiang Mai are a hit, probably because almost everything is sold in there–various local and foreign food, crafts, artworks, and many other random stuff, at affordable prices. Plus points if you are good at haggling.

These are some of the finds at the Saturday night market at Tha Phae Gate.

Pimp my nightlight #wheninthailand🇹🇭 #art #asia #travel #thailand #chiangmai #thaiart

A post shared by Iyyi (@iyyrish) on Dec 20, 2016 at 2:14pm PST

Art everywhere @ Chiang Mai walking night market

A post shared by Iyyi (@iyyrish) on Dec 27, 2016 at 2:27am PST

King Bhumibol Adulyadej was loved and respected by the Thai people as evident in the many displays of the King's photos in almost every corner of the country. #wheninthailand🇹🇭 #thailand #chiangmai #asia #travel

A post shared by Iyyi (@iyyrish) on Dec 27, 2016 at 12:07am PST

Barbecue. Streetfood at the Saturday night market at Tha Phae Gate. #wheninthailand🇹🇭 #asia #asianfood #travel #thaifood #food #chiangmai

A post shared by Iyyi (@iyyrish) on Dec 20, 2016 at 5:39pm PST

Aside from food and other stuff, visitors are also treated with performances from locals showcasing the richness of Thai culture. 

SOUND OF THE NIGHT. Thai musicians serenade night market goers. #wheninthailand🇹🇭 #asia #travel #arts #chiangmai #thailand #music

A post shared by Iyyi (@iyyrish) on Dec 20, 2016 at 11:25pm PST

One time, we arrived early at a night market and we get to witness the opening program where they played Thailand's national anthem, and everyone had to stand and be still, followed by performances from a local dance group. One time, it was probably around 8pm when they also had a sort of prayer or something, and all the local vendors stopped what they were doing and stood still until it was over. This is how Thais give so much importance to their customs and traditions.