A neighbourhood market with northern dishes such as hang lay curry, nam prik num and khaep mu, plus seasonal local vegetables. Best in the morning or evening.
What to see
Mae Hia community market (กาดชุมชนแม่เหียะ) is a working local market rather than a tourist night bazaar. It is where residents shop for the day: stalls of fresh produce, seasonal local vegetables, herbs, eggs and the raw ingredients of a northern Thai kitchen. Alongside them are cooked-food stalls selling ready-to-eat northern dishes such as hang lay curry, nam prik num with steamed vegetables, and crisp khaep mu (pork crackling), along with rice, curries and simple snacks to take away. It is a good place to try everyday northern food cheaply and to see what a Mae Hia neighbourhood eats.
How to get there
The market sits in Mae Hia on the south-western edge of Chiang Mai, about 8 km from the city centre and roughly 15 minutes by car from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). The easiest way is a Grab or Bolt ride; there is also room to park if you drive yourself. The market pairs easily with other places in Mae Hia, so it makes a natural first or last stop on a half-day out of the city.
When to visit
Opening hours are 06:00 to 19:00, every day, and it is free to enter. Mornings are the freshest and the busiest: produce is just in, the cooked-food stalls are full, and the choice is widest. Things quieten through the middle of the day and pick up again in the early evening as people shop on the way home. If you want the full spread of fresh food, come early.
Tips
- Bring cash in small notes. This is a local market and most stalls do not take cards.
- Come in the morning for the widest choice of fresh produce and cooked food.
- Buy ready-to-eat northern dishes to try a cheap, authentic local meal.
- It is a residents' market, not a tourist attraction, so keep an easy pace and be considerate of people doing their daily shopping.
FAQ
What are the opening hours?
Open daily from 06:00 to 19:00. Mornings are the freshest and busiest.
Is there an entry fee?
No, it is free to enter. You only pay for what you buy, and most stalls take cash only.
How far is it from the airport?
About 15 minutes by car from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), roughly 8 km from the city centre.
Is it good for trying local food?
Yes. It is a local fresh market with ready-to-eat northern Thai dishes and produce sold cheaply. Bring cash and come in the morning.
