Chang Phuak Market

North of Chiang Mai’s Old City moat, right across from Chang Phuak (North) Gate, this curbside night market flickers to life around 5pm and runs until midnight. Woks hiss, charcoal smoke hangs in the air, and plastic stools fill fast along Manee Nopparat Road. It’s street food at its best: quick, punchy, and affordable—most plates come in under 100 THB. Start with the cult favorite: Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak, better known as the Cowboy Hat Lady’s braised pork leg over rice. Order it with pickled mustard greens and a soft-boiled egg, then watch the cleaver work. From there, graze freely—dry or soupy suki at Suki Koka, smoky northern sausage, grilled pork skewers, pad thai tossed to order, claypot noodles, mango sticky rice, and fruit shakes that go heavy on the crushed ice. Arrive by 6pm for an easy seat; by 7:30pm it’s humming with locals, students, and hungry backpackers. The market lines the pavement at 248/70 Manee Nopparat Road (Si Phum), a short walk from the Old City or a quick songthaew ride. Eat, wander, repeat—and if you’re lingering, grab a nightcap nearby once the grills start winding down around midnight.