Locally made, and completely affordable!
There might be several indoor malls in Chiang Mai, but the Warorot Market is a dream for artisanal, handicraft, and local goods shoppers. So much so that even renowned French chef of The Oxygen Dining Room, Alexandre Demard told me, “that’s where I buy and experiment with local produce.”
Open daily from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Warorot Market is a quick 2-minute walk from the famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, where you can taste a plethora of Thai street foods. Warorot, on the other hand, is where you should go for souvenirs and handcrafted goods. Far better than a commercial mall, the market boasts plentiful clothing, ceramics, jewelry, silks, and those coveted straw woven handbags shown by fashion influencers on Instagram feeds.
As a market seeker and lover, my favorite purchase is always the a traditional Thai skirt, sarong, or wrap. Pick a preferred color, and the street vendor lady is more than willing to help you try on the skirt or even teach you the correct way to tie the skirt around your waist. The patterns you see at the market represent northern mountain tribes, which make the skirts even more special.
Hungry for fresh fruit? Besides fresh coconut juice from a coconut sliced open right in front of your eyes that cost less than a USD $1, there are tons of local tasty delights. Don’t hesitate to get your hands on mangosteens and red and green mangos. Regarding the king of all fruits: durians – don’t knock it ’til you try it. Is it stinky? Yes. Is it creamy? Yes. If you’re not a big fan of flan-like texture, or pungent smell then beware. Although, I personally think it tastes like honey tart, and I have to stop myself from stuffing my face with it!
It’s best to reserve several hours at the market, since browsing and tasting require adequate time. Indulge in the hustle & bustle – Warorot is a market lover’s wonderland.
