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Doi Saket Market Festival: Chiang Mai’s Colorful Local Celebration
- Jenn & Leon
- Mar 10, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The Doi Saket Annual Market Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is back after 4 years!
We explore this local 4-day event and enjoy some traditional Thai food along with an epic discovery and purchase that made us two Arsenal fans super happy.
Explore this little-known and local fair with us!
If we have learned one thing about Thailand, it's that markets are a bedrock of society here.
Every town, village, or city has at least one, or three!
We enjoy checking them out, no matter how big or small.
You never know what you will find, least of all what Leon found at this one!
But check that out in the video at the end!
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What Is the Doi Saket Market Festival?
The Doi Saket Market Festival is a vibrant four-day event held annually in the Doi Saket district of Chiang Mai, Thailand.
It usually takes place in the second week of February, but the exact dates can vary and are often announced on local Facebook groups or the official Doi Saket website.
The festival is a celebration of Lanna culture and traditions, featuring a bustling market with over 500 stalls selling local handicrafts, food, and souvenirs.
Visitors can enjoy live music and dance performances, traditional Lanna games, and a variety of other activities.
Lanna culture is the vibrant heritage of the Lanna Kingdom, which flourished in Northern Thailand from the 13th to the 18th centuries.
It's a beautiful blend of influences from various ethnicities and religions, primarily Tai Yuan (Lanna Thai people), Burmese, and Theravada Buddhism.
Our Doi Saket Market Festival Highlights
We were told about the market by our awesome Airbnb host, but honestly, we could hear it going on anyway!
There is so much more than just the endless stalls of food and wares; there are also shows, exhibits, games, and of course, a Thai staple - karaoke!
Given we live just ten minutes away by car, we could certainly hear the music bellowing out across Doi Saket every night!
The very first night we heard it, we knew we had to look into going.
Part of the reason we enjoy markets is checking out the wide array of goods on offer, indeed, at this one here in Doi Saket, we even saw stacks of mattresses for sale!
Thai markets are well known for food, though, and honestly, it is the first thing most people look forward to.
Most importantly, don't eat before you go, so you have plenty of room for all the yummy things you will try!
When we arrived in town, we could sense the buzz of the market the moment we stepped out of the car. Cars, bikes, and people were everywhere!
One can only imagine the economic benefits this market brings to the town, and how tough it must have been throughout the pandemic not having it.
It was a delight to see it up and running, and we were very excited to see what it had to offer.
We grabbed a smoothie, some meat-on-a-stick (very popular here in Thailand), and some noodles.
As expected, it was absolutely delicious and very reasonable in price.
There were so many food options that it was almost overwhelming, and we could have easily bought more!
The market was sprawling; it branched off in two directions, with food dominating the eastern sector and arts, crafts, and homewares making up the bulk of the western quarter.
The atmosphere was buzzing to the sound of music, the throng of the crowd, and the hum of the local vendors.
We even came across a charity stall offering fun games to play to help raise money for a local hospice.
People and business owners alike come from all over Chiang Mai for the Doi Saket Market Festival, and it did feel like a true celebration.
All in all, it was a fantastic experience, as it usually is with Thai markets.
We are happy for the town of Doi Saket and of course all of the locals who put so much into making this market a success.
Let's hope it never has to close again!
What to Expect at Doi Saket Market Festival
● The festival can get quite crowded, so it's best to arrive early. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
● Bring sunscreen and a hat, as the weather can be quite hot and sunny.
● Be sure to bargain when you're shopping at the market.
● Have plenty of Thai baht on hand, as there may not be many ATMs in the area.
When Is the Doi Saket Market Festival?
The Doi Saket Market Festival is usually held over 4 days in the second week of February.
This can be subject to change, however, and is usually announced on the area Facebook groups.
Tips for Visiting Doi Saket Market Festival
● Visit early or late: Markets can get busy midday, so going early or closer to closing time provides a more relaxed experience.
● Bring cash: Most vendors only accept cash (Thai Baht), so have enough on hand for purchases.
● Wear comfortable footwear: Expect to walk on uneven surfaces and spend time standing.
● Try local street food: Festival markets are a great opportunity to sample authentic Northern Thai snacks and dishes.
● Stay hydrated and protected: Carry water, sunscreen, and a hat to stay comfortable in the sun.
● Bring a reusable bag: For your market purchases and to reduce plastic waste.
How to Get to the Doi Saket Market Festival
The Doi Saket Market Festival takes place in Doi Saket town, about 20 kilometers northeast of Chiang Mai city.
By Car or Taxi
From Chiang Mai city center, it’s roughly a 30–40 minute drive via Route 1006 and Route 121.
Taxis or private car hires can be arranged from Chiang Mai and are convenient for groups or those wanting direct transport.
By Motorbike
Renting a motorbike is popular for flexible travel around Chiang Mai and nearby towns.
The route to Doi Saket town is scenic, but involves some hill driving, so ride carefully.
By Songthaew (Shared Taxi)
From Chang Puak Bus Station in Chiang Mai, catch a songthaew heading towards Doi Saket.
Confirm with the driver if they will drop you at the market festival site or the town center.
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Chiang Mai hotel deals below to find great rates from top providers in the city.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
Watch Our Doi Saket Market Tour on YouTube
Photos are great, but we all love some video visual don't we?
That is why we also filmed the whole thing, and have packaged all of our footage into a nice YouTube video you can enjoy!
All you have to do it tap the link below, or search Jenn and Leon to find us.
If you enjoy our video and want to follow more of our adventures, please like and subscribe!
Your support truly is invaluable to us, and we will always strive to produce the best content we can from around the world!
Our Experience Rating:
Doi Saket Market Festival
If you're looking for a unique and authentic Thai cultural experience, the Doi Saket Market Festival is definitely worth adding to your list.
It's a great opportunity to learn about Lanna traditions, sample delicious food, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Doi Saket.
FAQ: Doi Saket Market Festival, Chiang Mai
What is the Doi Saket Market Festival?
It’s a vibrant local festival held in the Doi Saket District near Chiang Mai.
The event blends Thai culture, food, crafts, and live performances, creating a community-driven celebration full of color and tradition.
When does the festival take place?
The festival typically happens once a year, often aligning with Buddhist holidays or Thai cultural events like Songkran or Loy Krathong.
Dates can vary, so check local event calendars or village posters for updates.
💡 Many events in Doi Saket aren’t widely advertised online — asking locals or checking temples is often the best way to confirm.
Where is the market held?
The main festival area is usually in the heart of Doi Saket town, around the municipal market area or near Wat Doi Saket Temple.
Temporary stalls line the streets during the event.
What can I buy or experience at the festival?
Expect a variety of:
● Local food like sai ua (northern Thai sausage), khao soi, grilled meats
● Handmade crafts and souvenirs
● Live music and traditional performances
● Games, temple fairs, and possibly local parades
Is it suitable for tourists?
Yes! While it’s more of a local experience, tourists are warmly welcomed.
It’s a great way to see authentic northern Thai culture away from typical tourist hotspots.
How do I get there from Chiang Mai?
● By car or scooter: 30–40 minutes from Chiang Mai Old City via Route 118
● By Grab or local taxi: Fares range from 300–450 THB one-way
Songthaews (shared red trucks) may go partway and can be chartered from Warorot Market
Is there an entrance fee?
No, the event is free to enter. You’ll pay for whatever you eat, buy, or play.
What time does the festival start and end?
It usually runs from late afternoon into the evening, around 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The liveliest time is just after sunset.
Are there restrooms and seating?
Yes, but facilities may be basic. Local shops and temples usually provide access. Seating is informal — many people sit on mats or eat while walking.
Can I visit Wat Phra That Doi Saket on the same day?
Absolutely. Pairing the temple visit with the festival makes for a perfect half-day trip from Chiang Mai — spiritual views by day, street food and music by night.
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Not the biggest fan of night markets, as I am not a big fan of crowds (I do love the market offerings themselves though). That being said, this market hit me different. The beautiful food, people and vibrancy totally won me over! I hope we get the chance to go again!