The fresh market at Chiang Mai Gate (the south gate in the Old City) will look completely different depending on what time you visit. If you want to experience a truly local aspect of life in Chiang Mai, head to the market between 4 am and 7 am (yes, really!) when vendors come to sell meats and produce for the day. Peruse the market stalls and grab a bowl of khao tom (rice soup) or some sweet bread for a breakfast snack. If you go between 6 am – 7am you’ll also witness monks making their morning alms rounds and collecting food at the market.

In the afternoon, many of the stalls shut down but as evening comes food carts pop up along the street for a dinnertime crowd. If you’re wanting to try a range of street food dishes, this is one of the best places to come—you’re sure to find something to fit your palate! While many of the stalls shut down around midnight after the dinner rush, you’ll always be able to find steaming bowls of noodle soup no matter what time you go.