Kad Na Mor CMU Night Market: Chiang Mai's Ultimate Student Hub
Cheap street food, trendy local fashion, and vibrant university vibes at Malin Plaza
Experience the High-Energy Student Vibe at Kad Na Mor
Kad Na Mor (กาดหน้ามอ), which literally translates to "Market in Front of the University," is a sprawling, energetic night market located directly opposite the main gate of Chiang Mai University (CMU) on Huay Kaew Road. Often referred to by locals as part of the Malin Plaza complex, this market is a beloved local secret that remains largely untouched by mainstream tourism.
Because it primarily caters to the thousands of students living nearby, Kad Na Mor offers some of the most budget-friendly shopping and dining experiences in Chiang Mai. If you want to escape the tourist crowds of the Old City and dive straight into authentic, modern Thai youth culture, this is the place to be.
What to Expect: Food, Fashion, and More
The market is broadly divided into two main experiences: a massive open-air fashion bazaar and a bustling food court.
- Trendy & Affordable Fashion: Unlike tourist markets selling elephant pants and souvenirs, Kad Na Mor is packed with trendy, youth-oriented fashion. You will find rows of stalls selling vintage clothing, graphic tees, denim, sneakers, cosmetics, and quirky accessories at incredibly low prices.
- Cheap & Diverse Eats: The food zone is a paradise for foodies on a budget. Because portions are student-sized (and student-priced), you can easily sample a dozen different dishes. Highlights include local Northern Thai snacks, grilled skewers, custom ramen bowls, cheap sushi, Korean fried chicken, and refreshing local Longan juice.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Stalls begin setting up around 5:00 PM, but the market truly comes alive after 6:30 PM when the heat of the day dies down and students finish their classes.
- Getting There: Located on Huay Kaew Road, it is an easy red songthaew (shared taxi) ride from Nimman or the Old City. If you are driving a scooter, parking is available behind Malin Plaza for a small fee (usually around 20 Baht), though it can get crowded.
- Explore Both Sides: While Kad Na Mor sits in front of the university, food lovers should also check out "Kad Lang Mor" (the market behind the university), which is famous for having an even more intensive street food scene.
Kad Na Mor CMU Night Market is located at กาด หน้า มอ Huay Kaew Rd, Tambon Chang Phueak, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand.
Opening Hours
Monday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
