One could think of Warorot Market as a traditional Thai supermarket that sells everything under the sun. Fresh spices, farm produce, regional specialties, local delicacies, sauces, bags, footwear, garments, accessories, and household appliances are shown at the stalls that line the aisles of the market. Because the market is usually bustling with Thai people going about their daily lives, it is the ideal location to totally submerge oneself in Thai culture.
The Wararot Market, which is also known as Kad Luang, is the ideal location for shopping for virtually everything. You can find anything here, from dry condiments to fresh fruits and flowers, from clothing to cosmetics, from shoes to sunglasses, and from dried herbs and spices to ceramic goods. This is the place to go if you want an authentic experience of Thai culture and cuisine because it is a favourite of the people who live in Chiang Mai. This three-story market can be found near the riverfront, to the east of the moat, and to the north of the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, which is the location where Chang Moi Road comes to an end. Wararot Market is a neighbourhood in Chiang Mai that is frequently referred to as “Chiang Mai’s mini Chinatown.”
Shopping at the Market
Warorot from the outside
Outside the market, you can get the freshest produce. So, if you’re searching for some fresh fruits and vegetables, this is the place to go. There is also a tiny flower market on the eastern side of the main building, similar to Bangkok’s famed flower market. Check it out if you’re in the Wararot market.
Ground Floor
- If you enter from the eastern side, you will find yourself on the ground floor of the market. This floor is primarily concerned with food.
- Herb dispensaries, green foods, a candy shop, and packaged snack businesses can be found here.
- This floor even has some fresh produce stalls.
- On this floor, you may also buy spices, dried fish, dried fruit, chilli paste, soybean paste, sticky rice, molasses, and a variety of other regional foods.
- Best of all, everything is prepackaged in clean plastic bags, unlike other locations in Thailand. To get a decent deal, remember to haggle over the costs.
The First Floor
- Take the stairs to the First Floor once you’ve finished with the Ground Floor meal. An open, rectangular balcony provides a nice perspective of the ground floor and allows for some great shots.
- The market floor is dominated by clothing and ordinary items, though there is a pharmacy near the southern end.
- The majority of the clothing stores in this area sell standard items. However, two establishments opposite each other on the far right and far left sell pre-cut lengths of local fabrics by the meter. You can bargain and buy some material here, then take it to a seamstress who sits on this floor and have it stitched into something lovely.
- This floor is divided into two separate floors. The one a little farther down has hill tribe clothing, bedding, and some industrial kitchen items. There are some good fabric stores on the upper level.
Second Level
- Casual clothing such as T-shirts, shorts, and dresses are generally found on the second or topmost floor. The advantage here is that the prices are substantially lower than in other parts of Chiang Mai. So you don’t have to haggle too hard.
- Other items, such as bags and cosmetics, are available, although their quality is uncertain.
- One business, though, stands out from the crowd and is well worth a visit. It sells a variety of local items such as umbrellas, woodcarvings, drums, temple bells, woodwind instruments, and a variety of other oddities.
Food and Restaurants at Wararot Market
Wararot Market is also a foodie’s paradise. You can sample some delectable street food here.
The market can be accessed by one of the several covered walkways on the eastern side. Steamed buns, rotisserie chicken, and dim sum are available here.
