'I took £11 to a market in Thailand and was blown away by what it bought me'
Travel fan and food blogger Catherine Whild went along to the country's Chiang Mai Market with a small amount of cash to see what she could get. She was stunned.
Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles and it's also known for being a great budget destination for travellers from across the globe. One must-do while in the Asian country is a visit to one of their bustling markets to soak up the atmosphere and bag yourself some bargains.
One of the most popular is the Chiang Mai market where vendors sell delicious street food and unique souvenirs. But how much money should you take along to a market and is it really all that cheap being it is a huge tourist trap where surely travellers will fall foul to inflated prices?
Global travel booking platform Omio spoke exclusively with Catherine Whild, a 31-year-old social media creator who vlogged her entire experience at the market on TikTok.
Catherine found out about the Chiang Mai market when planning her itinerary to the country in 2016 and has gone back every time she has travelled to Thailand.
She said: Northern Thailand is one of my favourite places to visit, especially Chiang Mai, with the markets being the biggest reason I love this city so much.'
Catherine, who posts on TikTok under @traveltothefridge added: "I loved the food-specific sections of the market.
"Being a food blogger and with Thai being my favourite cuisine, they have some incredible street food spots, some of which are surrounding the temples, so the setting is really authentic and a great spot to socialise with friends whilst eating some incredible food for a super reasonable cost.'
' Chiang Mai market is very big, so you can visit several times during your visit and manage to explore new parts of the market. It is easy to navigate, but it gets very busy in peak seasons, so it's best to arrive as early as you can!"
She set off with 500 Baht - around £11 - in her pocket to see just what she could get for the relatively small amount.
She explained: "When you compare markets in Thailand to those in the UK, especially London, you really notice how much further your money goes.
"I often create content showing what £20 can get you at food markets in London, so I thought it would be fun to do something similar in Thailand.
"I set myself a budget of 500 Baht (around £11 at the time) at the Chiang Mai Night Market, and I was honestly blown away by how much I could get.'
Food wise she managed to buy:
gyozas
pad Thai
coconut milk
potato chips
papaya salad
a passion fruit soda
a Nutella crepe
She said: "It was so much food that we had to share it, and even then, I still didn't spend the full 500 Baht."
With the money she had left over she went for a foot massage which cost 100 Baht. And she even managed to buy a personalised passport cover for just £1.
She has one piece of advice for those who plan on going to the Chaing Mai market, or any others in Thailand: "Give yourself plenty of time and definitely arrive hungry - you won't want to miss all the incredible food on offer.
"And if you see something you love, buy it on the spot! These markets are huge, and it's easy to lose track of where you saw that perfect item.
"I also highly recommend planning your trip to be in Chiang Mai on a Sunday so you don't miss their most famous and vibrant night market.'
Catherine's top 3 market recommendations to visit in Northern Thailand
1. The Sunday Walking Street Market- Chiang Mai
'This market is an absolute must-visit when in Thailand. Stretching through the heart of Chiang Mai, it offers everything from unreal street food and beautifully crafted clothing to unique homeware and art.
"The atmosphere is super vibey, with live music, friendly vendors, and a real sense of community. It's easily one of my favourite markets… not just in Thailand, but anywhere.'
2. Pai Walking Street (Pai Night Market)
'Much smaller and more laid-back than Chiang Mai's market, Pai's night market offers a more personal experience. I was amazed to recognise some of the same vendors I'd seen in 2016 and 2022 – it felt like coming back to something familiar.
"The food here is a mix of Thai favourites and international options… we even had an unexpectedly delicious lasagna, which was a fun change after days of Thai food. The intimate vibe of this market really sets it apart.'
3. Chatuchak Weekend Market – Bangkok
'One of the largest markets in the world, Chatuchak is a full-day adventure. You can find just about anything here - clothes, art, antiques, plants, and loads of homeware.
"While the food didn't stand out as much compared to the northern markets, the sheer variety of stalls more than made up for it. I especially loved browsing the home decor stalls. I just wish I had more luggage space. Next time, I'm definitely bringing an empty suitcase!'
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