Weekly Markets - Talad Nut - In North Thailand

[DavidFL]

Most amphurs / districts in North Thailand (if not Thailand) have a weekly "Talad Nut" where there is an open market set up for the district.
Many of the traders come from out of town & / or professional "Talad Nut" vendors who travel on a Talad Nut circuit in a province, going from one town to another for the talad nut.
In the bigger towns these perhaps are not so important, but in the quieter & more remote towns they are a big event & people come from everywhere to do their shopping for products that perhaps are not always available; and these often attract a lot of ethnic/ hill tribe people, or if on the border people from neighbouring countries - Laos or Myanmar.

Weekly Markets in Northern Thailand:

Chiang Rai Province

• Ban Chambong Talad Nut, Chiang Rai province
• Chiang Khong city Market - Saturdays - Chiang Rai province
• Thoed Thai Talad Nut - Mondays - on the soi to the Mah Fah Luang hospital

Phayao Province

• Huak Market - Chiang Kham District, Phayao province - Thai/Laos Border

Chiang Mai Province

• Chom Thong - Thursday Market
• Hot - Friday Market - main highway, east of the Mae Chaem River bridge
• Arunothai Market - Fridays - Chiang Mai Province

Mae Hon Son Province

• Mae Sariang - Saturday Morning Market - main highway beside PTT
• Mae Hong Son city - Sunday Morning Market - south end of town, traffic lights
• Soppong / Pang Mapha Tuesday Morning Market - Mae Hong Son Loop

There's a fantastic one at Ban Cham Bong Market on the Mekong, downstream from Chiang Khong on Wednesdays.
Mentioned here
On the road with Destination Thailand TV part 8
hundreds of people come from Laos by boat from villages far away inside Laos.

Chiang Khong city also has one on Saturdays? just past the town police station & lots of Hmong people come from inside & outside Thailand.

Sop Pong / Pang Mapha Morning - Tuesday Morning Market
Sop Pong / Pang Mapha on the Mae Hong Son Loop has one on Tuesday? & lots of Lisu & Lahu people come.

I was in Thoed Thai looking forward to my favourite early morning market,
This market has featured on GTR here
Chiang Mai - Thoed Thai Return
and here
2011 Sunflower Hill Tribe Festival. Hua Mae Kham.
and here

& I reckon it is the best traditional early morning market you can see in North Thailand.
but it was quiet & as fate would have it - Monday is Talad Nut day in Thoed Thai.
So off to the find the market & check out the local early morning risers.

Most of the people are Akha & Shan & it's a fabulous mix

It gets cold in the morning in the mountains

The GF aka, Madam Champa, loves chatting with the locals too.

Akhas heading home from the market.

Location of the Thoed Thai Talad Nut
It's on the soi to the Mah Fah Luang hospital.
Less than 1kms from the regular early morning market
GPS Waypoint: N20 14.813 E99 39.369

Check it out if you're ever in TT on a Monday.
Loads of fun, but nippy in the morning.

As stated earlier there are loads of Talad Nuts around the North.
The more remote ones would be the best.
I reckon Mae Sam Laep must have one.
Huak on the border with Laos, out of Chiang Kham, has one on a Thursday I think.
Huay Phueng out of Mae Hong Son & on the border with Myanmar & Shan state has one a week too I believe.
Piang Luang & Arunothai also on the Myanmar Borders, out of Chiang Dao must have good ones too.
Tha Ton probably has a good one with Shan people coming down the Kok from Myanmar too.
Chiang Saen on the Mekong also has an interesting one with lots of people from Laos.

If anyone else has some Talad Nut tips & pics, please share them.

 

[ianyonok]

All so colourful............ wonderful photos....

 

[Alamo]

Same but different:
The big-box stores in Nong Khai are inundated by Lao shoppers on week-ends.

 

[ianyonok]

I don't know if it is on any special day in Chiang Saen. Seems every morning the pavments are full of people selling local foodstuffs on the pavement outside 7-11. But I do see more tents at weekends when people sleep there to sell their wares the next morning.

 

[Rod Page]

GREAT post mate. These markets can be so rewarding, such a culturally enriching experience. I remember well enjoying early mornings at the Thoed Thai market with you. I trust this will encourage others to seek just a little bit further....there's so much to be found.

 

[DavidFL]

[format=h2]Arunothai Market, Chiang Mai Province[/format]
Arunothai has one on Fridays.

 

[DavidFL]

Ban Chambong Talad Nut Market
The Ban Chambong talad nut, 23 kms downstream from Chiang Khong still rocks on Wednesday

There are scores of boats bringing people from Laos

The boatmen patiently wait in their boats for the shoppers to return

Supplies waiting for transport back to Laos, & when you look at the fresh produce going back to Laos you have to think that they have to lift their game in Laos?

It has rained over night & the river banks are slippery manouvering on.

Fish for sale in the market, & there were bags of them being sold to go to Laos!

a happy vendor, making money.

The current grounds are set up in the Ban Chambong school while they are re-concreting the site by the river.

The sausage stall

Lao vendors

The Ban Chambong talad nut is a beauty & well worth making the point of staying in Chiang Khong on a Tuesday night to see the market early Wednesday morning.

The market is on the GTR Golden Triangle guide map

Golden Triangle Map

 

[Lakota]

'Laos needs to up it's game' indeed ! ... I was recently talking to a Laos person about the cost of living over there. The price of Pork, Chicken and I suspect Fish is almost double compared to Thailand. I guess that's the reason the Ban Cham pong and CK Talad nut is so popular with Laos citizen's and why the authorities allow it. Further down the River at Huey Luk you can see lots of trade going on, building supplies, Roof Tiles all going down onto the floating pontoons and across the river. It's also the only place I know that the Laos Speedboats dock in Thailand. They come over for Gas to fuel the Engines before the journey down to Pak Beng. I suspect Gas is also double the price in Laos.

You can sit on one of the Pontoons in the shade and have a knoodle soup and watch the Speedboats coming and going. Certainly great for people watching.

 

[DavidFL]

[format=h2]Huak Market - Chiang Kham District, Phayao province - Thai/Laos Border[/format]
Huak out of Chiang Kham in Phayao province & on the border with Laos has a Talad Nut every 10th & 30th of the month.

I've been meaning to get out there for a long time, as it was rumoured the market was big with a lot of people Hmong, coming from Laos.

For me the actual produce they have for sale does not vary a lot, but it is the variety of people, characters who come that I find really interesting sometimes.

So I raced off from Chiang Khong late in the afternoon, heading for the resort by Phu Sang waterfall to spend the night & so be close to Huak & the market in the morning.
But as luck would have it the resort was full with a big Thai group in party mode. I scouted around the area for something else but everything I saw was closed up = it's low season.

Not wanting to totally waste my time, I rode out to the actual border to reconfirm that yes, the market was on.
A super friendly Thai immigration officer confirmed yes the market was still on, & the earlier you come the better, because it all winds down from 9am.

First light it is then I thought, be there at 6am would be the plan.
Its only 35 kms back into Chiang Kham city central and the road is good for a quick 30 minute blast .

and it is a beautiful road & ride.

Unbelievably I was up at 5.15 AM the next morning ready for the market at Huak.
I was on time, 6AM on the dot. The market is set up in the main street & down a side lane.

and well .....at 6am there was not a lot going on.
Most of the vendors I thought were Hmong, but interesting people from Wiang Kaen near Chiang Khong, Chiang Kham city environs, and from off R1148 the Chiang Kham - Tha Wang Pha road.

The most popular Hmong stalls were Hmong herbal medicines.

There must be a real science to understanding these Hmong herbal medicines. One Hmong vendor spoke good English, he had been educated in Bangkok & seemed to know his stuff, and was able to explain quite a bit. Products are sourced, ordered from all over North Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia.

Some of these Hmong implements on sale are for use in funerals

and only used by elders and/or shamans in contact with the spirits. Fascinating customs & history if you can find someone to explain.

The time went by slowly and it seemed rather low key.....what the enthusiastic Thai immigration had failed to tell me was that whilst the border opened at 6AM on the Thai side, it didn't open until 8AM on the Laos side. Work that one out?
So that meant no one could come from Laos until 8AM! Funny isn't it that they can't agree on the hours of business for an "international border." But what's wrong with a 7AM compromise I thought?

A 70 year old Hmong lady with her daughter, a school teacher, from off R1148.

This guy had a rip roaring business going selling BBQ-ed chicken.

His barbie was ingenious too I thought & certainly cooked up a storm.

it was bloody hot & seemed to work a charm.

Huak may seem like it is at the end of the road, but you can catch a bus to Bangkok from there.

Time trickled by

8am rolled up & suddenly a single pick up came through from Laos.

The people got out from the pick up as fast as they could. Then they were immediately crowded by other Hmong, waiting to greet them perhaps, & have a chat.

all this I thought - just selling a few bamboo shoots, some river sea weed for 10 and 20 baht?

They couldn't get more than 100 baht total, and then they head back inside Laos, like into another world?

But the one lady was a super star character.

Everyone came to talk to her, as if she had dropped in from another planet.

Across the street another young gal, as poor as sat alone on a bag with a few brushes for sale.

What a life these people must have. I felt humbled just looking at her. How do they survive?

9am came along & soon people started drifting off.
Well it wasn't quite as dynamic as I anticipated, but the few Hmong who came were something. Incredible characters.
The site of these incredibly poor people made me think - we are so lucky living in Thailand - unlimited good food, a safe environment & politically stable in comparison to what has been & is going on next door.
I will be back for another look at the Huak border market. The marker is on every 10th & 30th of the month. Check it out sometime & aim for a 7AM arrival I reckon.

Huak is on the GTR Golden Triangle Guide map.

The market is now bi-monthly. Every 10th & 30th of the month. Check it out sometime.

To get a GTR map go here
GTR Touring Maps

 

[Kiwi Cruiser]

[format=h2]Kad Kong Ta Street Market - Lampang[/format]

Kat Kong Ta, or Talat Cheen, is an old market in Lampang, located near Ratsada Pisek Bridge. The name Kat Kong Ta means "the market near the pier" (Kat is a market and Kong Ta means a pier.) Situated on the bank of Wang River, the market dates back to the reign of King Rama V in about 1877.

In the old days, Kat Tong Ka was bustling with merchants from Thailand, China, Myanmar, which contributed to the diverse architectural styles in the streets around the market. There are Thai Lanna, Burmese, Chinese, and western architectures dating back a century. Buildings are preserved and passed on to following generations, ensuring that Kat Tong Ka Market retains its lovely classic atmosphere which in turn attracts many visitors.

Besides the architecture, Kat Tong Ka Market offers a wide range of interesting local and handmade products. Food stalls offer delicious local dishes such as Kanom Cheen Nam Ngew, Miang Kham, Khai Pam, and Thong Muan Sod.

Kat Tong Ka opens from around 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

 

[Kiwi Cruiser]

[format=h2]Sunday Morning Market - Mae Hong Son City[/format]
Mae Hong Son as a laid-back place, if ever there was one! After more than a decade of exploring the Thailand, I still rate this provincial capital as one of my Top 3 places to spend a relaxing weekend. (Doi Mae Salong and Phayao are the other two)

The Sunday Morning Market is a great place to wander through, sampling some of the food on offer, and observing the locals going about their business.

The location: coming in from the south of town, turn left at the first set of traffic lights if you are on a bike, there's usually ample parking. If you are in a car, its best to park on the main rad and stroll in to the street.

About 50 metres down the right hand side of the street is a very nice bakery / cafe. Their outside tables provide an excellent vantage point from which to observe the ebb and flow of market commerce...

See additional market photos from Moto-Rex : The Mae Hong Son Sunday Market.

 

[rumolddo]

Don’t know if there’s a more up to date version of this thread - but to add Chiang Mai has a decent market on sundays near the Samoeng/Hang Dong junction (turn left instead of going straight on to hang dong, just opposite from the 7-11). Around half the people are Shan with lots of stalls selling imported goods from Myanmar, Shan snacks etc. Not the most exotic market in the kingdom but a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in CM

 

[DavidFL]

Don’t know if there’s a more up to date version of this thread - but to add Chiang Mai has a decent market on sundays near the Samoeng/Hang Dong junction (turn left instead of going straight on to hang dong, just opposite from the 7-11). Around half the people are Shan with lots of stalls selling imported goods from Myanmar, Shan snacks etc. Not the most exotic market in the kingdom but a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in CM

If you have any pics from that market you are welcome to add them to this thread.

 

[rumolddo]

Thanks - also just to add it starts around 3pm

 

[DavidFL]

Ban Chambong Talad Nut Market
The Ban Chambong talad nut, 23 kms downstream from Chiang Khong still rocks on Wednesday

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There are scores of boats bringing people from Laos

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The boatmen patiently wait in their boats for the shoppers to return

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Supplies waiting for transport back to Laos, & when you look at the fresh produce going back to Laos you have to think that they have to lift their game in Laos?
View attachment 121493
It has rained over night & the river banks are slippery manouvering on.

Fish for sale in the market, & there were bags of them being sold to go to Laos!
View attachment 121495

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a happy vendor, making money.

The current grounds are set up in the Ban Chambong school while they are re-concreting the site by the river.
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The sausage stall
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Lao vendors
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The Ban Chambong talad nut is a beauty & well worth making the point of staying in Chiang Khong on a Tuesday night to see the market early Wednesday morning.

The market is on the GTR Golden Triangle guide map
View attachment 121504

Golden Triangle Map

The Ban Chambong Wednesday morning Talad Nut starts again from tomorrow Wednesday 21st September 2022.
I wish I could be there for the first post covid market. It should be an amazing spectacle.

 

[DavidFL]

Yeah that Poi Sang Long event we witnessed there is still one of the highlights of my 30+ years here.
View attachment 99014

More people should go to Thoed Thai to experience the real exotic Thailand.

From

North Thailand Top Ten Roads​

​

Thoed Thai is my favourite out of the way traditional "back water" town in North Thailand.​

The ex home of Khun Sa the infamous opium warlord / Shan freedom fighter.​

Featured on GTR here​

Prince of Death Road Trip-Khun Sa Memorial​

​

Also on Destination Thailand TV with GTR​

A fun time on the road for Destination Thailand​

​

The best greatest Poi Sang Kong festival Ive ever had the pleasure of participating in​

Poi Sang Long - 2011​

​

Plus Shan New Year​

Shan New Year 2011 Thoed Thai​

​

Thoed Thai might be out of the way bit it should be one of the highlights of a night in the Golden Triangle for anyone.​

A fabulous "wild west" town full of charm for the adventurous.​

​

It's also the place where I go for Shan spiritual cleansing - getting rid of life's bad luck & bringing in the new luck​

Thai New Year a Shan Blessing - Spirit Cleansing​

Wanna check it out Thoed Thai...​

Where to stay in Thoed Thai​

Thoed Thai Accomodation​

​

Where to eat in Thoed Thai​

Thoed Thai Restaurants​

​

​

Thoed Thai will start an ethnic walking street market on Sundays starting from Sunday 4 December.

 

[DavidFL]

The Ban Chambong Wednesday morning Talad Nut starts again from tomorrow Wednesday 21st September 2022.
I wish I could be there for the first post covid market. It should be an amazing spectacle.

Update 22 February 2023
Ban Chambong Talad Nut, well I finally got there again & what a fabulous market it is with all the boats & Lao people coming and going.

Check it out sometime. Every Wednesday.
It's always worth a few good photos.

Ban Jampong relief point · กองร้อยอส Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai 57310, Thailand

★★★★☆ · Border crossing station

goo.gl

 

[DavidFL]

Ban Mai Chai Daen Border R1279 Nan

Ban Mai Chai Daen Border Checkpoint · GMJV+736, Chon Daen, Song Khwae District, Nan 55160, Thailand

âââââ · Border crossing station

goo.gl

About as far out as you can get for some?

A couple of photos from Frank Kueller who stumbled across the market in June 2023.

 

[DavidFL]

Ban Mai Chai Daen Border R1279 Nan

Ban Mai Chai Daen Border Checkpoint · GMJV+736, Chon Daen, Song Khwae District, Nan 55160, Thailand

âââââ · Border crossing station

goo.gl

About as far out as you can get for some?

A couple of photos from Frank Kueller who stumbled across the market in June 2023.

Ban Mai Chai Daen Border R1279 Nan

Update 15 October 2023. This market is now open every Sunday.

Source: Facebook Charm Nan Today

 

[DavidFL]

Another trip to the Chambong morning Mekong market - 18 October 2023.

It was noticeable that the number of Lao vendors seemed to be way down this time - a result of the depreciating Lao Kip currency?

For the first time there was wild boar for sale in a meat section.

Apparently, the pigs are brought over live & slaughtered on the banks of the Mekong in the wee hours. Don't mess with these ladies with knives.

Queued up waiting to go home across the mighty river.

Taking home a cupboard across the Khong!

Woo-hoo off home we go.

Homeward bound with a cupboard onboard the bow.

 

[DavidFL]

Ban Mai Chai Daen Border R1279 Nan

Update 15 October 2023. This market is now open every Sunday.

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Source: Facebook Charm Nan Today

I finally got out to the market on the official 2nd Sunday of re-opening.

The market is at the end of the road R1279, 23 kms from R1148.

The Thai border side.

The border is open on the Thai side 7am, but on the Laos side it is 8am, so nothing happens until 8AM, when the Lao wake up & get moving.
I was eager to see a lot of ethnic hill tribes, but that was not the case today, only poor Lao villagers.
Some of the kids could have done with new clothes & some footwear! If I go back again, I think will rise to the occasion.
Many of the people had never seen a farang in the flesh before & were quite nervous. I was refused photos multiple times.

The lack of ethnics surprised me, because I expected a lot more.
Perhaps it is early days, since the market re-opened, it had been raining much earlier, & the Lao have a serious issue with the depreciation of their currency.

Below are some pics by JB from 2017, pre covid, when the market was booming.

I often wonder how they survive?
It also always surprises me how they come to buy basic produce that is available in every local market in Thailand, but have none in Laos; or is Thailand that much cheaper?
In comparison the market at Huak, was much more interesting for the Hmong coming from Laos to buy & sell produce.
Also at this market, Ban Mai Chai Daen, none of the Lao came to see anything, only shopping.
However, the # 1 market for all of this the one at Ban Champong on the Mekong.
I chatted with the Thai Customs at the market & they agreed Ban Champong was # 1.

The Customs staff there are rotated on a weekly basis between the Mai Chai Daen, Huay Kon & Phu Du border crossings.
The main guy I spoke to had a Chiang Khong wife working at Customs in CK. He had been stationed in Nan province for 10 years & interestingly enough knew the arrogant, annoying Lao cop who used to harass everyone at the Muang Ngeun crossing from Huay Kon. Fortunately, that tall skinny abusive cop was now stationed at Phu Du. They all "know" each other out on the border, who the good guys are & who the bad guys are.
We also discussed the long ongoing ridiculous complications for bikers entering Laos via Xayaboury province. It's all about kickbacks & using a tour agent!

Enjoy there's always something interesting out on the border, especially at the "talad nuts."

As I left the market, I noticed a group of people gathered at a sala singing.

I stopped to look & noticed most of them were Hmong, singing hymns in praise of the Lord.
It was Sunday & their church gathering, perhaps something they could no longer do in Laos!

The world needs more love & peace. Let them enjoy their community & good times together in harmony.
I look forward to the Buddhist ceremonies at the GTR Chedi on the annual GTR MHS Memorial Ride. Each to their own, but we all have a soul & spirit that you should be respected without malice or hatred.