Huahin Local Market

Huahin Local Market

Grand Market

Another recommended Hua Hin market is the Grand Market located at the Grand Hotel Plaza, just a short walk south of the town centre and adjacent to the San Paolo Hospital. Held nightly except Monday and Tuesday, it starts around 5 pm and closes at 11 pm.

Normally quite busy, there tend to be fewer tourists and more local Thais here; there arenÕt many souvenirs to be found but you can obtain all kinds of goods: mainly clothes, bags, leather wallets, jewelry, toys, pets, flowers, and garden plants. There are several massage outlets (one of which is a tented foot massage stall) and an air-conditioned indoor section with more of the same items in addition to a few health and perfume shops. This leads into an attractive courtyard containing one or two small bars and more vendor stalls. Occasionally a low-key live band or event (such as a motorbike display) is held here.

The market has a selection of Thai restaurants and dozens of small stands offering tasty morsels such as fried chicken, spring rolls, various drinks and even fried insects – an Isaan delicacy.

Chat Chai  Market

Chat Chai undercover market specializes in fresh and inexpensive produce and is where many of the locals go to purchase food each day. Situated close to the Night Market on Sa Song Road, early morning (open around 5 am) is certainly the busiest time when the locals gather and you’ll witness a steady stream of motorbikes coming to-and-fro. Visit at this time of day and you should be rewarded by the sight of orange-clad monks wandering the street receiving alms from the residents.

Inside the market you’ll experience the hustle and bustle of the various activities, but watch out for motorcyclists delivering ice-packed buckets precariously down the narrow aisles. The stalls are resplendent with fresh meat, vegetables, fruit, fish and dozens of brightly coloured pungent spices. Further inside there are vendors selling clothes and other goods, and even a few small noodle-style restaurants.

Activity declines later in the day, and by 2 pm it’s pretty much over for yet another day.

Pae Mai Market

Pae Mai market (pronounced as ‘pair mai’) is located on the Riab Khan Khlong canal road close to the golf driving range and is perhaps the largest and most popular local-style market, buzzing with folks looking to find cheap food, clothes, motorcycle accessories, electrical goods and an assortment of other goodies.

As a tourist attraction it’s certainly worth a visit to appreciate the scale and enjoy the atmosphere (especially with a Thai host), but it’s a little too far from the town centre to walk; either take your own private transport or a motorbike taxi.

The main day is Tuesday and it’s closed between Thursday and Sunday. Typical opening hours are approximately 5 pm to 10 pm.

Dinosaur Market

Yet another fresh produce market is known colloquially as Dinosaur Market, situated close to Soi 56. To get there turn left at the main crossroads when heading northwards on the Canal Road, and continue another hundred metres or so.

Not open every day (one local stated Wednesdays and Sundays only) the market has earned its reputation as having a great variety of local produce at excellent prices. In the rainy season it can become rather muddy and you could easily be the only farang present, which can be the source of some amusement for the local shoppers.