Rating: 3.5/5 (11 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Approximately 06.00–17.00 (early morning is recommended, as breakfast stalls are plentiful and the atmosphere is more relaxed)

 

Kad Ton Prayoam (Ton Payom Market), commonly known as “Kad Ton Payom,” is a foothill community market located in the Suthep area behind Chiang Mai University. Its location allows the market to function as a bridge between local daily life and visitors who are looking for authentic northern Thai food and souvenirs—items meant to be taken home and enjoyed, not just photographed and forgotten.

 

In the memories of many Chiang Mai residents, this market was once especially known for wild forest vegetables, mountain greens, and traditional local produce that people would come specifically to search for. Over time, as the city expanded and tourism patterns shifted, souvenirs and ready-to-take-home food products became more prominent. Today, Kad Ton Payom is best recognized as a practical souvenir market, where you can find crispy pork rinds, nam prik noom, sai ua sausage, pickled vegetables, dried foods, preserved fruits, garlic pickles, and a wide variety of local snacks at prices that are often more reasonable than in heavily touristed areas.

 

What keeps Kad Ton Payom especially appealing is its morning atmosphere. The area in front of the market becomes lively early in the day, lined with breakfast carts selling rice porridge, coffee, deep-fried dough sticks, sticky rice with grilled pork, khanom krok (coconut pancakes), and other local morning favorites. Visitors who want to experience the natural rhythm of Chiang Mai mornings—without staged attractions—are encouraged to arrive early, walk slowly, enjoy breakfast, and shop for souvenirs in a single visit.

 

To make the most of a visit, it helps to decide in advance what you are looking for—souvenirs, food to take home, or snacks for the journey—then browse stall by stall. This approach helps avoid impulse buying and makes it easier to compare quality and prices. Many items may look similar at first glance, but differences in freshness and flavor, especially with pork rinds, sausages, and chili dips, can be significant. Freshly made products are usually easy to identify by their aroma and color, and if you plan to travel far, it is wise to ask about storage and shelf life before purchasing.

 

Another useful tip is proper packing. Keep dry and fried items separate from pickled or moist foods, and for strongly scented products such as sausages or fermented items, ask for double bags or bring your own zip-lock bags. This helps prevent odors from spreading in your luggage, especially if you will be traveling by van or airplane.

 

Getting There Ton Payom Market is located on Suthep Road behind Chiang Mai University. From the university area, take Huay Kaew Road to the Chiang Mai Phucome Hotel intersection, turn right onto the irrigation canal road, drive approximately 1.7 km, then turn left at the intersection. The market will be on your right-hand side. From the Old City or Nimmanhaemin area, ride-hailing services are a convenient option and help avoid parking difficulties during busy mornings.

 

 

A: It is located on Suthep Road behind Chiang Mai University, easily accessible from Nimmanhaemin and the Old City.

 

A: Early morning is recommended, when breakfast stalls are active, food is freshly prepared, and the market is less crowded.

 

A: It is known for northern Thai local foods and souvenirs such as crispy pork rinds, nam prik noom, sai ua sausage, pickled items, dried foods, and breakfast stalls at the front of the market.

 

A: Separate dry foods from moist or pickled items, double-bag strong-smelling products, and ask vendors about shelf life and storage before purchasing.

 

A: Parking can be limited during busy mornings and weekends, so allowing extra time or using ride-hailing services is recommended.