Readers will know by now, just how much I love markets. Whether it’s a flea market somewhere in Europe or an authentic fresh food market in the Middle East. The diversity of products around this world is truly astounding. Well, have I found a treasure for you. The best hidden gem! Gong Kong Market Chiang Mai is awaiting your visit.
Location
For visitors staying in the Nimman area, you are in luck. A mere 15-minute walk and you will have arrived. This market is set in the grounds of the Faculty of Agriculture of Chiang Mai University on Suthep Road. Google link here. Those residing in Old Town can simply walk through Suan Dok Gate and continue on up the road to the market.
Gong Kong is open on Thursday and Friday’s only, from 8am to 6pm. This time of year it seems to be open the first two weeks of the month. Other seasons may differ. I have yet to see any tourists besides myself at this market. If you do happen to arrive and the larger market is not on, the shed with the farm fresh produce and the Aggie store, full of organic goods and ready to eat meals, is open.
Fresh Produce
The first thing you might encounter at this outdoor market are the fruit and vegetable stands. Under a tin roofed building, are various vendors selling farm fresh produce. Prices here are the best I have seen in the city. A large container with 4 cut mangoes, 40Baht or $1.70 CAD. The same sized container with pineapple, watermelon and papaya on one side, and 4 types of roasted yams on the other was 30Baht, $1.30!
See all sorts of bright tomato’s, several varieties of bananas, so many fruits and melons and all at great prices. I can tell, from observing the shoppers, that this is a popular place for residents of the neighbourhood to pick up their veg.
Clothing
I was not expecting to see clothing here but there is quite a selection. In the building beside the produce are several vendors selling hand made pieces from natural fibres such as cotton and linen. These stalls also have an assortment of pretty handbags and colourful trinkets.
Across the way, in the open courtyard and under the shade of the tall trees, other vendors are selling ethnic clothing, and hand made boutique pieces. These I love, for they are creatively combining modern pieces, jeans for example, with swatches of older textiles.
Other Stuff
A used camera seller. How I wished my son were here to see this table. Full of vintage cameras and all the accessories including a bin of lenses. And in another area a large assortment of pottery.
Of course, there are going to be plants here, being held in the Aggie section of campus. Loads of them, including cacti and decorative planters too.
Savoury Food
By far, the largest portion of this market is made up of ready to eat foods. And what an array there are. Some things have an English translation on the signs, others are a complete mystery for me.
Have a look at these delicious things and tell me your mouth is not watering now. So much sausage, large stainless bowls filled with bubbling sauces. A sweet lady ladling tiny shrimp in a paste into hot oil to fry.
I could not resist joining a line for what seemed a popular stand. Here I ordered 10 little dumplings for 1Baht ($0.04 cents) each, 10 little stuffed and fried wontons, same price, and 2 large shrimp and pork dumplings 10Baht ($0.40 cents each). All three of these things were some of the best Thai food I have ever tried, simply delicious.
This market is an amusement park for my eyes. There is so much action and the vendors are happy to show me how they make and cook their goods.
Sweet Foods
I will always gravitate towards sugar, and there is a lovely selection here. One vendor is selling pies! I haven’t seen such a variety in ages and they all look amazing. To say they looked out of place is an understatement, but plenty of people were vying for a slice.
Another seller has a vibrant selection of little cups, each containing a Thai custard or sweet rice. They are topped with colourful goodies, such as mango, purple taro, strawberries and corn.
Japanese pancakes? Oh yes, there is a lovely lady who will make these piping hot to order. They are filled with all sorts of yummy things. I ordered a set of 5 for 70Baht ($3) and enjoyed pandan (LOVE), custard and purple yam.
And of course, the fresh juices. An aspect to Thai cuisine that I love. Freshly squeezed orange juice is always a favourite, plus logan berry juice, sugar cane and the ever-present coconuts.
The Gong Kong Market is full of locals and university students. Its not difficult to see which are the popular stalls for they have the longest lines. This is a true gem in Chiang Mai and I feel such joy walking under the tall shade trees and learning about the various foods. What a fantastic day!
