Your Guide to the Best Hua Hin Night Markets: Insider tips from a local

“Which Hua Hin night market is best for tonight?” It’s the question every visitor asks, and after spending months living here—including three months in an apartment next to Tamarind Market—I’ve got answers that go beyond what you’ll find in typical guides.

Each market has its own distinct personality—from the bustling energy of the original Hua Hin Night Market to the artistic atmosphere of Cicada and the authentic local experience of Huana.

In this guide, I’ll take you through seven distinctive markets in Hua Hin, from the tourist favourites to local gems that many visitors never discover. I’ll share what makes each market special, what you can buy, and tips from my regular visits to help you make the most of your time here.

What Makes This Guide Different

This isn’t based on quick visits or online research. I’ve:

• Eaten at Tamarind Market three times weekly for three months straight
• Tried dozens of food stall at multiple markets
• Visited during different seasons to see how each market changes
• Spoken with local vendors who now recognise me as a regular

Whether you’re in Hua Hin for one night or several weeks, I’ll help you experience the markets like a local—not just a tourist.

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Quick Reference: Hua Hin Markets at a Glance

*These opening hours may differ slightly – with some stalls staying open a little later.

In a Hurry? Here’s Which Market to Choose

Best for authentic Thai walking street: Hua Hin Night Market
Best for handcrafted souvenirs: Cicada Night Market
Best value for money: Tamarind Night Market
Best for comfortable dining with live music: Patio Oldtown
Best for fresh seafood with a view: Saphan Pla Night Market
Best local experience (few tourists): Huana Market
Only open Tuesday (don’t miss it): Pai Mai Market

Jump to “Visit Multiple Markets With Limited Time” if you want to know how to experience several markets even on a short stay.

Map of Hua hin Night Markets

Four markets are grouped in the north and the other three are in the south near Khao Takiab.

Ok now let’s start with the market that is open every night.

Hua Hin Night Market

The lively Hua Hin Night Market sits in the heart of the city and offers the most authentic walking street style market experience in town.

Hua Hin Night Market at a glance:

• Best for: Authentic Thai market experience with tourist-friendly elements
• Known for: Seafood restaurants and live music at Railway Bar
• Price range: Moderate (street food 80-100 baht, seafood restaurants 120-2,000 baht)
• Local tip: Arrive by 7pm for tables at popular seafood restaurants

This market has the perfect balance of being touristy enough that you’ll find English menus, yet local enough that you’ll see Thai families enjoying their evening meals alongside visitors.

What’s for Sale?

Hua Hin night market is an actual market in every sense. Apart from traditional street food and drinks, the stalls are packed with all kinds of goodies – handmade crafts, flowy beach dresses, and T-shirts that you’ll actually want to take home.

The quality varies, but prices are generally fair, and friendly bargaining is expected.

How’s the Entertainment?

For entertainment, head to the railway end of the street where you’ll find two excellent venues – Ko Bar and Railway Bar. Both offer live music starting around 7pm (sometimes earlier), with typically two artists who switch at about 9pm. The music is a mix of modern pop and rock, with earlier sets featuring more 70s and 80s classics.

What makes these venues special is the crowd participation – singers actively encourage everyone to join in, creating a fun, communal atmosphere. The most popular muscians seem to play from Thursday to Sunday, with Ped Bluesman (often playing on Thursdays at Railway Bar) being a must-see local legend.

If you want to check who’s playing during your visit, follow their Facebook pages for current band schedules: Railway Restaurant and Bar regularly posts their lineup.

What About the Prices?

Hua Hin Night Market offers the broadest range of eating options in town, with prices to suit every budget. The market features both street food stalls and street-front restaurants, giving you plenty of options depending on your mood.

At the street food stalls, you can grab three chicken skewers for 100 baht, a plate of pad thai for 80-100 baht, or various snacks and small dishes for under 100 baht. Drinks from these vendors typically range from 30-60 baht for non-alcoholic options.

The street-front restaurants offer a more comfortable dining experience with proper seating and table service. Ko Seafood and several other seafood restaurants line the soi, where you can enjoy everything from simple stir-fried dishes starting at 120 baht to extravagant seafood platters or a whole lobster for around 2,000 baht.

For dessert, don’t miss the mango sticky rice stalls or the roti vendors who prepare fresh pancake-like treats with various fillings like banana, egg, or chocolate.

Insider tips

Here are my tips from weekly visits over several months:

• The best time to arrive is around 6:30pm when most stalls are open but before the main dinner rush. If you want a table at one of the popular seafood restaurants, arrive by 7pm or be prepared to wait in high season.
• Don’t miss the massage shops along the soi – they offer great value compared to hotel spas, with a traditional Thai massage costing around 250-300 baht for an hour. The shops in the middle of the soi tend to be less pushy than those at either entrance.
• For food, I regularly head to Railway Bar for Western dishes – their salmon is cooked to perfection. When I’m in the mood for Thai food, Ko Bar’s whole fried fish with three flavours sauce is outstanding.
• If you have room for dessert, grab mango sticky rice from the vendor near the intersection in the middle of the market – conveniently located where the songtaew stops.
• Transportation tip: If staying after 8pm, be prepared to use Bolt or Grab as songtaews typically stop running between 8-9:30pm.

The market’s daily operation makes it perfect for your first night in Hua Hin – it gives you a great introduction to Thai market culture without having to plan around specific days of the week.

Hours: Hua Hin Night Market is open every single day of the year from 5pm to midnight. 
Where: Soi 72 between Phet Kasem Road and Prapokklao Road.
How to Get There: The market is at the mid way terminus of the songtaew route.

Cicada Night Market

Cicada Night Market stands out as Hua Hin’s most artistic and visually striking market. Located in the Khao Takiab end of town, it offers a completely different experience from the traditional Hua Hin Night Market.

Cicada at a glance:

• Best for: Artisan crafts, handmade souvenirs and artistic atmosphere
• Known for: Instagram-worthy setting and artistic performances
• Price range: Premium (15-20% more expensive than other markets)
• Local tip: Buy more food vouchers than needed early to avoid queuing twice

The market’s Instagram-worthy entrance with butterfly wings and artistic lighting creates an immediate impression that you’ve entered a place designed with aesthetics in mind. This is where Hua Hin’s creative community comes to shine, with handcrafted goods and performances that showcase local talent.

The market is split into two parts: the dining section, where street food vendors offer every possible Thai creation, from staples like Pad Thai and Pad Kra Pow to local curries and desserts. Western favourites like pizza and pasta are also available.

What’s for Sale?

Cicada offers the most diverse shopping experience of all Hua Hin’s markets. The artisan section features handmade jewelry, original paintings, handcrafted clothing, and unique homewares you won’t find elsewhere.

Quality varies, but the overall standard is higher than at other markets. I’ve purchased several pieces of artwork and ceramics here that now decorate my home and always spark conversations about Thailand when guests visit.

In the front southern corner, there’s a flea market section selling inexpensive clothes. While the quality here is more hit-and-miss, I’ve occasionally found surprisingly good deals on casual wear. They stock larger sizes on occasion and also often have a range of second hand golf clubs.

How’s the Entertainment?

Entertainment is where Cicada excels. There are two distinct performance areas that operate simultaneously, creating a festival-like atmosphere.

The main stage near the entrance features live bands performing everything from jazz to contemporary Thai pop. It’s usually a pretty chilled-out space with plenty of seating and even some comfy bean bags.

What many visitors miss is the second performance area tucked away at the back of the dining area. We have seen everything from an excellent blind pianist to traditional performers and pop/light rock bands here.

What About the Prices?

The Voucher System: Cicada is unique among Hua Hin markets in using a food ticket system. You must purchase vouchers (100 baht per strip with mixed denominations) to pay for food, as vendors don’t accept cash. Crucially, unused tickets can only be redeemed that same night—requiring another queue before leaving.

I find Cicada significantly more expensive than other markets in Hua Hin – about a 15-20% premium compared to Tamarind Market right next door. The quality isn’t necessarily better either, which is why I typically browse and shop at Cicada, maybe have a cocktail (they do make excellent ones), but then head to Tamarind for dinner.

Insider Tips and What I Love (or Don’t)

After visiting Cicada regularly during my extended stays, here’s how to make the most of your visit:

• First, arrive by 6pm if you want a good table near either entertainment area – they fill up quickly, especially on Saturdays. If you’re in a group, consider splitting up briefly – one person can secure a table while others buy food vouchers to avoid the later queues.
• During peak hours (7-8:30pm), voucher queues can stretch to 15-20 minutes. My strategy: buy more vouchers than needed early in the evening to avoid multiple queues.
• For food, I recommend the grilled river prawns (expensive but worth it for a treat) and the Pad Thai in Egg Net, which is consistently excellent here. Save room for dessert – the coconut ice cream served in a fresh coconut shell is outstanding and perfect for Hua Hin’s warm evenings.
• If you’re shopping for souvenirs, take a full loop around the market before buying. The quality and prices vary significantly between similar stalls, and I’ve found the vendors at the far edges often offer better deals than those in prime positions.
• If you need a massage, Cicada offers the nicest massage section of all the markets in Hua Hin. The setting is more upscale and the experience more comfortable than at other market massage shops.
• My favourite thing to eat at Cicada is the Pad Thai in the Egg Net, Pad Thai can be very hit and miss anywhere you go, but they always get it right here.

A final warning: many visitors forget to cash in small amounts of leftover tickets before leaving—essentially giving “free money” to the market organisers. Don’t let this happen to you.

When: Cicada Market is a open Friday to Sunday from 5pm to midnight.
Where: Cicada Market is right on Phet Kasem Road, a couple of doors from Tamarind
How to Get There: There is a songtaew from Hua Hin Night Market every day until 8 or 9pm. It operates every 15 minutes or so, and the cost in 2025 is 15 baht per person.

Tamarind Night Market

Tamarind Market quickly became my favorite during my extended stays in Hua Hin. Located just a few doors down from Cicada Market on Phet Kasem Road, I actually lived next to this market for three months and dined here at least three times a week. This gave me the chance to try nearly every food stall and develop some clear favorites that I return to trip after trip.

At a Glance:

• Best for: Good value food and relaxed atmosphere
• Known for: Excellent meat skewers and live music
• Price range: Similar to Hua Hin Night Market (budget-friendly)
• Local tip: Arrive by 7pm on weekends to get a good table near the stage

Tamarind offers the perfect balance between authentic Thai street food and tourist-friendly comfort. The layout is spacious and well-organized with plenty of seating, making it easy to navigate even for first-time visitors. The atmosphere is relaxed but lively, with a mix of tourists, expats, and locals creating a welcoming vibe.

What’s for Sale?

Tamarind is primarily a food market with an impressive variety of options. Here are the dishes I consistently return to:

Must-Try Dishes:

The meat skewers (25baht)on the southern side of the market are particularly delicious – you can choose between fatty or non-fatty versions. The fatty ones are very popular but can be quite rich if you’re not used to them.

If you like crispy pork as much as I do you may have to set yourself some boundaries here. This stuff is so good!

There are two excellent pork rib stalls – one offering Thai-style preparation and the other with Western BBQ flavours. (80-300 baht). Both are good, so it comes down to personal preference.

For Western Cravings:

Don’t miss the burger stand – they offer great value and surprisingly tasty burgers that satisfy Western cravings at a fraction of restaurant prices. Skip the chips, tiny serve and not particularly tasty.

Beyond these highlights, you’ll find everything from Thai classics to international options including pizza, Indian curries, Japanese dishes, and various fusion creations.

How’s the Entertainment?

The entertainment at Tamarind is better than what you’ll find at most markets. The bands here usually play more popular Western-style music that appeals to a broad audience.

Early in the evening (before 7:30pm), you’ll often see school kids busking for scholarship money – some are surprisingly talented and it’s a good opportunity to support local education.

The main performers come on after 7:30pm, and the quality is consistently good. What I appreciate most is that the volume is well-balanced – loud enough to enjoy but not so overpowering that you can’t hold a conversation with your companions.

What About the Prices?

Another of my favourite things about Tamarind is that the prices are similar to the Hua Hin Night Market. Those famous chicken skewers (IMO, Tamarind does them the best) are also three for 100 baht. A glass of local draught beer is also 100 baht.

Insider Tips and What I Love (or Don’t)

After countless meals here, I’ve developed some insider tips:

• It’s significantly cheaper than Cicada with no complicated food voucher system – you simply pay cash directly to each vendor, making the experience more convenient.
• For dessert, don’t miss my absolute favorite – the coconut dessert (kanom krok). These little sweet pancake-looking treats have a crispy exterior and soft, custardy interior that tastes divine. They’re freshly made and served warm – perfect for ending your meal.
• The best strategy is to do a complete loop of the market before deciding what to eat. Each member of your group can order from different stalls, then meet back at your table – this way everyone gets exactly what they’re craving.
• If you’re visiting on a weekend, try to arrive by 7pm to secure a good table near the stage. The market gets particularly busy after 8pm when many visitors come over from Cicada after shopping there.

When: Tamarind Market is open four nights a week, from Thursday to Sunday, 5pm to midnight.
Where: 117 75 ซอย หัวถนน 23 Nong Kae, Hua Hin District
How to get there: Take the songtaew, get off just after you pass Cicada. Next door, there’s a really large car park if you have your own vehicle

Patio Oldtown Night Market

If you’re looking for a more refined night market experience in Hua Hin, Patio Oldtown should be at the top of your list.

Patio OldTown at a Glance:

• Best for: Refined market experience with comfortable dining
• Known for: Quality over quantity and pleasant atmosphere
• Price range: Mid-range (slightly higher than Hua Hin Night Market)
• Local tip: Don’t miss the art gallery on the first floor with exhibits on old Hua Hin

Located across from Hua Hin Temple and accessible through the Hua Hin Night Market, Patio Old Town creates a perfect balance between traditional market atmosphere and comfortable dining.

This newer addition to Hua Hin’s market scene offers a pleasant contrast to the bustling energy of traditional markets and has quickly become one of my regular spots.

What’s for Sale?

Unlike the larger markets, Patio Oldtown focuses on quality over quantity. While the food options aren’t as extensive as Tamarind Night Market, every stall serves consistently good dishes. The market features curated selection of food vendors offering both Thai and international cuisine.

What keeps me going back is the rotisserie chicken below, it’s one of the first food stalls you come to when you enter via the main walkway.

Don’t miss Mr. Moo – Grilled Thai Pork, which has developed a following among regular visitors (myself included). Another favourite are the woodfire pizzas, perfect cheese to filling ratio.

For souvenirs and crafts, you’ll find a mix of authentic, handmade items and some of the mass-produced trinkets available elsewhere. The stalls offer paintings, crafts and also some unique souvenirs that serve as meaningful keepsakes.

How’s the Entertainment?

One of the best features of Patio Old Town is its layout. The tables and chairs are arranged around a central space where a singer or duo performs live music each evening.

It’s a notably calmer experience compared to Hua Hin’s other markets—perfect for unwinding rather than battling crowds.

What About the Prices?

Prices at Patio Oldtown sit between Hua Hin Night Market and Cicada. You’ll pay a bit more than at the traditional markets, but the extra comfort, cleanliness and atmosphere justify the slight premium. A typical Thai dish costs between 80-160 baht, and drinks are reasonably priced.

Insider Tips and What I Love

What sets Patio Oldtown apart is its cleanliness and thoughtful amenities. There are proper toilets (a rarity at Thai markets), plenty of bins for rubbish, and comfortable seating arrangements.

• For families or those who find the traditional markets overwhelming, Patio Oldtown offers a more relaxed introduction to Thai market culture. The layout is spacious enough to navigate easily, even during busy periods.
• Don’t miss the art gallery on the first floor, which contains interesting exhibits on old Hua Hin—it’s a nice cultural touch that most visitors overlook.
• If you’re a vegetarian, you’ll be pleased to know that Patio Oldtown offers more vegetarian-friendly options than most Thai markets, making it a welcome find for non-meat eaters.

Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday from 5:30pm to 11pm (closes slightly earlier at 10:30pm on Sundays and Wednesdays)
Where: Connected to Hua Hin Night Market, across from Hua Hin Temple
How to Get There: Easily accessible by walking through Hua Hin Night Market or taking a songtaew to the main night market area.

Pai Mai Market

Pai Mai Market, also known locally as the “Tuesday Market,” represents another facet of Hua Hin’s diverse market scene. Operating exclusively on Tuesdays, this market offers a middle ground between the purely local experience of Sa-pan-pa and the tourist-oriented atmosphere of Cicada or Tamarind.

Pai Market at a glance:

• Best for: Tuesday-only local experience with tourist-friendly elements
• Known for: Regional Thai specialties and affordable shopping
• Price range: Lower than tourist markets (most dishes 50-80 baht)
• Local tip: Visit after 6pm when the market is fully alive but not yet winding down

Located at 3/107 Khan Khlong Road behind the railroad, Pai Mai is particularly worth visiting if you’re staying longer in Hua Hin and want to explore beyond the main tourist markets. I’ve made it a regular Tuesday stop during my extended stays.

What’s for Sale?

Pai Mai Market offers an eclectic mix of goods, arranged across a well-organised layout of eight alleys dedicated to food stalls and two for consumer goods. Food is a major focus, with numerous stalls selling both ingredients and prepared dishes. The ready-to-eat food section has a selection of regional Thai specialties alongside international options like sushi and pizza.

Beyond food, you’ll find clothing, household goods, and some handicrafts. The selection isn’t as curated or artisanal as Cicada, but prices are more reasonable, and there’s a wider rang of everyday items.

The fresh produce section is particularly impressive, offering fruits and vegetables at prices much lower than you’ll find in tourist areas or supermarkets. If you’re self-catering, this is the place to stock up.

How’s the Entertainment?

While Pai Mai doesn’t offer the same level of structured entertainment as the main tourist markets, you’ll occasionally find live music adding to the vibe. The real entertainment comes from the lively local atmosphere—this market is frequented by Hua Hin residents rather than being designed primarily for tourists.

What About the Prices?

Prices at Pai Mai sit comfortably below those at the tourist markets. In fact, some locals describe it as “Cicada and Tamarind combined, but cheaper.” Food is particularly good value, with most dishes costing between 50-80 baht. Clothing and other goods are priced for the local market, making it a good place to pick up essentials if you’re staying in Hua Hin for a while.

Bargaining is expected for non-food items, but prices generally start lower than at Cicada or the Hua Hin Night Market, so the final price typically represents value.

Insider Tips and What I Love

What I particularly like about Pai Mai is its balanced atmosphere. It’s authentic enough to provide a real Thai market experience but organised enough that it’s not overwhelming for visitors unfamiliar with Thai markets.

• The northeastern food section is a highlight—look for the stalls serving Isaan specialties like larb (spicy minced meat salad) and grilled chicken. These dishes are often better and more authentic than what you’ll find at the tourist-oriented markets.
• The market runs from 3pm, but I find the best time to visit is after sunset around 6pm when the market is fully alive but not yet winding down. Early arrivals can avoid crowds, but the atmosphere builds as the evening progresses.
• Don’t miss the flea market section for clothing—several friends have mentioned finding excellent quality garments at bargain prices. The fruit stalls are also worth seeking out for fresh, affordable produce that’s cheaper than what you’ll find in supermarkets.

The only downside? It’s only open once a week, so you’ll need to plan your Tuesday around it if you want to experience this local favourite.

Hours: Open only on Tuesdays from 3pm to 10pm
Where: Located at 3/107 Khan Khlong Road, behind the railroad along the canal road
How to Get There: All tuk-tuk drivers are familiar with its location, so simply ask for “Pai Mai Market” or “Tuesday Market” or take a Bolt.

Saphan Pla Night Market

For a truly unique night market experience, head to Saphan Pla (meaning “Fish Bridge” in Thai) – Hua Hin’s pier market. This is unlike any other market in the area, offering the perfect combination of delicious seafood, cool ocean breezes, and stunning sunset views over the Gulf of Thailand.

Saphan Pla Market at a glance:

• Best for: Fresh seafood with stunning sunset views
• Known for: Dining over the water with sea breezes
• Price range: Affordable considering the setting (60-100 baht for most items)
• Local tip: Time your visit for sunset around 6pm for the best experience

This weekend-only market offers a unique experience where you can enjoy your meal with waves lapping beneath you and the sea breeze providing natural air conditioning on even the hottest evenings—perfect for sunset drinks and fresh seafood.

What’s for Sale?

As you might expect from a market on a fishing pier, seafood dominates the offerings here. You’ll find everything from grilled scallops and squid to tom yum soup loaded with giant prawns. For adventurous eaters, there are also more unusual options like crickets, caterpillars, and grilled lobsters.

Beyond seafood, you’ll find typical Thai street food staples and some unique drinks like fresh longan juice (real longan, not the canned variety). The drink options at the bar at the end of the pier are limited to beers and soft drinks like Sprite and Coke—no wines available—so consider bringing your own drink if you’re particular about beverages.

How’s the Entertainment?

The entertainment at Saphan Pla is nature itself. The stunning sunset views and the sound of waves beneath the pier create a natural soundtrack that no manufactured entertainment could match. There is occasional live music, but it’s the atmosphere rather than organised entertainment that makes this market special.

What About the Prices?

Prices at Saphan Pla are surprisingly affordable given the unique setting. Most street food items cost 60-100 baht, with seafood naturally commanding higher prices but still reasonable compared to restaurant prices for similar quality. The market caters to locals as much as tourists, which helps keep prices fair.

Insider Tips and What I Love

This isn’t a market designed for tourists—it’s a local favourite that happens to offer a wonderful experience for visitors willing to venture beyond the main tourist areas.

• My top tip is to time your visit for sunset—arrive around 6pm when the market is getting into full swing and the sun is beginning to set. The golden hour light makes for stunning photos, and you can enjoy the transformation from daylight to the twinkling lights of evening.
• There’s a free scooter service to transport visitors to the restrooms, which cost 20 baht to use.
• For the best experience, find a seat near the edge of the pier where you can look back at Hua Hin’s coastline while enjoying your meal. It’s not a large market, so you can easily sample multiple dishes in one visit.

Hours: Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5pm to midnight
Where: Located at the fishing pier, HXG5+2JM, Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110
How to Get There: Getting a Grab or taxi directly to the pier can be challenging. It’s often easier to get dropped off nearby and walk to the pier. Any local driver will know it as “Saphan Pla Night Market” or simply “the pier market.”

Huana Market (ตลาดหัวนา)

If you want to experience a truly authentic local market where tourists are the minority, Huana Market is the place to visit. While most wet markets in Thailand operate in the early morning, this rare evening wet market offers a fascinating glimpse into local food shopping after the day’s heat has subsided.

Huana Market at a glance:

• Best for: Authentic local shopping experience with few tourists
• Known for: Fresh produce, seafood and everyday Thai ingredients
• Price range: Local prices (significantly cheaper than supermarkets)
• Local tip: Visit after 2pm when most vendors are set up, with peak activity around 4pm

Huana Market offers a much more authentic and affordable shopping experience than supermarkets. It’s a working market where locals shop for daily necessities, making it a refreshing contrast to tourist-oriented night markets.

What’s for Sale?

Huana Market specializes in fresh produce, seafood, meat, and everyday cooking ingredients. The variety of fruits and vegetables is impressive, with prices significantly lower than supermarkets or tourist areas. You’ll find everything from common items to hard-to-find Thai herbs and spices.

The seafood section is particularly noteworthy, with fresh fish, prawns, crabs, and squid available daily. Some vendors will even clean and prepare seafood to your specifications. If you’re lucky, you might catch vendors cooking fresh crabs and lobsters right at their stalls.

Beyond fresh ingredients, there are stalls selling prepared foods, with one vendor particularly famous for serving what some locals consider the best mango sticky rice in Thailand.

What About the Prices?

This is where Huana Market truly shines. Prices here are set for locals, not tourists, making it significantly cheaper than supermarkets or other markets. Fresh fruits like mangoes, lychees, rambutans, and mangosteens typically cost between 20-40 baht per kilo (seasonal variations apply). Seafood prices vary by type and size, with prawns and squid ranging from 140-260 baht per kilo.

If you’re staying in Hua Hin for an extended period or have access to cooking facilities, shopping here can save you money while providing higher quality, fresher ingredients.

Tips for visiting HUana Market

• For the best experience, arrive after 2 pm when most vendors are set up, with peak activity around 4 pm. If you arrive too early, you might find stalls still setting up.
• Some language skills are helpful here as few vendors speak English, but pointing and basic Thai phrases will get you by. Vendors are generally friendly and patient with foreigners who try to communicate.
• Parking can be challenging, so consider arriving by songtaew or motorbike rather than car.

Hours: Opens daily at 2 pm, with most activity between 3-7 pm
Where: GXM5+5XQ, 7 Phet Kasem Rd, Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan
How to Get There: Most convenient by songtaew or motorbike.

Your perfect Hua Hin Market Itineraries

If you’re only in Hua Hin for a short stay, you might wonder which markets deserve your limited time. Here’s how to make the most of the market scene depending on how long you’re staying:

One-Night Visit (Weekend)

Got just one weekday evening? Here’s my recommendation:

• Friday to Sunday option: Combine Tamarind and Cicada Markets – they’re easy reach of each other.
• Wednesday or Thursday option: Pair Hua Hin Night Market with Patio Oldtown for contrasting experiences.
• Tuesday only: Don’t miss Pai Mai Market—it’s only open on Tuesdays and offers great local food and shopping.
• Sunset Special (Friday-Sunday): Start at Saphan Pla Pier Market around 5:30pm to catch the sunset over seafood dinner, then move to either Tamarind or Cicada.

One-Night Visit (Weekday)

For a weekday evening visit:

• Begin at Hua Hin Night Market for the classic Hua Hin market experience and some shopping.
• Continue to Patio Oldtown Night Market (Wednesday-Sunday) for dinner with live music in a comfortable setting.
• Tuesday Exclusive: If you happen to be in Hua Hin on a Tuesday, don’t miss Pai Mai Market—it’s only open on Tuesdays but offers an great blend of local authenticity and tourist-friendly amenities.

My tried and tested Weekend Market Crawl

For the ultimate weekend market experience, here’s my perfect Friday-Sunday route:

• 5-6:30pm: Start at Hua Hin Night Market – Begin with an early dinner at one of the railway end restaurants. Railway Bar’s salmon or Ko Bar’s whole fish are excellent choices. The market is less crowded early, making it easier to browse the souvenir stalls.
• 7-8:30pm: Head to Patio Oldtown Night Market – Just a short ride away, Patio offers a more refined atmosphere with excellent live music in the central courtyard. This is the perfect place for dessert or a cocktail in a more relaxed setting. Don’t miss the upper floor with its exhibition on old Hua Hin.
• 8:30-10pm: Continue to Cicada Market – Take a quick Grab to Cicada (about 5 minutes). Arriving later helps you avoid food voucher queues while still catching artisan stalls and music performances.
• 10-11:30pm: Just a short walk from Cicada, Tamarind offers the perfect finale with evening performers in full swing and options for a final beer or late-night snack.

Why this route works: You’re moving from busier traditional markets to progressively more relaxed venues, ending with Tamarind’s laid-back vibe. The timing helps you avoid the worst crowds while catching each market at its best.

Three-Night Stay

Staying a week or longer? Here’s how to experience markets like a local:

• For Authentic Local Experience: Make time for Huana Market to shop where the locals do. Visit in the late afternoon and practice your Thai while picking up fresh ingredients.
• For Special Occasion: Reserve a Friday-Sunday evening for Saphan Pla Night Market when you want a memorable seafood dinner with a view.
• For Regular Dining: Tamarind Market offers the best balance of quality, price, and atmosphere for repeat visits.
• For Entertainment: Rotate between Hua Hin Night Market, Patio Oldtown, and Cicada to experience different live music and performances.
• For Tuesday Evening: Always prioritize Pai Mai Market on Tuesdays—its once-weekly schedule makes it a must-visit when available.

Practical Tips for Market Hopping

Remember that markets in Thailand generally operate rain or shine, though heavy downpours might cause some vendors to close temporarily. Most market food is cooked to order and safe to eat, but use common sense when selecting vendors—busy stalls with high turnover typically offer the freshest food.

For transport between markets, songtaews run until around 8pm on main routes, while Bolt or GrabTaxi services are readily available later in the evening. Many hotels also offer shuttle services to the main night markets—just check the schedule at your reception.

Accessibility Information for Hua Hin Markets

While exploring Hua Hin’s vibrant markets is a highlight for many visitors, those with mobility challenges should plan ahead.

General Accessibility Notes

• Most markets have uneven surfaces and can be crowded, particularly between 7-9pm.
• Few markets have dedicated accessible toilets.
• Songtaews (shared pickup trucks) are not accessible for wheelchair users.

Market-Specific Information

Here’s what to know about accessibility at each market:

• Hua Hin Night Market: Narrow walkways with some steps. The railway end has slightly wider paths. Staff at restaurants are generally helpful with accommodation.
• Cicada Market: The most accessible of Hua Hin’s markets with paved walkways, ramps, and more space between stalls. Has accessible toilets near the central area.
• Tamarind Night Market: Mostly flat with wide central areas, though the ground is not paved and some outer sections have uneven surfaces.
• Patio Oldtown Night Market: Good accessibility with level surfaces and adequate space between vendors.
• Pai Mai Market: Limited accessibility with narrow paths and uneven ground.
• Saphan Pla Night Market: gravel road leading to the pier
• Huana Market: Crowded with narrow aisles and limited accessibility

For mobility requirements, prioritize Cicada or Patio Oldtown, which offer the best accessibility. Market security staff can often assist with navigation or finding seating.

Final Thoughts

I’ve spent countless nights at these markets over the past three years and still find new things to enjoy. Most dishes cost between 60-160 baht, making them great value compared to hotel restaurants.

Even after countless nights at these markets over three years, I still discover new treasures. With most dishes costing just 60-160 baht, they offer exceptional value compared to hotel restaurants.

Keep your valuables secure, especially in busy areas, and drink plenty of water if you’re market-hopping on hot nights.

These markets have given me some of my best evenings in Hua Hin. Give them a chance, and I’m confident they’ll become highlights of your visit too.

About the Author: Paula Morgan is a seasoned travel writer with over 20 years of experience exploring Thailand. Having spent several months annually in the country for the past three years, Paula has developed an intimate knowledge of Thailand’s markets, culture, and hidden gems. As a member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW), she combines professional expertise with authentic local experiences to help travellers plan memorable journeys. Paula’s decade of experience in travel planning ensures her recommendations are both practical and enriching for visitors looking to experience the real Thailand.