Located south of Hua Hin downtown, Cicada Market and the neighboring Tamarind Night Market are about seven minutes by car from Hua Hin Beach and Hua Hin Night Market. Stopping by these two artisan flea markets is definitely a highlight of my two-day trip to Hua Hin which is a short getaway from Bangkok.
If you have lots of places to go and things to do in Hua Hin for the day, you can also charter a car with a driver and have them waiting on you at the parking lot at Cicada Market before taking you home at the end of the day. Otherwise, motorbike taxis and songthaew are also available if you don’t have a budget for a whole car if you travel solo.
The Cicada Night Market is open every long weekend from 16:00 to 23:00 on Friday and Saturday. It closes at 22:00 on Sunday.
In this article, I’ll give you a sneak peek into what to see and do at Cicada and Tamarind Night Markets.
Tamarind Night Market
While Cicada has everything a typical night market should have such as artisan keepsakes, souvenirs, clothing, music, and food, Tamarind’s take on street cuisine is definitely better. I don’t have any bias for any of these two but if there’s one place you should go for food, it’s definitely Tamarind. If you have the whole night to spend, I recommend stopping by Tamarind first to stock up on your empty stomach before heading back to Cicada across the street.
The BBQ skewers here are especially juicy and savory. If you’re not too hungry or only seeking some light bites, don’t miss out on banana pancakes. This Thai staple street is a household name in every night market in Thailand yet the one at Tamarind is especially delightful. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this quick bite blends smashed banana and chocolate sauce in the most beautiful way.
A good amount of time to cover Tamarind Market is somewhere around 15 minutes.
Cicada Night Market
Once you’re done, head out to the neighboring Cicada Market just across the street and start maxing out your credit card (or cash). Dubbed a creative market, most of the goodies at Cicada are handmade with a personal touch from the local artisans. For that reason, Cicada is a stellar place if you’re in need of something special or a rare find to bring home as a souvenir.
Cicada comprises four small zones inside:
- A la mode & Idea Shop is dedicated to handmade items.
- Amphitheatre transforms into an outdoor stage with live performances.
- Art Factory is home to artworks with affordable price tags.
- Cuisine is all about food-related to both Thai dishes and international cuisine.
Shopping at Cicada will have you spoiled with choices. There are more things to browse rather than just clothes or a few accessories. I specifically love shopping for home goodies and Cicada totally amazed me with that.
On top of that, what makes those items even more worthwhile is the art of craftsmanship. From the colorful knick-knacks to big stone statues, each of those pieces is completely hand-crafted, self-painted, and steeped in authentic originality. For that reason, the price tags for those decorative items are also a tad higher than mass-produced goodies at some other traditional markets.
Somewhere behind the vendors, you won’t have a hard time finding painters, potters, glass artists, carpenters, and leather makers working passionately. People from all walks of life gather to create a diverse melting pot of arts in a bustling environment.
Last but not least, the food court will round up your visit to Cicada. They don’t accept any other payment method other than coupons which are available for sale at the booths around these food stalls. Roughly measure how much you’re gonna eat that night and choose the right coupon. The leftover amount can be exchanged for cash back at the end of the day if you haven’t used it up.
Check out more travel ideas in Thailand:
- Chatchai Night Market: Is It Worth The Hype?
- Is Bangkok’s Khao San Worth Visiting? A First-Time Visitor’s Guide
- Jodd Fairs In Bangkok: Train Night Market Ratchada Born Again
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Explore more of our adventures around Thailand:
- Bangkok Travel Guide:Get Around, Best Hotels, Good Eats, & Sample Itinerary
- 20 Coolest Things to Do in Bangkok to Try This Year
- Where to Stay in Bangkok: Best Hotels in Bangkok
- Best Places to Visit in Thailand to Unleash Your Wanderlust
- What to Eat in Thailand? 15 Signature Thai Dishes to Inspire Your Palate
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