Thrilling Best Hua Hin Markets – Cicada & Tamarind markets
Hua Hin Best Night Markets
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Hua Hin is one of the famous coastal cities in Thailand because it’s not too far from Bangkok (about 3 hours by car). As a result, it has become a popular weekend getaway for Thais.
For foreigners, if you have completed Bangkok Temples Journey and Bangkok City Tour and are looking for alternative locations to hang around, Hua Hin is an excellent option.
I’ve visited Hua Hin many times, but the beaches are not my top priority. Because if I really want to go to the beaches and play in the water, I’ll go to Ko Samet, Ko Kood, and Ko Chang in the East, or I’ll fly to the South to Phuket, which has some of the best beaches in the world.
So why Hua Hin then?
For me, I opt for EATING and STROLLING, which Hua Hin provides in plenty. Tamarind Market and Cicada Market are two venues that everyone who visits the city will definitely come.
I recently visited Hua Hin on 14-16 May 2022, and I want to show you why Tamarind Market and Cicada Market are remarkable.
Let’s start with the Tamarind Market. I’ll walk you through it with lots of photos.
By the way, the markets are open only on Friday – Sunday 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Tamarind Market - Foods
First and foremost, you must find a parking lot, especially if you own or rent a car. Even though the parking lot is relatively vast, it took me around 15 minutes to find an available lot.
There are various parking areas, but I chose the one beside the Tamarind Market, which costs 50 baht per day. You will be charged at the exit gate.
A motorcycle can park on the street side; I’m not sure if it’s free, but it needs to be cheaper than the vehicle cost.
Before getting through the entrance gate, you have to scan for a temperature check. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, practically every location in Thailand has followed this protocol.
My first thought when seeing such many people is that how could I find a table! lol
I was expecting a lot of people because the week I visited was a long holiday (Sat-Mon) but this was so crowded.
However, I like it. The more, the merrier!
Find something to eat first, then worry about the table later.
I spent time walking around and targeting food vendors because there are so many of them.
Spotted one. These sausages look delicious so I get one for myself and one for my girlfriend.
Of course not only hot dogs, let’s grab some more.
Pork Satay, Grilled Pok Neck and Thai Herbal Drink are our next.
After finishing those dishes, Cicada Market is the next destination, but she saw a Yum restaurant and suddenly headed to it haha.
“Spicy Instant Noodles Salad with Seafood”, she ordered.
So we need to find a table again but actually not that difficult to find one.
We are kind of full now and ready to move to the next market which is only a hundred meters away.
However, one of the dessert vendors catches our eye: Thai Coconut Pancake (ขนมบ้าบิ่น). Smells great, looks good, and there are a lot of people waiting in line. That’s a good indicator for tasty stuff, therefore we’re in! haha
Yes, it’s fantastic. This dessert is today’s most impressive dish. If you visit Tamarind Market, this is a must-eat.
Cicada Market - Fashion & Arts
Finally, after many stops, we reached Cicada Market. In this market, you can expect more non-food products like jewelry, clothing, handcrafted stuff and art.
Food shops are also available here but not as many as Tamarind Market.
Lovely atmosphere.
Strolling around for pleasant.
This painting really stands out. I didn’t ask for the price because I don’t want to bother him and it seems pricey. I don’t think I can afford it haha.
I was only recording, watching and appreciating his work.
Continue strolling to the back section, discovering these artworks that are unlike the paintings.
Don’t know what kind of art it is but really beautiful. However, I didn’t ask for the price, you know why lol.
About to leave Cicada Market but this live performance performs really interesting music using Thai traditional musical instrument “Khim” (dulcimer).
The original song for the first music in the clip.
The original song for the second music in the clip.
If you have time, I would love you to listen to these Thai songs. Both singers are iconic among Thais. The songs are old but still and always popular.
In Conclusion
Tamarind Market and Cicada Market are exceptional places in Hua Hin. Not only offer great street foods and handmade stuff but also a charming atmosphere.
If you plan to have a trip to Hua Hin, I highly recommend these markets to all of you.