“Nakhon Chum Retro Market features a retro atmosphere, vendors in traditional Thai attire, rare local foods, old wooden houses, and diverse cultural activities.”
Nakhon Chum Retro Market is a project organized by the Nakhon Chum Municipality to promote local community economy and preserve cultural heritage, focusing on interaction between locals and tourists.
The Nakhon Chum Walking Street, a narrow road along Khlong Suan Mak, is lined with century-old wooden buildings that reflect the prosperity of Nakhon Chum when it was a historic trade center in northern Thailand. The market historically attracted traders from western mountainous areas to transport forest products such as herbs, rattan, rubber, grains, and modern goods to surrounding communities. These old wooden buildings also showcase traditional architecture and the simple, practical lifestyle of Nakhon Chum residents.
Today, the community has developed this historic commercial street into a major tourist attraction. The market stretches around 200 meters from Nakhon Chum Intersection, filled with bamboo stalls for selling goods and a retro atmosphere. Visitors can shop, taste rare local foods, and take photos with vendors dressed in traditional Thai or local costumes.
The market’s key offerings include traditional savory and sweet foods, local handicrafts, basketry, and banana leaf crafts. It also features cultural activities, such as traditional games, craft demonstrations, Thai music performances, and other events allowing visitors to experience the lifestyle and customs of the historic community.
Food Highlights:
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Yai Chan’s Miang Lao: Rare local snack
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Je Dang’s Fresh Dumplings: Authentic traditional dumplings
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Nakhon Chum Peanut Sausage: Sweet-salty local sausage
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Mae Lek’s Coconut Milk Sweet Dumplings: Rich, traditional dessert
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Local Herbal Drink Stalls: Refreshing traditional herbal beverages
Recommended Photo Spots:
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In front of old wooden buildings along the street for a retro backdrop
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With vendors in Thai or traditional costumes
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At the small bridge over Khlong Suan Mak for elevated views
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Bamboo stalls for capturing the local lifestyle atmosphere
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Scenes of cultural activities like traditional games or Thai music performances
How to Get There
Private Car:
- From Kamphaeng Phet city center, drive along the main road and cross the Ping River Bridge to the west side, then continue about 2.5 km to reach Nakhon Chum Intersection, the market’s location. Parking is available.
Public Transport / Songthaew:
- Take a songthaew from Kamphaeng Phet city center to Nakhon Chum Intersection and walk through the market conveniently.
Travel Tips
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Check opening days: The market is open every Friday, Saturday, and the first Sunday of the month. Confirm the exact dates before visiting.
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Best visiting time: From 5:00 PM onwards to enjoy the evening lights and bustling atmosphere.
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Bring cash: Most transactions are in cash; small bills are convenient.
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Try local foods: Focus on rare regional dishes, a main attraction of the market.
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Photography: Wear Thai-style or retro outfits to match the wooden street and vendors’ traditional attire.
Admission Fee:
- Free
Opening Hours:
- Days: Every Friday, Saturday, and the first Sunday of the month
- Time: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM (best time for visiting is after 5:00 PM)