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One of the nicest markets I've been in Thailand seen is the atmospheric Cicada market in Hua Hin.
The Cicada market is therefore a household name. Even the residents of Bangkok have to drive more than two hours to visit this market.
Unlike the many local markets that focus on fresh produce and clothing, this market clearly distinguishes itself from others. You will not find fresh fruit or fish here. No, this market clearly has an artistic purpose. Here you can buy gift items, art, decorations, fashion and handicrafts, made by creatives and artists.
But there is more, the market also offers inspiration for creative minds, workshops are given, there are exhibitions and you can watch performances with dance, music and visual arts.
The Cicada Market is divided into four zones:
- Art A La Mode,
- Cicada Art Factory
- The Amphitheatre
- The Cicada kitchen.
Art A La Mode is all about hip fashion and clothing. On both sides of the walkway you can also admire or buy handmade bags, fashion accessories, shoes, souvenirs, handicrafts, used items and self-designed cards. Most of the exhibitors are students from the art college or art academy, but there are also local vendors who offer nice gadgets.
In the central area are two white buildings that serve as exhibition space, the Cicada Art Factory. There, admire the exhibitions of young Thai artists that consist of artful illustrations, portraits, paintings, photographs and sculptures. Talented young artists can sell their work here.
The amphitheater is there for entertainment and visitors are entertained by performances by bands, dance groups or theater groups.
The inner man has also been thought of. Cicada cuisine therefore offers a wide range of local and international delicacies, such as grilled fish, grilled pork, Pad Thai, Thai-style fried mussels, Chinese noodles, Korean BBQ and various rice dishes. You can also choose from Italian pasta dishes and a variety of delicious desserts.
More information
- Admission to the Cicada Market is free, as are the shows and exhibitions.
- The Cicada Market is open every weekend, Friday and Saturday from 16:00 PM to 23:00 PM and Sunday from 16:00 PM to 22:00 PM.
- The grounds of the Cicada Market are located on the road from Hua Hin to Khao Takiab. Near the Hyatt Regency Hotel and for the Sasi Theatre.
- Website: www.cicadamarket.com
Video
The video below gives a good impression of this special and inspiring market, where you should definitely take a look for an original gift or souvenir.
I was here last year, a very relaxed talat, beautiful things for sale and also various Otop articles, highly recommended.
Visited in March, very nice market really handycraft market, and I mean really made by the sellers, no wholesale products.
Really a very nice market with special stuff and delicious food. Been coming for years!
Recommended!
I have been there several times this year. Very easy to do with the green Baht bus from the centre. (usually the baht bus stops driving at 21:00) The kitchen is of excellent quality and very diverse, works with coupons and is generously arranged. Plus, you can stay there for as long as you want. The times I was there there was always music and some kind of theater performance in Thai.
There is now also a 2nd square next to it. The name escaped me for a moment. It is now also open from Thursday to Sunday and a market has been added. We have just returned from a 3 month stay in Huahin
and have been there every weekend. It is very cozy and a variety of food. Especially the spare ribs
are highly recommended!
Great report, but you forgot to mention that there is also a separate music theater. Beautifully located, freely accessible, good seats, but most importantly, professional musicians who play excellent Thai and International music in varying combinations.
This market is a bit like the feira hippie in Rio de Janeiro, where many homemade art objects are also sold.
My wife and I occasionally visit as it is different from most markets, which are 90% women's clothing.
However, we rarely eat there. Then rather on the market next door, The Tamarind Nightmarket, where you also have a nice choice and the prices are significantly lower. There used to be another next to the Tamarind Night Market, which unfortunately had to make way for a hotel or resort…
The 2nd market is called The Tamerind Market, there you can pay for food and drinks in cash, I personally think
more pleasant then you are not bound by the vouchers you have to buy. We also go there every time a very nice market.
A very nice market that is more than worth visiting.
The spare ribs (on the food section) are indeed delicious and everything is neatly cleared away.
On the artistic part I had both my grandsons portrait drawn in crayon by Krit, a Thai artist, from a photo I sent from my phone to his tablet. Size 55cm x 40cm.
In a word great!, a true artist. They now hang in my living room.