What kinds of handicraft goods are available at the Cicada Market?
The Cicada Market offers a wide range of handicraft goods.
Here you can find unique inventions and a variety of handmade products.
The market is also rich in home decor items capable of transforming any space.
Fashion lovers will appreciate the clothing on offer, reflecting the latest trends and original style.
In addition, visitors are offered interesting collectible second-hand items, each of which has its own story.
The Cicada Market is a platform for showcasing and selling the products of small and medium-sized enterprises, whose creative ideas are presented in an open trading area.
This is a place where ideas are brought to life and find their admirers.
Price affordability 8.5/10 Wow factor 7/10 Safety 9/10 Physical difficulty 9.5/10 Historical value 2/10 Family friendliness 8/10 Transfer 8.5/10 Comfort 7.5/10
What is the Cicada Market in Hua Hin famous for?
The Cicada Market in Hua Hin is famous for its creative atmosphere and unusual format. It is not just a night market with street food and souvenirs, but a cultural space where art, music, design and gastronomy are combined. The name Cicada comes from the English acronym «Concept of Interactive Creative and Art Design», which reflects its idea — supporting local artists and creative projects.
The main feature of the market is the emphasis on original works. Here paintings, ceramics, handmade jewelry, designer clothing, postcards and decor items created by local craftsmen are sold. Unlike ordinary Thai markets, where mass-produced goods and identical souvenirs are often found, at the Cicada almost every item is unique. This place is especially valued by those who are looking for unconventional gifts and want to take home something truly original.
The market is also known for its cultural program. In the evenings live concerts, performances by musicians, theatrical mini-productions and dance shows take place here. The atmosphere is calm and creative, without noisy bars and a chaotic crowd. The lighting is soft, there is a lot of greenery and neatly arranged rest areas, which makes the walk comfortable and pleasant.
The market's gastronomic zone is another reason for its popularity. Here you can try a variety of dishes of Thai cuisine, seafood, desserts and drinks. At the same time, the format differs from a traditional street market: the dining zones are neatly organized, there are tables and space for a leisurely dinner.
The Cicada Market operates in the evening, usually on weekends, and gathers both tourists and locals. It is often called the most stylish and cultural night market of Hua Hin. This place is suitable not only for shopping, but also for a romantic walk, a family vacation or simply a pleasant evening in a creative atmosphere.
Why are night markets so popular in Thailand?
The popularity of night markets in Thailand is due to their role in shaping a unique tourist experience. They represent a synthesis of centuries-old traditions, culinary diversity and the lively nightlife of the country. These places turn into centers of cultural exchange, where authentic flavors and vivid entertainment flourish under the cover of night.
Night markets attract travelers as venues that allow them to feel the genuine spirit of Thailand. Here tourists can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of local color, enjoy exotic cuisine and acquire colorful souvenirs. This is an integral part of the tourist infrastructure, contributing to a deep acquaintance with the culture and way of life of the Thai people.
Year of foundation In what year the site was erected or founded 2010 Duration Recommended time for the visit 2 h. Temperature Average annual temperature +28 °C Tourist flow Number of tourists (thousand/day) 3 thousand Peak load Hours of peak attendance 19:00 - 21:00
Which market in Hua Hin is the most popular?
In Hua Hin the most popular market is considered to be the Cicada Market. This is not just an ordinary night market, but a creative space with a focus on art, design, music and original goods. It is loved by both tourists and locals for its unique atmosphere, live performances, original handmade items and a variety of street food.
The Cicada Market is especially notable in that here you can find unique souvenirs and design items that you will not encounter at ordinary markets, and enjoy the atmosphere of an evening rest to music and soft lighting, rather than just hurried shopping. This is precisely why it is considered the most visited and significant market in Hua Hin.
If you are looking for the most vivid and «local» impression of an evening market in Hua Hin, then the Cicada Market is a place worth visiting.
Route to the place: Cicada Market Hua Hin Go
Cicada MarketMarket on EarthRestaurant on EarthHow to get to the Cicada Market?
Location and characteristics of the Cicada Market
The Cicada Market stands outside the centre of Hua Hin, 6–8 km from it, along Phetchkasem Road. It occupies a large open area and is reached by taxi, tuk-tuk or scooter; the ride from the centre takes 15–20 minutes.
It is convenient to combine this place with a walk along the promenade or an evening dinner by the sea, because it is located just a few minutes' drive from the main tourist streets and the beach zone.
This is a weekly night market of arts and crafts, open on Friday and Saturday from 16:00 to 23:00 and on Sunday from 16:00 to 22:00. The market features the products of local craftsmen, quality street food, live musical performances and theatrical shows.
Nearest tourist towns of Thailand
| City | Distance from Hua Hin | Travel time | Main modes of transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | ~200 km | 3-4 hours | Bus, minivan, train, taxi |
| Pattaya | ~240 km | 4-5 hours | Bus, minivan, taxi |
| Phuket | ~600 km | 8-10 hours | Bus, plane, taxi |
| Krabi | ~500 km | 7-9 hours | Bus, minivan, plane |
| Chiang Mai | ~800 km | 11-13 hours | Bus, train, plane |
How to get there from Bangkok
Bangkok is the nearest major tourist center. It is the main transport hub of Thailand, from which it is easiest to begin a journey to Hua Hin.
- By car or taxi: Approximately 3 hours of travel (200 km). This is the most convenient way for tourists who want to avoid crowds. A private transport service costs more, but provides comfort and flexibility in scheduling.
- By bus: Buses depart from the Southern Bus Terminal of Bangkok (Sai Tai Mai) every 30 minutes from 5:00 to 00:00. Travel time is 3-4 hours, the ticket price is ฿300-500 (≈ $8-14). This is a budget option, but the buses may be overcrowded.
- By minivan: Minivans depart every hour from three stations: Ekkamai, Mo Chit and Khao San Road. Travel time is 3 hours, cost ฿200-250. The option is faster than the bus, although the seats are limited.
- By train: Trains depart from Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok several times a day. Travel time is 4-5 hours, the route offers picturesque views of the Thai countryside. After arriving at Hua Hin station you need to take a taxi or tuk-tuk to the market (15-20 minutes).
How to get there from Pattaya
Pattaya is located about 240 km from Hua Hin. Pattaya is a popular resort town known for its beaches and nightlife.
- By car: 4-5 hours of travel. It is recommended to book a private transfer for greater comfort.
- By bus or minivan: Regular services from Pattaya to Hua Hin, travel time 4-5 hours, price ฿250-400 (≈ $7-11).
- Via Bangkok: You can return to Bangkok and from there choose any transport to Hua Hin.
How to get there from Phuket
Phuket is the largest island of Thailand with direct international flights. The distance to Hua Hin is about 600 km.
- By plane: A direct flight from Phuket to Bangkok takes approximately 1.5 hours, then get to Hua Hin by any of the methods described above. Airlines: Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air (฿1000-3000 ≈ $28-83 depending on the booking date).
- By bus: Direct buses from Phuket to Hua Hin take 8-10 hours, cost ฿400-700. This is a budget but tiring option.
- Combined option: Phuket → Bangkok (plane) → Hua Hin (bus/minivan/taxi) — this is the optimal solution, although more expensive.
How to get there from Krabi
Krabi is known for its limestone cliffs and excellent access to the islands. The distance to Hua Hin is approximately 500 km.
- By plane: The flight from Krabi to Bangkok takes about 1.5 hours, then continue to Hua Hin by any transport (total cost ฿2000-4000 ≈ $55-111).
- By bus: Regular services from Krabi to Hua Hin (7-9 hours, ฿350-600).
- By minivan: Minivans are often faster and more expensive than buses, travel time 6-8 hours.
How to get there from Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is located in the northern part of Thailand and is known for its temples, elephants and mountain landscapes. This is the most distant city (800 km).
- By plane: The flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok takes approximately 1 hour, then on to Hua Hin (total time 4-6 hours, including the connection; cost ฿2000-5000 ≈ $55-139).
- By night bus: A direct bus from Chiang Mai to Bangkok takes 12-15 hours, then you need to get to Hua Hin (14-18 hours in total).
- By train: The train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok takes 11-12 hours through the countryside of central Thailand, then a taxi or bus to Hua Hin.
How to get from the center of Hua Hin to the Cicada Market
After arriving in Hua Hin you need to cover another 6-8 km to the market itself.
Tip
from the centre of Hua Hin the market is another 6-8 km — allow 15-20 minutes by taxi or tuk-tuk and bring cash in baht, because most stalls do not take cards.
- By taxi or tuk-tuk: 15-20 minutes of travel, cost ฿150-200 (≈ $4.2-6) (approximately 4-5 dollars). Taxis are easy to find on the streets of the town, including at hotels. This is the most convenient and fastest way.
- By songthaew (shared vehicle): The last songthaew into town departs at approximately 21:00. The price is about ฿20-40, but the schedule may be irregular on weekends.
- By rented motorbike: You can rent a scooter in the center of Hua Hin (฿200-300 per day) and get to the market independently. The road is easy and straight.
- By bicycle: For active tourists — a calm bicycle ride along Phetchkasem Road with a sea breeze, although it will take about 45 minutes.
Useful information for the visit
- Means of payment: The market mainly works with cash baht. In some stalls a coupon system is used — you need to exchange money for coupons, which are then used for purchases.
- Parking: Parking is available at the market, a small fee may be charged (usually ฿20-50 ≈ $0.6-1.4).
- The best time for a visit: Arrive around 19:00-20:00 for the optimal experience — at this time the market is most active, the live performances are in full swing, and the food stalls are at peak operation.
- Combined visit: Nearby is the Tamarind Market, open Thursday-Sunday, so you can visit both markets in one evening.
- Comfortable shoes: There is a lot of walking at the market, so it is recommended to wear a comfortable pair of sneakers or shoes.
