If you love shopping the number one location to visit in Hua Hin is Cicada Market located in Khao Takiab Village. Hua Hin has two large shopping centers but Cicada Market adds a beautiful backdrop to an evening of retail therapy. The market is open only on the weekends and attracts some of the more unique products compared to all the other night markets in Hua Hin. The market is located just a block away from the beach and right next door to Hyatt Regency in Kao Takiab. The market can be reached by the green Saenthaew’s (green busses), Tuk Tuk’s plus many hotels has a drop off service for their guests to this popular market.
The reason Cicada Market is so popular is its beautiful setting in a big open concept area, shaded by trees with lanterns and dotted with many small tastefully decorated eateries and stalls. The market is reminiscent of the much larger Chatuchak Market in Bangkok with similar product ranges. It might not have the sheer volume of stalls, compared to Chatuchak market, but also has less of crowd and is more laidback making it a great place for tourists with families.
Many ask “What can I buy at Cicada Market?” The question should be “what you cannot buy at Cicada Market?” The market has stalls catering to all ages and tastes. The difference with Cicada Market stalls compared to other markets is that many of the stalls sell more modern products suitable to use once home or given as useful gifts, no tacky tourist knickknack can be found here.
The Cicada Market location lends itself to an evening of shopping with breaks in between to sip a beer or try some local food, and of course people watching. Most popular Thai Foods can be sampled at this market but also more conventional Western options can be found. Please note, the food can only be purchased with coupons at the food court, the coupons can be purchased at a main stall inside the market. There is even an Amphitheatre at Cicada Market that puts on Theatre performances or mini concerts making this a cultural destination as well.
Next door to Cicada Market a new market has cropped up called Tamarind Market. It’s almost connected to Cicada Market, so most people don’t even realize when they have walked from one market into the other. The stalls and food are similar in concept.
Recommendations
Please note Cicada Market has an open air concept so it is best to visit when it doesn’t look like it’s going to rain. Also do bring cash, as although there is bank machines close by, there might be queues and all the stalls sell on cash basis.
Opening hours
- Cicada Market located in Kao Takiab area is open only in the Weekends namely Friday to Sunday, from 4 pm to 11 pm.
Admission fees
- free entrance
Location
- from Bangkok – 220 km (3 h 05 min)
- from Hua Hin – 8.5 km (15 min)
Nearby attractions
- Khao Takiab (5 km, 15 min)
- Night Market (3.8 km, 6 min)
How to visit:
We recommend to contact Hua Hin Cab. You can send them your own itinerary and ask for a quote or pick one of the day tour packages available on their website.