Cicada Market is a weekend evening market on the south side of Hua Hin, known for handmade crafts, local art, a lively food court and live performances in a leafy garden setting. It feels more creative and relaxed than the classic night market in the centre.
It suits couples, families, art lovers and anyone who prefers browsing original designs to mass-produced souvenirs. With music in the background and plenty of seating, it is an easy, enjoyable way to spend a warm evening, and it sits right beside Tamarind Market, so food lovers have even more choice.
Getting there from Hua Hin
Cicada Market Hua Hin: Art, Food and Live Music Guide is about 6 km from Hua Hin — around 15 min by car. Book a private car with a Thai driver who waits for you and brings you back whenever you are ready.
What makes Cicada Market different
Cicada was set up with the idea of giving local designers, artists and small makers a place to sell their own work. Instead of rows of identical T-shirts, you find hand-painted bags, jewellery, ceramics, prints, clothing and home decorations, many sold by the people who made them.
The market is laid out in open-air zones among trees and lawns, with soft lighting after dark. That garden layout, plus the music and performances, gives it a calm, almost festival-like mood that many visitors remember as the highlight of their stay.
Many stallholders return week after week, so regular visitors get to know particular artists and watch their work develop. If something catches your eye, it is worth buying it on the night, as handmade pieces are often one-offs and may not be there the following weekend.
What to see and eat at Cicada Market
The craft area is the heart of the market, so allow time to wander slowly. There is usually an art section where painters and illustrators show their work, and you may see someone sketching portraits on the spot.
The food zone works like a food court: you typically buy coupons or pay at stalls, then pick from Thai dishes, grilled snacks, desserts and drinks. Next door, Tamarind Market focuses on food and has its own seating, so you can easily combine the two.
An open-air stage hosts music, dance or other performances on many evenings. Programmes change, so treat it as a pleasant bonus rather than something to plan around.
Cicada Market opening days and best time to go
Cicada Market traditionally opens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Schedules can change, especially around holidays or in the low season, so check the latest days and hours before you go.
Arrive soon after opening, around late afternoon or early evening, to see the stalls before the busiest period and catch the light fading over the gardens. Saturdays tend to be the most crowded.
From November to April the evenings are drier and slightly cooler. In the rainy season a shower can interrupt things, but many stalls are partly covered.
How to get to Cicada Market from Hua Hin
Cicada Market is about 6 km south of the town centre, roughly 15 minutes by car, on the road towards Khao Takiab. It is close to many of the large resorts on the southern beach.
Green songthaews run along Phetkasem Road towards Takiab, which is a budget option, though you will have a short walk and need to find transport back later. Tuk-tuks wait nearby but agree the fare first.
For a relaxed evening, a private car with a Thai driver is the simplest choice: you are dropped at the entrance and the driver waits or returns at an agreed time, so there is no hunting for a ride when the market closes and everyone leaves at once.
How long to spend and combining it with other places
Most visitors spend two to three hours here, enough to browse, eat and watch a performance. Keen shoppers could easily stay longer.
It pairs naturally with Tamarind Market next door. Earlier in the day you could visit Khao Takiab for the viewpoint and standing Buddha, or spend the afternoon at Vana Nava Water Jungle, which is also on the south side of town.
Shopping etiquette and what to bring
Because many items are handmade, prices are usually fixed or only slightly flexible; heavy bargaining is not expected. Ask before photographing artists or their work up close.
Bring cash in small notes, though some stalls may accept transfers or cards. Insect repellent is useful in the garden areas, and a light bag helps if you buy something fragile.
Tips before you go
- Check the latest opening days before you go, especially in low season.
- Arrive early in the evening to browse before the crowds.
- Visit Tamarind Market next door for more food choice.
- Bring cash in small notes.
- Ask before photographing artists and their work.
- Pack insect repellent for the garden areas.
- Arrange your return ride in advance for closing time.
Frequently asked questions
What days is Cicada Market open?
It traditionally opens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Check the latest schedule before visiting, as it can change.
How far is Cicada Market from Hua Hin centre?
It is about 6 km south of the centre, around 15 minutes by car depending on traffic.
What is the difference between Cicada and Tamarind Market?
Cicada focuses on crafts, art and performances, while Tamarind next door is mainly a food market. Most people visit both.
Is Cicada Market good for children?
Yes, the open garden layout and food court make it family-friendly, and children often enjoy the performances.
Can I bargain at Cicada Market?
Many items are handmade and fairly priced, so heavy bargaining is not usual. A polite question about a small discount for several items is fine.
Opening hours, fees and timetables change — please check the latest information before you travel.
Need a ride?
Private car with a local Thai driver, fixed price agreed before you travel.
