Khao Lak is a small village situated in the Phang Nga province. Popular for its beaches, it’s a great place to visit with family. Khao Lak also has one of the oldest and largest night markets in Thailand – Bang Niang Night Market. Tourists will not only be able to pick up great bargains here but also gain an insight into the people and culture. The prices are affordable, and you can sample authentic Thai food at the numerous street food stalls.

Below are some tips to help you find your way around.

The market is situated in the neighbourhood of Bang Niang. Locating it is not too difficult if you're staying at nearby hotels like Avani+ Khao Lak Resort. Just ask the staff to direct you. It is right in the centre of the town, opposite the tsunami memorial and police boat 813. Make sure to go on Monday, Wednesday or Saturday, when the market is open.

The entrance is visible from Phet Kasem Road. Bang Niang market opens at 4 pm and goes on till late. Try to come early - this will give you ample time to explore before the crowds start to arrive. The fun starts at night time, however, when the bustling atmosphere is in full swing.

One of the best things to do in Khao Lak is to try out Thai cuisine at the street food stalls. The delicious aromas of fried seafood and meat will greet you as soon as you reach the market, with a stall selling kebabs right at the entrance. Satisfy your hunger cravings by sampling BBQ and fried chicken, satay, traditional curries, fresh spring rolls, noodles, and seafood - either grilled or fried. Just make sure that the food stall in question follows hygienic practices when preparing the food. You will know they’re trustworthy if more customers are waiting in line.

Adventurous foodies can also sample fried insects like grasshoppers, crickets and silkworms! They’re a great source of protein and are delicious and crunchy. For dessert, you can find stalls selling sweets like ice cream and doughnuts. Have some coconut water or sugar cane juice to wash it all down.

Once you walk past the street food stalls, the market splits into three shopping lanes. Here, you will find vendors hawking a variety of goods and products. These include souvenir stalls selling items like T-shirts and magnets, handicrafts and jewellery, hygiene products, fabrics and more. Make sure to pick up a few of these as a memento of your trip to Khao Lak!

This is also a great opportunity to hone your bargaining skills. Though some vendors have fixed prices, others will be open to negotiating. This is especially true if you’re planning on buying several items. Always be friendly and try not to come off as too aggressive, as Thai people are generally non-confrontational. If you’re unable to make a bargain, simply walk away.

At the back of the market, you’ll find the fresh produce section. An array of fruits and vegetables are sold here, so if you need to pick up groceries or do some last-minute shopping, this is the place to go.

As darkness sets in, the bars and pubs around the market begin to open their doors to the public and the glow of neon signs light up the streets. Visitors who are tired or thirsty can head to one of the best pubs in Bang Niang - Songs Bar. This is a great place to relax with a cold beer, soda or cocktail. Catch up with the locals who are known to be very sociable and strike up a conversation.