San Chao Night market

Talat San Chao (San Chao Market)
Talat San Chao is a vibrant and essential landmark that brings life to the nights of Surat Thani city. It's a must-visit for any traveler exploring the province. Known locally as "Talat Toh Rung" (Night Market) or "Talat Soi Tee Lek" (Tee Lek Alley Market), its more common name, "Talat San Chao," comes from its proximity to a Chinese shrine (San Chao).


History and Origins
San Chao Market has been operating for over 50 years, nestled in the heart of Surat Thani city in Soi Tee Lek. This alley was once home to an ironworks, which is how it earned the name "Tee Lek" (iron striking). The market, therefore, goes by several names, including Talat Soi Tee Lek, Talat Soi Wat Sai, or its most popular, Talat San Chao.


Atmosphere and Highlights
San Chao Market buzzes with activity. Stalls and food carts line both sides of the street, filling the air with the enticing aromas of various dishes. Unlike typical entertainment venues, it doesn't boast bright lights or loud music. Instead, it offers a unique charm with its lively street food market atmosphere. It's a hub for local delicacies and a wide array of delicious foods. Importantly, the prices are very budget-friendly, making it popular with both Thai and international tourists.


Must-Try Dishes
When you visit San Chao Market, don't miss the opportunity to sample the authentic local flavors. Here are some highly recommended dishes:

Famous Pad Thai: A well-known and highly regarded dish at the market.
Grilled Fish Cakes (Jap Lak): A unique local specialty that's hard to find elsewhere.
Deep-fried Mushrooms: Hot and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
Khanom Jeen Nam Ya: Thai rice noodles with various curry sauces.
Khao Kriap Pak Mor: Steamed rice-skin dumplings with savory fillings, often topped with sweet coconut milk.
Fried Chicken, Fried Chicken Skin: Crispy and delicious.
Hor Mok Pla, Pu, Khai Pu: Steamed fish, crab, or crab roe curry, rich in flavor.
Khao Gaeng: A variety of pre-cooked curry and stir-fry dishes to choose from.
Khanom Ko: A sweet, aromatic local dessert.
Patonggo: Crispy deep-fried dough sticks served with sweet pandan custard.
Long Tong and Pak Boong Tai Rao: Traditional Surat Thani-style noodles.
Khao Tom Na San Chao: Rice porridge with a wide selection of side dishes, perfect for a late-night meal.
Beyond the food, the market's proximity to the San Chao Chinese Shrine and Wat Sai Ban Don temple allows visitors to explore and make merit.


Operating Hours and Getting There
San Chao Market is open daily from late afternoon, typically 3:15 PM to 9:30 PM. Getting to the market is convenient. You can take a small local songthaew (shared taxi) that operates within Surat Thani city, or drive your own vehicle, as there's parking available nearby.

San Chao Market is more than just a place to eat; it's a vibrant hub of culinary culture and nightly life for the people of Surat Thani, waiting for everyone to experience and savor its many delicious offerings!