Joanna James
Hua Hin's Cicada Market is a great market if you want to see local handmade arts and crafts. In addition, even if you don't plan to buy anything, it's a great place for entertainment.
Cicada Market is an enjoyable place to explore and just chill out. The atmosphere is relaxed and nowhere near as hectic as other markets in Thailand. In addition, since the beach is nearby, the cool sea breeze blows through the market so it is not as hot as you would expect.
When you visit the market, a common theme you will notice at most of the stalls is art. Cicada Market is a well-known spot for local artists, whether they are professionals or amateurs, to get together and display their work, and maybe, make some money selling their works of art. You'll find all kinds of art on sale, from modern to classical paintings; this is an art lovers dream. There is also quite a collection of stalls selling handmade crafts, many of which are created by young Thai artists. Aside from these, there are many unique miscellaneous items here, from t-shirts with cool designs to bedazzled smartphone cases.
Hidden among the numerous stalls of arts and crafts are a family that make glass blown animal figurines. The delicate little figurines that include animals such as elephants, tiger, giraffes and even some kinds of fish are all created at the stall. Watching the glass blowers at work is incredibly captivating – they use a blowtorch to heat and shape the glass, twisting and bending it to shape the beautiful creatures. The figurines are very affordable and make a great souvenir to take home.
Cicada Market is open from Friday to Sunday, 4 pm to 11 pm, although on Sunday it closes an hour earlier. The market is located not far from Hua Hin's city centre, near several hotels such as Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa, for example, a Hua Hin luxury hotel; and just 4km from another famous market, the Hua Hin Night Market. The market is famous here so finding it is not hard at all.
No self-respecting Thai market can exist without delicious street food to snack on while you wander. The market is a wide assortment on offer, and since you are near the sea, seafood is a speciality among the street vendors. However, do take note that even though the seafood is as fresh as it gets, prices are a bit on the high side here. However, don't let that stop you from tasting some of the food. There's also a decent variety of dessert available, with favourites like snow ice with sickly sweet syrup to help cool you down after a hot day. There are lots to try here and there's a large area with tables and chairs so you can sit down and tuck into the food.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
