17 Reasons to Skip Bangkok and Visit This Northern Thailand City Instead

The Ploen Ruedee Night Market International Food Park was one of the highlights of the Night Bazaar for me. A large square of open food trucks and stands sits smack dab in the middle of the chaos of the market, but you when you step into the actual area, it's hard to tell what country you're really in. Food from all over the world — and of course some pretty amazing Thai food, too — is being sold (for next to nothing) everywhere you look.

Expats from every nation imaginable mingle at the tables in the center of the food park, and beer and wine is available there as well. The atmosphere is somehow both electric and communal, both multicultural and true to Northern Thailand's vibe.