Cicada vs Tamarind – The Market Lowdown

Cicada Market is rated the #1 ‘thing to do’ in Hua Hin by Trip Advisor, so for visitors to Hua Hin, this is a must do. Tamarind Market is just a stone’s throw away, so let’s compare the two to help you decide your preference.

Let’s start with Cicada Market, which is divided into four venues: Art A La Mode, Cicada Art Factory, Cicada Cuisine and the Amphitheatre.

From buskers as you enter, to a large variety of food and drink options, or step it up and take in a live band or maybe a theatre performance at the Amphitheatre; Cicada has it all. Some of the other attractions here are the vast array of unique art & craft vendors as well as one-off clothing stands that are a joy to wander through at Art La Mode.

The two white buildings at the centre of the market are Cicada Art Factory. These serve as a venue for art exhibitions featuring young, original local artists, as well as those from further afield. It regularly features artworks as diverse as illustrations, portraits, paintings, photos and sculptures. This adds such a cultural element to Cicada.

Situated in a circle in the middle of the market, Cicada Cuisine guarantees you’re never far from a food vendor preparing something delicious. With seating no issue, finding a table is easy. There is everything from Street Food to sweets and international food options, with everything cooked freshly in front of you. Collect your coupons and away you go. Everything is clearly priced so you can simply point and pay!

The little brother of Cicada is Tamarind Market, so named due to the Tamarind trees lining the small park. At the front along the main road, you will find a retro, laid-back feel to both the eating and entertainment area, though most people tend to enter either from Cicada at the side, or from the car park at the rear; walking firstly into an extremely local version of a market, with food and clothing, plus other surprising things to spend your baht on. This is not an official part of Tamarind, though their name in Thai is Dta-Laat Ma-Khaam or Tamarind Market.

The first thing you notice about the real Tamarind Market is the layout of the food stalls, before hearing the sounds of the local band playing in the corner. Here you will find traditional Thai fare on offer along with many international favourites like pizza, American-style ribs, pasta and Sushi. There is less selection than at Cicada, but the ease of discovery is better. Local vendors are upbeat in acknowledging you and enticing you to sample what it is they are cooking. Many are great performers, posing for shots from a distance.

If you do happen to venture into the super local part of Tamarind, you’ll discover it is primarily about Thai food at extremely cheap prices. Yes, you will have to search out the food you want to sample, but there are tables and seating provided. Though not as glamorous its namesake, or Cicada, it is simply good, honest Thai food.

Here are the pros of each market:
Cicada: Set up for everyone, be it the first time visitor to Thailand wanting to experience quality street food, or the experienced traveller after something more adventurous. It is also very family-friendly. It has plenty of food options and wandering through the art & craft stalls and art exhibitions is an amazing experience, as is the fabulous amphitheatre.