Besides having semi-permanent shops, one area is devoted to individual sellers who spread out their wares on the ground.
A food court offering a variety of traditional Northern dishes is convenient for an early or late night snack. Or site in the beer garden and people watch.
For a more intimate libation, find the corner of the night market area that has small beer bars. Strike up a conversation with a fellow traveler or one of the local Thais or expats.