Avid shoppers and casual browsers alike will find plenty to enjoy in Chiang Mai. Many will have heard of the famed Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Rd., which showcases a variety of antiques, silver jewelry, hill-tribe embroidery, Thai textiles, pottery, designer clothing knock-offs, and pirated DVDs. Haggle down the inflated tourist prices, which can be twice the fee you finally settle on. The Night Bazaar is one of Chiang Mai’s top tourist destinations: most nights, the crowds stretch shoulder to shoulder for several blocks. It is an impressive sight even if you don’t intend to buy anything.
More unique souvenirs can be purchased at the Saturday night market (open nightly 6-11pm) south of the old city on Wualai Rd., where local merchants sell their products alongside more tourist-geared merchandise. The market is especially famous for its silver products. The Sunday night market (open 6-11pm), near Tha Pae Gate, is a similar affair, but on a bigger scale. Ratchadamnoen Rd. and its crossroads are closed to traffic and both locals and farang flood the streets. Wat courtyards along Ratchadamnoen Rd. are turned into food courts, featuring everything from papaya salad to roti to doughnuts. Both markets have lower prices than the night market, but bargaining is less effective.
Warorot Market is a multi-story expanse containing dried foods, spices, produce, textiles, clothing, and cosmetics. The higher in the complex you go, the lower the prices. At Lanyai Market, across the street on the river side, ubiquitous flower stalls spill out onto the road. A popular keepsake is the poung ma lai (festive flower necklace, 5฿). At night, Lanyai is full of food stalls.
The Hill Tribe Handicraft Project, 1 Moon Muang Rd., in a brick building at the southeastern corner of the old city, sells Karen, Lisu, Akha, Lahu, Yao, and Hmong village quilts, bags, pullovers, and sculptures. (☎053 274 877. Open M-F 9am-4:30pm.) The better-known Hill Tribe Promotion Center, 21/17 Suthep Rd., next to Wat Suan Dok, has a greater selection of traditional and innovative crafts. (☎053 277 743. Embroidered bag 200฿ and up. Karen dress 1100฿. Open daily 9am-5pm. MC/V.) Both government-run stores seek to shift tribal economies away from opium cultivation by providing alternative means of income. The Export Promotion Center, 29/19 Singharat Rd., opposite Cathay Pacific Airways, showcases high-quality Thai products for export. The manufacturer’s business card is included with each display, so if you like what you see, it’s possible to track each product down. (☎053 216 350. Office open M-F 8:30am-4:30pm. Shop open M-F 8:30am-5:30pm, Sa 9am-6pm.)
If you’re interested in high-end antiques, grab a copy of Art & Culture Lanna, available in guesthouses, at the TAT, and online at www.artandcultureasia.com. The brochure lists many of the studios and galleries in Chiang Mai.
 |
 |
 |
 |
For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
Facebook
Twitter
You Tube
Foursquare
Newsletter
RSS Feed
Overview