Shopping in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a shopping paradise, simply because there is such a wide range of unusual goods at knock down prices. The quality is variable but the value for money undeniable, and most leave with much fuller luggage than when they arrived. When visiting Thailand it's advisable to leave your shopping for Chiang Mai, it's considered one of the cheapest places in Thailand and getting about town is easy.
Chiang Mai is one of the handicraft centres of Asia, and not surprisingly many of the market traders from overseas come here to source their goods. Silk, silver, clothing, rattan, ceramics, interior décor, antiques, Buddhist art, lacquer and neilloware—the list of options is endless for shopping in Chiang Mai.
The centre of shopping is undoubtedly the Night Bazaar, which takes up several blocks every evening along Chang Klan road. Here you can wander among the countless pavement stalls and arcades admiring the beautifully crafted Northern Thai handicrafts. The more serious can head out to the huge handicraft wholesalers at San Kamphaeng and check out Borsang village with its colourful umbrellas. Baan Tawai to the south of the city is a busy working carving centre with some exquisite pieces on display and the best selection of antiques.
Scattered around the centre of Chiang Mai are plenty of handicraft shops catering to tourist shopping tastes. These are more specialised and slightly more expensive but present a better quality. There are fabric shops and tailors everywhere, quirky little establishments selling curious hill tribe products and crafts, shoe shops and boutiques, jewellers and gems dealers, and some very exclusive antique shops.
Those interested in more modern international items, such as gadgets, clothes and multimedia have the choice of two well stocked malls, Kad Suan Kaew and Airport Plaza, as well as computer related items from Panthip Plaza near the Night Market. There are individual shops scattered in tourists areas where you can pick up bargains on every day items which are made in Asia. See our shopping glossary for ideas.
 |
Night marketChiang Mai comes alive by night as a cornucopia of colourful handicrafts, silks and fabrics, clothing, souvenirs and more can be had for unbeatable prices at Night Market. Make sure you know how to bargain!...more |
 |
HandicraftsCheap, charming and excellent take home souvenirs as gifts, Thai handicrafts sell like hotcakes. As a tourist or wholesaler buyer choose from a large range at the Night Market or Baan Tawai...more |
 |
BorsangLocated in Sankhampeng this is where the famous umbrellas are made but you’ll find traders selling everything from silk, to toys, gems, jewellery and wood products, it’s worth the visit...more |
 |
Ban tawaiOne of Asia’s handicraft centres, south of the city, this craftsmen’s village is full of handicrafts fresh from the artisan’s workshop. See them in action and get your items shipped home...more |
Chiang Mai hotels
Chiang Mai tours