| Chiang Mai is shopping paradise for most travelers | | | | Market is open only on Sundays and is a definite |
| because of its unequaled abundance of handicrafts | | | | must see because the atmosphere is very |
| and quaint local goods sold at very affordable | | | | relaxed, the market street is quite beautiful and |
| prices. Shopping venues are scattered around the | | | | this is an excellent place to mingle with the |
| city both at day and night; the range of products | | | | wonderful Thai people and to find fantastic |
| for sale is vast and many visitors to Chiang Mai | | | | bargains. The entire Walking Street is about 1 |
| include an extra empty bag to their shopping list in | | | | kilometer long and runs the entire length of |
| order to haul the bounty home. Each of several | | | | Ratchadamneurn Road beginning at Thapae Gate |
| famous markets has gained recognition and | | | | and ending at Wat Prasing. Apart from a wide |
| nationwide popularity as the best overall place for | | | | range of hand-made products on offer, one can |
| buying quality hand-made products at very | | | | also enjoy many Thai food stalls, street |
| reasonable prices. As Chiang Mai is a well | | | | performances of a traditional nature, and also |
| established tourist destination, finding | | | | some much need massage and foot massage. |
| accommodations and getting around the city are | | | | More serious shoppers can go directly to the |
| not something to worry about. | | | | villages and factories that manufacture handicrafts |
| Chiang Mai is recognized as one of the handicrafts | | | | and other products and offer for wholesale at |
| centers of Asia because it has a very large | | | | San Kamphaeng. Borsang village, just before San |
| system of street markets and local markets that | | | | Kamphaeng, also has many shops offering a |
| are very easily accessible. The markets trace | | | | range of handicrafts and is renowned for its |
| down many blocks along bustling streets and that | | | | unique Borsang umbrellas. Baan Tawai just south |
| sometimes seem to have no end. The limiting | | | | of Chiang Mai is home to a wide range of wood |
| factor in how much market you will be able to | | | | carving, wood décor, and other handicrafts. |
| cover may often depend on how far you want | | | | Chiang Mai is also popular for the diverse ethnic |
| to go before your feet tire out. The products are | | | | arts that you can find many hill tribe shops across |
| available in a vast variety including a wide range of | | | | the city. One recommended hill tribe shop is the |
| wood work, silk products, silver art and jewelry, | | | | Hill Tribe Products Promotion Center on Suthep |
| clothing, ceramics, interior decor, antiques, | | | | Road next to Suan Dok Temple. It was |
| Buddhist art, lacquer work, and the list goes on… | | | | established by His Majesty the King to promote |
| Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is the most well known | | | | the products created by 6 different tribes in |
| night market in Thailand, taking up about 10 | | | | Chiang Mai including Akha, Karen, Yao, Hmong, |
| square blocks centered on Chang Klan road in | | | | Lisu, and Lahu. This is aimed at generating |
| central Chiang Mai. It is easy to spend a whole | | | | alternative income to replace a reliance on opium |
| night just strolling past hundreds of street-side | | | | cultivation in the past. Shop here for unique ethnic |
| stalls and indoor arcades. The Night Bazaar is a | | | | goods and help the hill tribe people. |
| great place to shop for exotic and beautiful | | | | Those who are interested in modern shops of the |
| handcrafted goods created by local artisans and | | | | much more commercial variety, there are two big |
| skilled crafts-persons from the surrounding villages. | | | | shopping centers: Kad Suan Kaew Plaza and |
| The quality is generally high and some very good | | | | Central Airport Plaza. The latter is relatively new |
| values can by found, especially if you are skilled at | | | | and less than 5 minutes from the Chiang Mai |
| bartering a good deal. | | | | International Airport. Panthip Plaza on the same |
| Chiang Mai Walking Street can be a very nice | | | | road as Night Bazaar is ideal for techy people who |
| alternative to the more hectic Night Bazaar and | | | | are looking for computers and electronic gadgets |
| prices are aimed more at the locals so prices are | | | | with many discounts and a wide range of technical |
| generally low; so much that often there is no | | | | product available at good prices. |
| room to negotiate a bargain. The Walking Street | | | | |