The city Chiang Mai, the main gateway to the northern part of Thailand, is also among the most visited destinations in the country. Many travelers, of all ages, choose to stay there for several days and take advantage of everything it has to offer. Around Chiang Mai there is quite a lot to do and see, spectacular natural sites, fascinating tribes that are recommended to stop for a visit, ancient temples in droves and a wide selection of activities as well as action. At the same time, those who choose to spend time in the city itself, will find that it also has variety of possibilities, including great places to shop.
If in bangkok, the big and lively capital, the shopping is based on huge centers, malls and stores of well-known brands, in Chiang Mai the story is completely different and visitors can expect a pleasant surprise and above all - a very authentic one. Shopping in Chiang Mai is mainly shopping for local handicrafts, which you won't find anywhere else around the country. The city itself is surrounded by factories and workshops, where the craftsmen and artists work and create their various works, which are later offered for sale. It is even possible, when visiting these places, to see them in action and learn a thing or two (or more) about the craft. At the same time, you can also find several shopping malls in Chiang Mai, although not in large numbers, and of course colorful markets. There are boutiques in the city, and shops that are like galleries, offering works of art, various handicrafts and antiques.
The markets not to be missed
You Chiang Mai's night markets It is recommended not to be missed, as there you will find the best shopping options in the city. The variety of items and products offered in them is very wide and you can find these markets all over the city. Whether you are coming to Chiang Mai only for the weekend or whether you are there during it as well, you can combine your visit to the city with a stop at one (or more) of them. Beyond buying the various souvenirs and handicrafts, this is a different kind of experience that makes visiting the market more interesting. The meeting with the locals, the colorful stalls, the special items of clothing and in general - items that you will not see elsewhere, all these and more make the markets in Chiang Mai an authentic attraction in itself and not just a place that is only suitable for shopping enthusiasts. Although at the height of the tourist season some of them may be crowded and busy, it is very worthwhile not to miss them and stop at them for a short stop.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
This is "the place" for shopping in Chiang Mai and also among the most visited attractions in the city. The night market usually opens around 18:22 and runs continuously until about 30:XNUMX, although there are stalls that continue to operate even after that. It is located at the intersection of Chang Khlan and Loi Khro streets and spans both streets and in both directions. In this large market you will find countless stalls, offering everything from everything: clothes, shoes, handicrafts, silk fabrics, bags, purses, luggage, household items, furniture, souvenirs, spices of all kinds, figurines, jewelry, antique silver works and even samurai swords . The quality, as you can guess, varies from supplier to supplier but the prices are very affordable and you usually get full value for the money invested. Bargaining is a must to enjoy the worthwhile deal and towards the end of closing is the right time to find the best real deals, as this is when the local traders are willing to compromise.
Warorot Market (aka "Kad Luang")
This market is open every day from 10:00 to 22:00 and you can see both locals in droves and curious tourists. Visiting the market is a must for food lovers, for all foodies, as it offers a very wide variety of local dishes, local snacks and in general - fresh and good local produce. In many stalls in the market you will find cheap products and items, such as clothes, shoes, bicycle accessories and even care products of all kinds. This is the perfect place to feel the local energies and rub shoulders with the residents. The market is inside a 3-story building, with the second and third floors dedicated to clothes and everyday goods. Since it mainly caters to locals, you will not find in this market souvenirs and works of art, which you see in the other markets in the city. The clothing items sold in the market are simple and the prices are much cheaper compared to other tourist markets.
Sunday Walking St
The next market is in the old part of Chiang Mai and is also among the most prominent and sought after markets there. It is open on Sundays from 16:00 until 22:00 and it attracts crowds. Various events take place along its length, including music performances and dances, and it is bounded between ThaPae Gate and Gate and the entire length for one kilometer to Ratchadamnoen Street. During its hours of operation, the streets are closed to traffic, which allows the crowds that come to enjoy an unusual experience. As in other markets in the city, here too you can find arts and crafts, handmade souvenirs with elements that characterize northern Thailand, delicious local food with great music in the background that accompanies the entire celebration. It is very worthwhile to dedicate a few hours to this market and arrive with comfortable walking shoes. Those who are hot can cool off, while wandering through the market, with a sweet, delicious and refreshing tropical fruit juice and while stopping at the stalls and purchasing various items offered by the locals.
Ton Lamyai Market
This colorful market is open 24 hours a day continuously and is the right place to start the day. It is a colorful and beautiful flower market, which is suitable to visit at any time and is located near the Worarot market, right next to the river. Since the flower deliveries arrive in the early hours of the morning, it is recommended to visit the market early in the day, when the stalls are full of fresh and beautiful flowers. In fact, this is the only place in Chiang Mai where you can get fresh flowers, which is also the reason why it is visited by crowds of locals and not just tourists. The flowers are an integral part of Buddhist culture and are often used as an offering in temples. There are flowers of all kinds and colors in the market, such as beautiful orchids, fragrant jasmine flowers, chrysanthemums and also a bird of paradise in the appropriate season.
Wualai Walking St
This lively night market takes place every Saturday from 17:00 until around 22:30 and sometimes a little after. It is smaller than the Sunday market and the number of people in it is relatively limited, but this is exactly what makes it much more comfortable and pleasant than other markets. While wandering through it you will discover a huge selection of locally produced products as well as great handicrafts. The hungry will also be able to enjoy delicious snacks sold on the spot, and eat them while walking between the various stalls. Many visitors, especially locals, come to this market because of the food in it. You can find local restaurants along its length and width, which serve dishes from traditional Thai cuisine and also plenty of stalls that offer fast food and snacks, including traditional sweets and great smoothies. And for those who have been walking for a long time, the massage booths on the sides of the street is the right place to end the day.
shopping centers
Alongside the traditional authentic markets of Chiang Mai, you will also find shopping centers in the city with an impressive selection of shops and products. The shopping scene in these centers is certainly lively and they are undoubtedly must-stops. They have stores of well-known and big brands as well as great food stores, with all these inside innovative, modern and stylish buildings. The malls and shopping centers of Chiang Mai are much more modest than those of Bangkok and it is recommended not to go there with high expectations. However, they are definitely a suitable place to escape from the heat or the rain and enjoy a few hours of recreation, which include a little shopping and a good meal.
Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center
This stylish shopping center pays homage to the urban lifestyle in Chiang Mai. This is an international level shopping center, which has no equal in the city. Being owned by the famous MBK Group, it is somewhat similar to all malls in major Asian cities, such as Bangkok and has 6 floors, offering fashion stores, gadget stores, health and beauty businesses, restaurants and an entertainment complex. The stores in the Mia Lifestyle Center are a combination of international and local Thai brands, which ensures that each visitor will find exactly what suits him. On the ground floor of the shopping center you can find similar bargains in the boutique stores, and quite a few good fashion stores.
Hours of operation: The place is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m.
Central Plaza Chiang Mai Airport
For those looking for well-known international brands or a place to make those last few purchases just before boarding the plane, this shopping center within walking distance of Chiang Mai Airport is the place to be. It includes five floors of shops and restaurants as well as a supermarket and a cinema. Its highlight, and also what sets it apart from others, are the special handicrafts and souvenirs that are sold there, which represent northern Thailand, such as fabrics and silk clothes, traditional clothing, jewelry made of teak wood and special toys. Although the prices are higher, compared to other places, they definitely justify themselves in light of the excellent quality. It is recommended not to miss the supermarket located on the basement floor. You will find international brands from all kinds of countries, including from the USA, Great Britain and even from faraway Australia. This shopping center also has well-known fast food chains and various international restaurants.
Hours of operation: The shopping center is active throughout the week from 10:30 a.m. to 21:00 p.m., on Sundays and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 21:30 p.m.
Central Festival Chiang Mai
This shopping center is part of the shopping trend sweeping the city and it brings with it a lot of modernity and innovation. It offers a different kind of shopping experience, which includes a wide variety of stores, most of which are related to British brands (such as: Topshoe, Marks and Spencer and more). Unlike the other shopping centers in Chiang Mai, it is simple and easy to navigate despite its size and you can quickly find almost everything you are looking for. It has over 300 different shops, divided between five floors, with the fifth floor being home to the IMAX 3D cinema.
Hours of operation: The shopping center is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 21:30 p.m., on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 22:00 p.m.
Kad Suan Kaew Department Store
This department store is one of the oldest in Chiang Mai and is actually a complex of brand stores, cheap stores, restaurants and also various electronics stalls. Although there are not a large number of stores, you can definitely find clothes from popular and beloved brands as well as a western supermarket, which offers various international products. The food hall is on the basement floor of the complex, while on the first, second and third floors you will find clothing stores, footwear, beauty and health businesses and other restaurants. On the fourth floor there is a bowling alley and an old movie theater that only shows Thai movies.
Hours of operation: The place is open Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 21:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 21:00 p.m.
