Shopping in Chiang Mai

With a large range of unique goods for great prices, Chiang Mai is regarded as the shopping centre of the North. The quality of goods varies and prices are often reasonable – though bargaining is a must. Known as the handicraft centre of Thailand, and one of the best in Asia, visitors come from around the world to purchase silver, rattan, ceramics, antiques, clothing and silk.

Chiang Mai’s best-known shopping centre is the Night Bazaar, which consists of two sidewalks packed with vendors displaying their goods every evening till midnight. Clothes and Thai handicrafts fill the market, as well as silver and other hill tribe items. Borsang village is worth visiting for its unique umbrellas, while San Kamphaeng houses a handicraft centre ideal for buying wholesale items. But the most rewarding shopping district, especially for wood, furniture, handicrafts and home décor items is Baan Tawai artisans village south of the city, which has an astonishing range of delightful and great value products.

The centre of town offers many handicraft shops, though only a few sell real quality items – noted by the slightly higher price. Jewellers, tailors and gem dealers can be found through out the city. For a more western approach to shopping, Chiang Mai boosts two malls, Central Kad Suan Kaew and Robinson’s Airport Plaza. Brands such as Guess and Esprit are represented in Airport Plaza, while Central is for the local crowd with many shops selling a variety of every day clothes and jewellery at good prices. The university area sells ridiculously cheap items that Thai students love – such as model phone ornaments and room decorations. Many of the clothes and shoes, along with electrical gadgets are locally manufactured and quality well-known brands sell for much cheaper. The following are some recommended shops and outlets for shopping in Chiang Mai.

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Chiangmai Baan Tawai Crafts

Chiang Mai province has always been famous for producing many of Thailand’s wonderful handicrafts and these are mostly produced in the artisan village of Baan Tawai. Taking a trip to this busy and intriguing centre, 30 minutes drive south of the city, is a rewarding half day shopping tour, enabling you to see the craftsmen at work and pick up the best prices for these charming items.
At Baan Tawai you will find numerous arcades selling everything from wood carvings and interior décor items, to souvenirs, art, sculpture, ceramics, furniture, toys, fabrics, antiques, murals and more. Some of them can fit in your luggage, others can be shipped home by one of several agents on hand, at a reasonable cost. Acquiring unique household items here, no matter how bulky, is a popular and cost-effective way of furnishing your home with Asian arts. In fact, retailers from all over the world beat a path here to make wholesale orders.

Some of the outdoor shops are delightfully decorated, with water features and boutique garden fixtures, so that even window shopping for ideas is rewarding. There are also several eateries on hand to quench your appetite.
The following are some of our recommended businesses from Baan Tawai.
Note! Many of these services can be found advertising in our magazine with more details and thai directions for taxi drivers.

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Chiang Mai Night Market - Bazaar

Chiang Mai’s most famous area, the Night Market (Night Bazaar), is the best place to shop for unique souvenirs and items. Two long sidewalks, stretching along several blocks of Chan Klan road make up the Night Market and are crowded with small shops selling handicrafts and miscellaneous items from all over the region. A wide variety of things can be bought here, ranging from knock-off designer goods to hand-woven baskets and ornaments. Bargaining is a must here and most tourists seem to enjoy the opportunity to mark down prices.

The streets are crowded until 12pm, when the frenetic experience finally winds up. Even for wholesale handicrafts, the Night Market is a good place to start with your window shopping. Hill tribe women and their children walk through crowds displaying their goods on their arms and in little baskets; they may be persistent, but a simple shaking of the head often sends them away. Like all crowded tourist destinations, pickpocketing does occur and belongings should be kept close.
Western influence is noted in the Night Bazaar area, with Starbucks, Subway and McDonalds being the prime locations to relax and marvel at ones purchases. Transportation to the Night Market area is easy to come by (“night bazaar” is understood by all modes of public transport) and getting a ride out is not a problem, with songtaews and tuk-tuks lined on the street. Besides, it’s so central you can practically walk from here to your hotel or a nearby restaurant and bar.

The Night Market offers a unique shopping experience and is a definite must-see when visiting Chiang Mai, few people leave empty handed as the goods on display are so cheap (cheapest in Thailand generally), and the Thai handicrafts charming and delightful. Below are some recommended businesses at the night market.

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