The best shopping in Chiang Mai is very different from what you’d find in Bangkok. Forget designer labels in luxury malls; Chiang Mai is Thailand’s capital of unique handicrafts. It’s one of the few places in the country where you can visit a factory or artisan’s workshop, watch craftspeople at work and then buy the products you’ve just seen being manufactured. In some cases, you can even try your hand at making them yourself.
The most popular shopping in Chiang Mai can be found in the city’s many open-air markets, with four notable night markets to choose from. It’s important to note that not all of them are open every day, so be sure to check which day each runs on before heading across town. For those who like a bit of air conditioning on their bargain hunts, check out the city’s excellent boutiques and gallery-style stores. Hotspots for these kinds of places are shown below.
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Chiang Mai Walking Street
Ratchadamneon Road
Street shopping is all about immersing yourself in the local culture, and there’s no better place to experience it than at the Weekend Walking Streets. Here, the essence of Chiang Mai comes to life in a vibrant spectrum of art, crafts, music and food – with mostly handmade quality than mass-produced goods. Stroll down the jam-packed streets and experience a wealth of traditional and modern Chiang Mai culture in one visit. Read More...
- Opening Hours: Sun 16:00 – 24:00
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Intersection of Tha Pae and Chang Klang Roads
The Night Bazaar consists of street-side stalls selling mostly clothing and handicrafts, and a host of shopping plazas where you can find more unique crafts and jewellery. A good way to check out the whole area is to start at Tha Phae Road and work your way south towards Loi Khro. Once you reach the end of the market, cross the street and work your way back along the other side. Read More...
- Opening Hours: 18:00 – 22:30
Wualai Walking Street
Wualai Road
Wualai, the Saturday walking street, is a lively and fun night market that takes place in Chiang Mai just a short walk from the old city walls. It starts in the late afternoon and continues until around 22:30. We prefer the atmosphere here to the more famous Sunday night walking street, because even though it’s smaller, there aren’t the same crowds of people, so it makes for a much more leisurely stroll. Read More...
- Opening Hours: Sat 17:00 – 23:00
Bor Sang Village
Chiang Mai-San Kampaeng Highway (Route 1006)
Bor Sang mid-sized craft village about 9 km east of the Old City specialises in the paper umbrella-making craft. Well known for outstanding handcraft quality as well as signature floral designs, Bor Sang Village has made its name throughout the country and abroad – so much so that the name Bor Sang has become synonymous with the paper-umbrella craft itself and the umbrella, a cultural symbol of Chiang Mai. Read More...
- Tel: +66 (0)53 248 604
Riverside Boutique Shops
Charoenrat Road (between Charoen Muang and Kaew Nawarat)
Across the River Ping, a short section of Charoenrat Road makes for a pleasant stroll. A collection of renovated wooden shop-houses that line its short stretch specialise in Lanna art and crafts, mostly from high-end local brands. The shops themselves are architectural treasures, built more than a century ago. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, this area is well worth a visit just for its historical value and scenic riverside panoramas.
Ginger & The House Shop
Moonmuang Road
Shopping can be lots of fun, but nowhere is it more cheery than at The House, where Thai brand Ginger display their colourful range of kitchen-ware, Thai-inspired furniture and clothing. Anyone who loves to shop will have a field-day here, with so many eye-catching items on display. The House is a beautifully renovated home that makes the perfect backdrop for the bright cushions and funky clothing on display. Set up in 2002 in Chiang Mai it is a daring fusion of Danish and Asian design. Read More...
- Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:00
- Tel: +66 (0)53 418 263
Sankampaeng Craft Street
Chiang Mai-San Kampaeng Highway (Route 1006)
While Ban Tawai is the destination for woodcarving and furniture, San Kamphaeng is the place to go for Thai silk. Rounding out the selection of products are lacquerware, ceramics and the brightly coloured umbrellas that are a northern specialty. Shops and mini factories line both sides of the Chiang Mai-San Kamphaeng Road, where local artists practice their craft with a skill born of centuries-old tradition. Read More...
Central Plaza Chiangmai Airport
Mahidol Road
Central Airport Plaza Chiang Mai is the place to go for international brands and is also a good stop off point for last-minute souvenirs. Located within walking distance of the airport, there are five floors of shops and restaurants as well as an international supermarket and a cinema here. The highlight for most visitors to Central Airport Plaza Chiang Mai is the handicraft and souvenir section. Boutique shops here sell a range of typically Northern Thai souvenirs including silks, clothing, teak trinkets and traditional toys. Read More...
- Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 10:30 – 21:00; Sat - Sun & Holidays 10:00 – 21:30
- Tel: +66 (0)53 999 199
Warorot Market
Chang Moi Road
Warorot Market (or Kad Luang) is a must-visit for food lovers as it offers a wide range of ready-to-eat meals, local snacks and all kinds of fresh produce. A large section of the market features inexpensive goods, such as clothing, fashion accessories and personal care products. Targeting mostly Thais, Warorot Market is a great place to get a feel for the local way of life. Read More...
- Opening Hours: 06:00 – 19:00
OP Place
Thippatana Arcade, Chang Klan Road
If you are looking for one stop shop for quality handicrafts and local products in Chiang Mai, then we recommend a browse of the stalls and shops in OP Place just a few steps from the bustling night bazaar. This large airy shopping mall has made local artisans its focus, and we had a great time rummaging through the collection. Read More...
- Opening Hours: 11:00 – 22:00
- Tel: +66 (0)53 252 004
