Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, or Kad Lua

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, or Kad Luang (Royal Market) as it is known by locals, is one of Chiang Mai's biggest draws. Located right in the centre of the city on Ping River, it is easily accessible and if you are in Chiang Mai a visit is almost obligatory.

The market attracts huge crowds every evening and it is a great place to pick up trinkets and gifts. Given the market’s close proximity to the companies that manufacture them, the price of local handicrafts is attractively cheap here.

The market has huge arcades which hold a multitude of shops and stalls. The place is so packed that stalls actually spill over onto the footpaths around the market. It’s a big place to wander around, and you should put away at least a couple of hours to do it.

Aside from local handicrafts, you can buy virtually anything you can think of at the market - watches, silk, jewelry and more high-tech items like TVs and DVD plays and CDs. As with many markets, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar also offers some of the best street food you are likely to come across.

Catering for the large number of foreigners visiting, the bazaar also offers camera shops, travel agents and Internet cafes. Be prepared to bargain - to get the best price you will have to. One service the bazaar offers that seems eternally popular is portrait paintings from photos. Alternatively, have your portrait painted in Thai costume!