Chiang Mai Night Bazaar เชยีงใหมไ่นทบ์าซา่
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!