Every evening, the centre of Chiang Mai comes alive with the massive Night Market that
stretches for several blocks and includes restaurants, bars and entertainment. Few people visit
Chiang Mai without picking up a few bargains here. In fact, the stalls that are squeezed on to the
pavement and in the purpose-built arcades of Chang Klan Road are one of Chiang Mai's biggest
attractions.
Night Bazaar
At the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar you can pick up
everything and an astonishing variety of handicraft
souvenirs, or sample the smoothness of the colourful silk
on sale everywhere. You can have a suit measured up,
ready for your collection the following evening or browse
exquisite Asian silver jewelry
The Chiang Mai Night Market is considered legendary and certainly one of the cheapest places
for tourists to shop in Thailand, owing to its close proximity to the source of products and the
lower cost of living in Chiang Mai. It is situated along a three-block stretch of Chan Klan Road in
the heart of the city, and within walking distance of most hotels.
Clustered around it are many restaurants and other
useful services, such as camera shops, travel agents,
internet cafes, massage and more. One popular activity
is to have your portrait done all dressed up in traditional
Thai costume. A word of warning; it does get crowded
in the high season and the narrow lanes between the
stalls become a human traffic jam. Many of the more
traditional handicrafts can be found at the more
pleasant Sunday Walking Street in the old town.
Wandering along the crowded pavements, admiring the beautifully-made handicrafts and seeking
out bargains on more contemporary consumer goods, is the best way to enjoy the Chiang Mai
Night market. Take your time and be patient but, most of all, learn how to bargain