Absolute Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Walking Street

Wualai Walking Street (Saturday Market) The Wualai has been so far known for good quality of silver and lacquer wares. On Saturday evenings, the open-air market will be set up for the famous handicraft area. Do not miss a chance to shop for authentic northern silver, lacquer wares and unique handicrafts. Tourists are enjoy the local foods and Thai traditional performances. The market start from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Tha Pae Walking Street (Sunday Market) Starts from Tha Phae Gate through Ratchadamnoen Road every Sunday from 7.00 p.m. until midnight. There are variety kinds of local products on a reasonable price along both side of the street where Thai and foreign tourists are enjoy walking & shopping without exhaustion.

Ton Kong Market is convened on Saturday mornings in the Sansai-Tonkok community of Tambon Fa Ham, Mueang, Chiang Mai. Visitors could view and purchase local goods, local delicacies, organic vegetables, flowers, and decorative plants. There are demonstrations of quail farming techniques and cultural presentations by the community’s local youth group, vegetable cultivation by the agricultural group, and the ancient drum presentation by the folk handicrafts group. Visitors could also take a boat trip to observe lifestyles of communities along the Ping River.

Handicrafts Walking-street in San Kampaeng is a great place to view and purchase handicraft goods, foods, souvenirs, and enjoy the ancient San Kampaeng music show. This walking-street takes place every Saturday from 15.00 to 22.00 hrs.

Kat Dara Market

‘Kat’, in the northern dialect, means marketplace. The bazaar is a part of the Oriental Dara Tewi Hotel, located on the Chiang Mai – San Kamphaeng Road. It covers approximately 1,500 sq m of ground, full of trading space and shops. Many shops along the roads are built in the charming wooden shop-front style of the ancient Lanna Kingdom of Northern Thailand. Others showcase Lan Chang architecture from Laos and Northern Thailand, a truly unique and beautiful style of wooden houses, and still others were built according to Sip Song Pan Na style from Southern Yunnan or else in Burmese Mandalay style.

Quaint, unique shops sell local products such as silk and other cloths, decorations and crafts, as well as replicas of antiques. Visitors can find photo studios offering costumes and scenes from Lanna, and take home amazing photos of themselves lounging in the ancient past in full costume. The market is full of restaurants, food stalls and bakeries, as well as space for outdoor activities. For a break from the race, find yourself a cute little pavilion next to a pool or garden, or take a stroll along gentle paths, accompanied by peaceful Lanna music. All in all, the bazaar provides a lively atmosphere spiced with Lanna traditions and style, blended comfortably into the natural environment. For more information, Tel. 0 5385 0111.

San Kamphaeng

The village is located 13 kilometers the east of Chiang Mai town in a district that is famous for silk and a cotton weaving. The silk and cotton souvenirs produced in this village are high quality. Factories and souvenir shops selling woodcarving, silverware, earth ware, lacquer ware and cotton fabrics are located along the way from Chiang Mai to San Kamphaeng.

Located in San Kamphaeng is Bo Sang a village that produces handmade umbrellas. In addition to umbrellas, visitors will also be able to find various woodcarving and Thai silk products here.

Ban Hmong Mae Sa Mai

This Hmong village has preserved their simple but splendid traditions and lifestyles. The village can be reached by taking a left turn at Km.12 and proceeding for 7 kilometers. Only four-wheel vehicles in good condition can make the trip. Along the route, you can visit resorts which are open to visitors, including Mae Sa Valley, Mae Sa Resort (offers a 9-hole golf course), and Kangsadan Farm.

Ban Rai Phai Ngam 
 
Located between Km.69 to 70 along Chiang Mai-Hot route, the place is famous for its high quality traditionally woven cotton. To get to the village from the main route, turn left and proceed for 1 kilometer until you seethe village sign.

Traditional Cotton Woven Village

The village where the unique northern style Sarong is made is located approximately 3 kilometers from Mae Chaem District Office in Tha Pha Sub-district. The uniquely woven fabric is in great demand because of its striking color and indigenous style.

JJ Market

JJ market was established with determination to create a perfect gathering place of Chiang Mai's finest arts, craft products, clothing, accessories for garden or house, luxurious and unique home décor and souvenirs, sadly it hasn't quite managed to gather the crowds as expected. However, if you are looking for quality arts and crafts, it is well worth a visit. Located on Atsadathorn Road, considered as the most modern public utility road with all of the power lines embedded underground, this 15- rai Kad or Open Market is only 200 metres from the Super Highway.

Nimmanhaemin

Great little area featuring such famous shops as Gong Dee Gallery, Wit's Collection and Gerard Collection, whose designs are becoming very famous in Bangkok and beyond. Perfect gift buying shops in a quaint little shaded area of the city. Some of the products include very original hand-painted ceramics, water hyacinth furniture, lacquer home décor items and much more. Not the cheapest area, but its boutique feel makes it very popular. West side of town, towards Chiang Mai University.