If you love antiques and handicrafts, then make
time to visit the many bazaars and markets during your Chiang Mai holiday.
There are goldmines for every type of shopper here, whether you’re a serious
collector who doesn’t mind spending thousands on rare pieces or a
bargain-hunter looking for nice things to bring home.
Handicrafts are omnipresent in Chiang Mai. In fact, many tourists in Bangkok make a trek to this northern part of the country specifically to shop for antiques and souvenirs. The best selections are in the city center’s many bazaars and markets. From handmade Thai silks to jewelry, wood carvings, and art—everything you can imagine is offered.
Visiting the
Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai’s most popular night bazaar is an
antiques and handicrafts haven in the middle of the city, most notably on Chan
Klan Road (which is also home to a Starbucks and a McDonald’s). Shops open at
sundown. If you want higher-quality antiques, though, go straight to Vieng Ping
Night Bazaar, which specializes in antiques, gems, and crafts. The prices are a
bit more expensive, but the selection is more curated and upscale. Across the
road from Vieng Ping is Galare Centre, which offers goods that are somewhat in
between Vieng Ping and the street vendors in terms of quality. There is an
open-air food court where you can watch traditional Thai dancing nightly (for
free).
Baan Tawai
Village
There is a small village south of the city
called Baan Tawai, and the place to visit for exceptional wood carvings,
artisanal handicrafts, and furniture. You will also find textiles, lacquer
ware, basketry, silverware, Buddhist art, and rattan crafts here. There are
quaint cafés all over the village.
Your private villa in Chiang Mai can help you arrange private transport for a
day of shopping. They can even provide you an English-speaking guide who can
take you to the best places and help you score great bargains.
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