Chiang Mai Shopping Travel Guide

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May be it's the endless amount of stuff, the ridiculously low prices, the colourful assortment you've never ever seen before, or it could be the emotional high that hits you when you're on vacation that finds an outlet in a wild shopping spree. Whatever the reason, chances are you'll pack an extra piece of luggage with all the must-have knick knacks you accumulated while on your trip. [more]

Furniture and Woodcarving This art form in Thailand originated from the temples where religious objects such as Buddha images and pulpits were finely carved. Royal regalia for the court and household objects used by the nobility were also decorated with carving in temple buildings, the doors, shutters, gables and triangular brackets sup... read more. Handmade Umbrellas The famous umbrella making center at Bor Sang outside of Chiang Mai is a must-see for every visitor of the region.... read more. Handwoven Fabrics In the past, weaving was a most important skill for Thai women. Plain designs were for daily use, while those woven for rituals or ceremonies were elaborate. In the north, cotton was woven by the Tai Yuan and Tai Leu, and silk was woven by the Lao. Thus silk usually had to be imported some distance and only hig... read more. Hilltribe Handicrafts The hill tribes are famous for their bright costumes and jewelry, but other artifacts such as pipes, knives, basketry and musical instruments also make desirable souvenirs.... read more. Lacquerware Lacquerware was originally used to provide a silky weather-proof finish that would preserve the life of an artifact. As lacquer provided a base for gilding and glass or pearl inlay, it was widely used for decoration in temples.... read more. Pottery The finest Pottery of the region is known as celadon, which has a distinctive glaze made with wood ash. The technique of producing these wares involves applying the glaze before a second high temperature firing (1260° C in a reduced atmosphere of carbon dioxide). It was developed in China at least 2000 years ag... read more. Shopping in Chiang Mai Chiang Mai is, quite simply, Thailand's major center for quality handicrafts. The visitor need merely visit the nearest city emporium or night market to purchase an extraordinary variety of antiques, silver jewelry, hilltribe opium pipes and embroidery, Thai silks and cottons, basketry, celadon, silverware, fur... read more. Silverware In the north of Thailand, silverware goes back at least to the time of King Mengrai, who imported artisans from Burma. Chiang Saen period silverware has been found in burial mounds.... read more. Thai Orchids If you have the chance to visit Thailand, the beguiling orchid with is myriad forms is one aspect of the Orient's exotic charm not to be missed, and never to be forgotten.... read more. Thai Silk Even with modern technology, Chiang Mai silk remains a timeless expression of the craftsman's skill.... read more.

Where to Shop

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The Night market is where it's all at and there's no way you're going to miss it. The sheer energy of the event is sufficient to carry you forward through to an experience you'll never forget. Take in the colours, lights, smells, and of course, the humongous amount of stuff on sale. You'd never have believed that so much art resided in a piece of wood, or a roll of cotton. You'll marvel at the sheer creative imagination of a people, who seem to be able to churn out works of art as a matter of course with their bare hands and a few simple tools. Stock up on souvenirs in the form of wooden, handicrafts, jewellery, silks and cottons, metal art, parasols, hill tribe products, and pottery.

But ironically, this shopper's haven is sometimes more of a cultural trip for tourists who often tote cameras rather than shopping bags. If you're one of them, then you should head to Sankampaeng for your shopping. Everything you saw at the Night market and more in much larger quantities without the fair atmosphere that distracts. You can even watch as they are made. But remember, this is a tourist hot spot, and so shopping here calls for at least basic bargaining skills.

Though exquisite handcrafted stuff is available everywhere, there are areas that specialize and a visit to these places can be enlightening, to say the least. Bo Sang is umbrella land with all sorts of colours and designs that will see you leave with at least four. If wood art is your passion, head for Baan Tawai for anything knife handles to furniture. This is a great place to visit, as you'll see, with modern showrooms and an upmarket feel. For anything silver, visit Wualai Rd.

For some upmarket shopping you'd have to head to Nimmanhaemin with its fashion boutiques, quaint art shops selling souvenirs, and even furniture. You'll find more of the same in the Pae area shops such as the Lost Heavens and Nova Collections. For a shopping mall experience you have the Central Airport Plaza and Kad Suan Kaew which would be the typical super mall with everything.

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