Shopping in Chiangmai Thailand

Chiangmai Shopping guide    

Numerous articles on sale in Bangkok and the beach resorts originate in Chiang Mai, and many Thais make a special trip here to purchase furnishings and decoration. Wood carving, textile and ceramic companies regularly handle overseas orders from important clients, including international hotel chains and multinational companies, who appreciate the high quality products custom-made to their own designs and specifications. Whether you are looking for a trinket or a complete set of teakwood furniture, Chiang Mai is quite simply a shopper's delight, and this topic merits a section by itself.

In the city, growing numbers of high quality outlets add to the expanding variety and design of locally made products, no better reflected than the choice of excellent shops a few steps from the Amari Rincome Hotel, many of which sell exclusive or unique items which cannot be bought elsewhere. A short taxi ride from the hotel brings you to the Kad Suan Kaew shopping complex, which is home to hundreds of shops of all kinds, including a major department store, plus entertainment and sports (see below)

East of the city, the superb handicraft centres of Sankampaeng and Borsang feature on most excursion itineraries. Although 'invaded' by daily tour coaches, the wide area and sheer number of factories and workshops can make it seem surprisingly uncrowded. A guided tour can be advantageous, since groups are treated to interesting demonstrations and talks. If you are shopping for expensive items however, it is often better to return later on and conduct your bargaining alone, thus avoiding commissions traditionally reserved for accompanying drivers and tour guides. Many of Thailand's finest handicrafts originate here, finding their way not only to Bangkok, but also to quality shops in foreign capitals. The bewildering choice of items includes Lacquerware, Thai Ceramics, Silk and Textiles, Woodcarving, and exquisite Silverware. Less expensive but no less attractive options include lovely Hilltribe Crafts, and items made from durable Sa Paper (from the bark of the mulberry tree). This material is also used to make those delightful hand-painted and famous Chiang Mai Umbrellas, which come in an astonishing variety of colours and sizes, from miniature mantelpiece versions all the way up to giant garden parasols. The well known Night Bazaar, located between the old city and the river, has to some extent lost its originality, but interesting and unusual pieces can still be found amongst the abundance of standard souvenirs.

Cottons & Silks - First-class Chiang Mai cottons and silks are of incomparable quality.  Cottons and silkshave innumerable fashion and furnishing applications.  The largest possible selection is available in San Kamphang.

Umbrellas-Parasols - These are inextricably associated with Bo Sang where villagers have been engaged in their manufacture for at least 200 years.  All materials, silk, cottons, sa paper (manufactured from the bark of the mulberry tree) and bamboo are produced or found locally.  Visitors to Bo Sang will see literally hundreds of design and sizes ranging from the miniature to the gigantic.

Silverware - The finest Thai silverware is exquisite, and is made in
Chiang Mai, where certain families have practiced their art for several generations. Traditional skills and a guaranteed content of at least 92.5% pure silver invest bowls, receptacles and decorative items with authentic value. Silver shops are concentrated on Wua lai Road, where silverware artisans and their families live.

Lacquerware - Striking black and gold designs give lacquerware its visual appeal and sheen. This decorative are enhances items made of wood, bamboo, metal, paper and baked clay, in the form of receptacles, ornaments and various souvenirs.

Furniture/Woodcarving - Chiang Mai is a major center of furniture making. Major woods and materials include teak, rosewood and rattan. Items may be unadorned or, especially with teak and rose wood, artfully carved in traditional or modern designs. Woodcarving is a traditional northern Thai art featured in numerous temples. In recent years, wood carving has increasingly embellished furniture, gracing screens, chairs, tables beds, indeed anything bearing a wooden surface large enough to be carved. Carved elephants, figurines and tableware number among other popular purchases.

Hilltribe Products - These include silver ornaments, such as bracelets, necklace, pendants and pipes of intricate design, and embroidered items including tunics, jackets, bags, purses, caps and dress lengths.

Gold Plated Orchids & Butterflies - Orchids and butterflies are preserved and plated with 24-carat gold to create unusual gift items such as necklace pendants, hairpins and earrings.

Pottery - Chiang Mai is the major center of Thailand's pottery industry. Prized items include high-fired celadon which is produced in many forms, including dinner sets, lamp bases and decorative items