Renowned as Thailand's capital of craftsmanship, the city of Chiang Mai overflows with markets and traditional shops. If you're looking for souvenirs and gifts to bring back home, this is the perfect destination! And the best part? Beyond finding hidden gems, you can watch artisans at work! Discover the city's main markets and artisan villages for shopping during your stay in Chiang Mai…

Chiang Mai's Typical Markets

Saturday Walking Street

As its name suggests, this market takes place every Saturday evening (from 4pm to midnight) south of the old town on Wualai Street. You'll find everything: street food, traditional clothing from the northern ethnic tribes, silver jewelry (the area's specialty, available on other days of the week as well), and all manner of artisan objects…

Sunday Walking Street

The Walking Street Market continues on Sunday at the same times as Saturday's, but in a different location! This one starts from the Thapae Gate and stretches along the main Ratchadamnoen Street. It's one of the region's most popular markets. In a lively and authentic atmosphere, you can wander between stalls before stopping at one of the city's many temples to refresh yourself and chat with tourists, locals, and even monks!

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

For hassle-free shopping, head to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar. Here you'll find just about everything! From CDs and DVDs to shoes, jewelry, antiques, handwoven fabrics, spices, art, and much more besides. Located on Chang Khlan Road, it operates every evening from 6pm to 10:30pm.

Warorot Market

Attention all food lovers—don't miss the Warorot food market east of the old town. We love the atmosphere of this market, frequented mainly by locals! While most products sold are fresh produce, nothing stops you from picking up spices as souvenirs!

Chiang Mai's Artisan Villages and Boutiques

Baan Tawai Village

This is one of the major tourist attractions in the Chiang Mai region (located about 20km from the city)! And with good reason—it's the heart of woodcraft, where the majority of local wooden sculptures, doors, furniture, and objects are made. Beyond purchasing local artisan creations, you can watch the different stages of production by admiring woodworkers in action.

San Kamphaeng Village

Located 13km from the city, San Kamphaeng village is a true artisan paradise. Or rather, the entire route connecting the two sites is! Known as the artisan route, it's filled with numerous stalls and small production workshops. What makes this route famous is the abundance of Thai silk products, considered among the world's finest for weaving quality. Along the route, you'll also find lacquerware, ceramics, wood, and much more…

Bor Sang Village

On the famous artisan route, we highly recommend stopping at Bor Sang village, 9km from Chiang Mai. Specializing in handmade paper umbrella production, this village is a cultural symbol of the region. Available in miniature, umbrella, or parasol form, you'll find them in all sizes, colors, and patterns. Each piece is crafted from 'sa' paper, an inner bark similar to mulberry. Cotton versions are also available. Once again, you can observe the local production methods firsthand! And if you pass through in January, don't miss the annual umbrella festival on the third Friday of the month. The program features umbrella parades, exhibitions, beauty contests, performances…