09 Oct. 2019

Nicknamed Thailand's craftsmanship capital, the city of Chiang Mai is packed with markets and small traditional shops. Suffice to say that if you have souvenirs and other gifts to bring back home, this is the ideal place! And the good news is that in addition to finding hidden gems, you'll also have the chance to see artisans at work! Discover the main markets in the city and the artisanal villages to go shopping during your stay in Chiang Mai…

Chiang Mai's Traditional Markets

The Saturday Walking Street

As its name suggests, this market takes place every Saturday evening (4pm to midnight) south of the old town on Wualai Street. You'll find everything: street food, traditional clothing from the ethnic tribes of the North, silver jewelry (the neighbourhood's specialty, which you can also explore outside the market on other days of the week) and all manner of artisanal objects…

The Sunday Walking Street

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

The 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 or hand-woven fabric, not to mention spices and art and plenty of other oddities. It's located on Chang Khlan Road and takes place every evening from 6pm to 10:30pm.

The 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, which is frequented mainly by locals! While most of the products sold are fresh produce, nothing stops you from buying spices as souvenirs!

Chiang Mai's Artisanal Villages and Boutiques

The Baan Tawai Village

It's one of the major tourist attractions in the Chiang Mai region (located about twenty kilometers from the city)! And for good reason, it's the epicenter of wood craftsmanship, where the majority of sculptures, doors, furniture and wooden objects are made. In addition to buying local artisanal creations, you can see the different stages of production by admiring the wood workers in action.

The San Kamphaeng Village

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

The Bor Sang Village

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

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. Because for her, traveling is not about ticking off countries on a map, but about weaving ties (often invisible but always powerful) with places, peoples and all manner of creatures from the animal kingdom. Her motto? Advising travelers with ethics, raising their awareness about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble and sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shade of a path, in the midst of a conversation, or in the gentle breath of a world that you finally take time to listen to…