Chiang Mai Mall
Chiang Mai lies straddled between Myanmar, Laos and modern-day China. In ancient time, caravan traders plied their wares – tea, dried fruit, and opium and such along this area and today, the notorious Night Bazaar of Chiang Mai is just a few paces away from the original trade route that brought silk, timber, ivory, copper, gold, tobacco, mules, ponies, musk, betel nut and such into Chiang Mai.
The best time to arrive in Chiang Mai is right before the weekend to get the most out of your shopping experience. At the beginning of the weekend, local vendors troop to the street to display their wares – jewelry, fashion accessories, arts and crafts and anything that you can actually think of or want. Note that you should have enough cash with you as these street vendors do not accept credit cards.
The Sunday Walking Street is not to be missed as the products sold here are of better quality and has its own dose of cultural significance as vendors don their Thai costume as they sell their products. Try to come early so you can watch the vendors unpack their merchandise. The first sale for the day usually elicits a short prayer or ritual in the hope that business will be brisk for the day. Most of the items on sale here are handmade and are sourced from in and around Chiang Mai. Items such as leather sandals, cotton scarves, wood carvings and other ethnic accessories are available here.
Hungry? There are plenty of temples along the way that sells authentic northern Thai cuisine. There are international fast food chains in Chiang Mai for those who are not so adventurous. Most of these fast foods are found within Chiang Mai Mall.
As the sun sets street performers stake out their spots in readiness for a long night of serenading the crowd of tourists. The Night Bazaar comes alive. You can shop for inexpensive souvenirs here.
Hopping from one place to another to shop, eat, relax and get entertained is tiring. It is a good thing that come December 2012, a one-stop shopping complex along Chiangmau-Sankamphaeng Road is set to open.