Whilst it doesn't have as many shopping options as Chiang Mai or Bangkok, shopping in Chiang
Rai is still fun and rewarding. The most important shopping spot is the Night Bazaar which
is meant for tourists. The bazaar is adjacent to the bus terminal and comes into its full
splendour at night. Rain can however spoil the show as most of the market is uncovered. So,
if it rains don't bother to go there as the vendors are not likely to show up.
Shopping in the markets and from the local hill tribes in Chiang Rai is sure to be an
enjoyable experience.
Shopping in Mae Sai
Amphoe Mae Sai
Mae Sai, the small border town of Mae Sai is located in Chiang Rai Province
in northern Thailand, 61kms north of Chiang Rai. It is a main border crossing and a steady
stream of non-Burmese and commuters walk across the bridge over the Mae Sai River to Myanmar
every day.
Entry permits valid for 14 days are issued at the Burmese immigration in Tachileik, your
passport is held and you receive a temporary travel permit, which is exchanged again for your
passport upon returning to Thailand. Particularly at weekends and on national holidays,
hordes of Thai people from as far as Bangkok come to Mae Sai for inexpensive shopping.
The huge market in Tachileik sells everything from VCD players to Burmese handicrafts. Young
Burmese men with hawker's trays try to offer you all kinds of things here; however, it is
recommended only to purchase goods in the numerous stores. After coming back to Mae Sai, you
may carry on shopping, but only purchase gemstones if you are an expert since they might emerge
as glass stones. Mae Sai is furthermore the most northern spot of Thailand and the sign next
to the bridge that states this fact is regularly beleaguered by tourists taking photographs.
The town is also a hub for jade trading and it is possible to visit some of the workshops and
learn about the methods used to process raw jade.
Location: Amphoe Mae Sai, Chiang Rai
How to get there:
Buses depart frequently to Mae Sai from Chiang Mai (4 hours, 30 minutes) and Chiang Rai (1 hour),
and there are daytrips taking tourists to the town and the Golden Triangle. Chiang Rai Airport
is a 1-hour, 30-minute flight from Bangkok.
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
The night bazaar in Chiang Mai is the inspiration for Chiang Rai's Night Bazaar. At present
it is not as large or busy as Chiang Mai but there is still enough to satisfy tourists.
The bazaar is located in a narrow street in the town's centre between Phaholyothin Road and
the bus station. Shops in Chiang Rai night bazaar consists of small stands that are lined up
on both sides of the street.
There is an open-air restaurant called Centrepoint situated halfway down the street. A small
stage is also in place for dance and music performances.Towards the bus station, the stalls
are replaced by a food court. The eats available mainly cater to local tastes. However, there
are a couple of restaurants catering to tourist palates near the bazaar entrance on Phaholyothin
Road. The night bazaar actually opens in the late afternoon and starts to get quite crowded
after 6 pm, just before sunset.
Location: between the bus station and Phaholyothin Road
Chiang Rai Souvenir
There are many kinds of souvenir and local products that tourists usually buy at presents. Moreover,
this is a place where tourists can buy goods from hill tribe and jewelry from China.
What to buy?
Coffee & Tea:
Coffee grows abundantly in the mountainous districts in Chiang Rai.
Doi chang, Doi tung and Doi Mae salong are the principal coffee growing areas. Head for a coffee
shop where you get to enjoy coffee fresh from the Chiang Rai mountains. Coffee beans are a popular
takeaway in souvenir shops.
Tea is grown by Chinese people on the mountainous districts of Doi Wawi
and Doi Mae salong in Chiang Rai. High grade oolong tea is produced in these plantations. The tea
produced here has earned OTOP 5stars - a local quality grading. You can taste the tea and buy some
to take back home.
Lichee:
Lichee is one of famous fruits of Chiangrai. It was first planted in Mae Chan in 2509 B.E. and
wide spread to other places later.
There are 3 famous kinds of lichee in Chiangrai:
- Hong Huai - It is an egg? shaped lichee, big fruits and big seeds also. This kind of lichee is not expensive.
- Jakkrapad (Emperor) - This kind of lichee is bigger than Hong Huai and more expensive also.
- Gim Jeng - It is the most expensive of lichee, because it is difficult to grow.
Moo Yor (White Pork Sauage):
It is one of local foods that made of pork. It is usually eat with tamarind sauce. This kind of
food is available at Sujint Shop and Shaweewan Shop. Moreover there are many kind of local foods
available called Sai Our (northern sausages), Nam Prik Noom (northern chilli sauce), and Nam Moo
(salted pork) also.
Handicraft:
Handicraft of hilltribes is famous for it? nice and outstanding. There are many kinds of hill tribes
product such as products made from woven marijuana fibers, neck lace, bags, etc.
Where to shop?
Hor Na Li Ka (Clock Tower)
Hor Na Li Ka (Clock Tower):
Many food shops and souvenir shops available here. Tourists can buy local products from many famous
shops such as Sujint Shop, Charoen Shop, etc.
Amphoe Mae Fah Luang:
Mae Fah Luang foundation is as part of the Doi Tung Development Project under Royal Initiative in 1988.
A model of sustainable development, the hill tribes stopped growing their former major cash crop, opium
poppies. Instead, beautiful handmade crafts have become these villages' source of revenue. Products
include hand-woven fabric, which is then used by cutting-edge designers to create unique products with
modern designs.
Mae Fah Luang's products are divided into two categories: home decor items and fashion designs: including
the textile collections. The beautiful and unique products are made from natural materials and inspired by
nature's own designs which echo nature in their lines and colors are all handcrafted. Items on offer include
ceramics, mulberry paper, decorative items and apparel, including colorful scarves, neckties, bags and
clothing designed with enough style to be seen at Bangkok Fashion Week.
Amphoe Chiang Saen:
Chiang Saen shopping spot is located on the road beside Mekhong River. There are many shops that sell goods
from China both fruits and electric devices especially in winter this place will be full of shops.
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