Information: This shopping mall has cozy yet inviting interiors. Central Airport Plaza, Chiang Mai is a hit not only among the locals but also among the foreign tourists. This shopping arcade attracts many tourists to its door every year.

Central Airport Plaza, Chiang Mai boasts of having several popular western brands in its premises. Some of these brands are Watsons, Esprit, The Body Shop and Export Shop.

The Central Airport Plaza, Chiang Mai has other stores whose sell everything from jewelry to appliances. If you are feeling hungry you can always stop and indulge yourself in the mouth watering delicacies. Central Airport Plaza, Chiang Mai houses many popular restaurants like the Baskin Robbins or Dairy Queen, food court, coffeehouse, MK restaurant and the Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Information: Kad Suan Kaew, known as Central, is the biggest Chiang Mai shopping complex. It provides an array of facilities such as a hotel, bowling alley, a shopping mall, restaurants, supermarket, food court and a cinema. This huge department store is located in the center of town and has a large range of products on offer.

Information: The Night Bazaar, or Kad Luang (Royal Market) as it is know by locals, is one of Chiang Mai's biggest draws. Located right in the centre of the city on Ping River, it is easily accessible and if you are in Chiang Mai a visit is almost obligatory. The market attracts huge crowds every evening and it is a great place to pick up trinkets and gifts. Given the market’s close proximity to the companies that manufacture them, the price of local handicrafts is attractively cheap here.

The market has huge arcades which hold a multitude of shops and stalls. The place is so packed that stalls actually spill over onto the footpaths around the market. It’s a big place to wander around, and you should put away at least a couple of hours to do it. Aside from local handicrafts, you can buy virtually anything you can think of at the market – ‘Rolex’ watches, silk, jewelry and more high-tech items like TVs and DVD plays and CDs. As with many markets, the Night Bazaar also offers some of the best street food you are likely to come across. Catering for the large number of foreigners visiting, the bazaar also offers camera shops, travel agents and internet cafes. Be prepared to bargain – to get the best price you will have to. One service the bazaar offers that seems eternally popular is portrait paintings from photos. Alternatively, have your portrait painted in Thai costume!

Information: Saturday Market on Wualai Road (the street that shoots off at an angle just outside the Chiang Mai gate on the south side of the old city) officially starts at 5.00 pm, although the road will be closed to cars from about 2.00 pm onwards; it's pretty much over by 11.00 pm. It's the old silver working district, and some shops stay open late on this day. Like the better-known Sunday Market, there's lots of food and local crafts.

Information: Sunday Market also known as Walking Street or Weekend Market and is a real showcase of the art and craftsmanship of Northern Thailand. Many of the stallholders have personally made the items they sell and the many hand crafted objects are a testimony to the skills and inventiveness of local people.

The goods available are made from an incredible array of materials including: wood, metals, ceramics, fabrics, paper, coconuts and much more besides. The products are truly authentic and original and are the perfect place to find gifts or beautiful things to decorate your home. If you are purchasing, don’t forget to bargain. Any item that is not marked with a fixed price is open for negotiation and is all part of the fun. The stall holders, many of whom have other jobs and only trade at the market, love banter and as long as you smile and barter in a good natured way you will have a great experience.

Food and drink is also available in glorious abundance at the Sunday Market. There are a number of temples along Rachadamnoen Road and their grounds are open to vendors, many of whom sells fabulous local treats fresh cooked before your eyes.

The Sunday Market is the best place in Chiang Mai to see genuine Thai style street entertainment. Right along the length of the Ratchadamoen Road are pavement artists of all descriptions, traditional musicians, Thai dancers, living statues, puppet shows and rock bands. This all adds to the festive nature of the market and makes it an unmissable event.