The Night Bazaar, one of Chiang Mai’s top attractions

Posted by paul on September 16th, 2008 filed in Attractions, tourist tips

The atmospheric Night Bazaar in downtown Chiang Mai comes alive every evening and purchasing some bargains here is a must while visiting this provincial capital city. The numerous stalls which are squeezed on to the sidewalk as well as in the designated arcades, rank steadily among the city’s main star attractions.

Here visitors can buy everything from fake Rolex watches to antiques, choose from a wide range of  varied handicraft items, sample the colourful silk’s smoothness on sale everywhere, have a brand new suit measured up, completed the next evening, browse distinctive silver jewellery or stock up on inexpensive DVD movies.

The city centre’s Night Bazaar is considered legendary and provides definitely one the most inexpensive spots for visiting tourists to shop in the country, due its strategic close position to the source of the offered goods and Chiang Mai’s lower living costs. The Night Market is located along a stretch of three blocks along Chan Klan road in city’s heart, within convenient walking distance of many hotel establishments. Clustered around the lively market are many bars, restaurants, cafes, food stalls and tour agencies. One popular pursuit is to have your portrait photographed all dressed up in Northern Thai traditional costume.  Complete Chiang Mai shopping info

Strolling along the busy pavements, appreciating the wonderfully-made souvenirs and seeking out cheap prices on more contemporary consumer products is the most ideal way to enjoy this popular market to the fullest. Be patient and take your time, but most important, learn some bargain skills! The Thai merchants expect it and their first proposed price will always be twice as much what you should pay. The more time you take having a ‘friendly’ argument, the lower your final price will be. However, you should realise that these items are already extremely cheap and the merchants earn modest incomes.