Chiang Mai Walking Street

Shopping in Chiang Mai

The historic Northern Thai city of Chiang Mai is famous for its outdoor markets including its 2 weekend- evening Walking Streets. The larger of the 2 takes place every Sunday from around 16:00 to midnight on Rachadamnoen Road leading down from the moat and Thapae Gate in the Old City. It’s a huge showcase of local handicrafts of all kinds such as fashion, jewellery, home décor, local ceramics, shoes, handbags and more, displaying the traditional arts and culture of the ancient Lanna Kingdom and the many local hill tribes.

Unlike in the Night Market, there’s hardly anything resembling designer rip-offs, although the fake Rolexes as popularised by Madonna make an occasional appearance. The street is home to a number of temples, all of which turn into outdoor food courts for the night, giving a plethora of opportunities to try authentic Lanna foods at incredibly low prices. This pedestrianised walking street attracts Thais as well as tourists and is growing larger by year due to its popularity, street musicians, traditional puppeteers and huge numbers of goods on show at the stalls.

 

Rachadamnoen Street is lined with coffee shops and bars, with people-watching a favourite occupation. Thai dancing shows are often performed in the tiny squares and temple grounds. Arriving before it gets dark gives the chance of a visit to Wat Chedi Luang, set half-way down the street, once home in the 15^th century to Thailand’s famed Jade Buddha and still home to the ancient Pillar of the City legendarily charged with keeping the town safe from invaders. 

The smaller walking street opens on Saturday evenings along Wualia Road. Located just outside the moat, it’s less crowded, even more traditional and less touristy than the Sunday Walking Street. Here you’ll find stalls selling the beaten silver goods for which the enclave is famous, many clothes and shoe stalls, arts and crafts and even antique textiles and artifacts.