Shopping in Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street (Ratchadamnoen Road) next to Thapae Gate

So far, I have been to a couples of walking streets in Thailand from the famous backpackers paradise, Khao San Road in Bangkok to Bangla Road in Patong. Personally, I like the Sunday Walking Street located in Ratchadamnoen Road in the old inner city of Chiang Mai next to Thapae Gate. It is a unique street because the items on sale are delicately handmade and variety of things being sold by Chiang Mai's small scale art and handicraft producers and students. The shopping atmoshere is different from the Night Bazaar, the people here are warmer and friendlier like Chatuchak Weekend market in Bangkok.




Just a word of caution, beware of the " charming " Akha hilltribe ladies on the street. They are very hard working. If you are not interested in their items, just give them a big smile and say politely "Thank You". Unless you are good in bargaining power like my friend, Christina if not, don't bother to ask for the price. They are very persistent and will pester you and come after you not one but many:-).




Along each side of the road are rows of stalls selling anything that is handmade, artistic and easy to carry. Hand-painted mirrors and boxes, silver items, Thai silk, candleholders, Lanna musical instrument, cotton slipper etc. I am always fasinated by the intricate details on the paper lantern and lamp. Occasionally, you will find a few stalls selling fresh products eg traditional herbal wine and strawberries too.

Fresh products @ Sunday Walking Street (Chiang Mai)



Beside shopping, you may visit some of the temples along the road or have a decent meal in the restaurants on either side of the road. I love street foods and I will not miss my Thai banana pancake. You have a choice of filling from chocolate, strawberries etc or simply condensed milk. In Singapore is called Roti prata and usually served with fish or mutton curry. You will also find plenty of pancake stalls in Khao San Road and in Southern Thailand.

Street vendor selling Northern sauages & meatballs @ Sunday Walking Street ( Chiang Mai)



After your meal, there are plenty of masseuses inviting you to relax in easy rattan chairs for 30 or 60mins foot massages and the prices are pretty reasonable (120 THB per hour)

Where is the Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street: Located at Chiang Mai old city. Ratchadamnoen Road runs from Thapae Gate at the east to the majestic west entrance of Wat Phra Singh.

Have a relaxing foot massage along Sunday Walking Street (Chiang Mai)



Best Hotel Rates Around Chiang Mai - Sunday Walking Street

For more information on Chiang Mai, get hold a copy of 72 hours Amazing Chiang Mai guidebook published by TAT and MasterCard.