Chapter 4.10 – General Shopping, Laundry and Care

General Shopping, Laundry, and Care


Shopping in Chiang Mai

Traditional Markets

1. Warorot Market (Kad Luang):
What to Buy: Fresh produce, local snacks, dried fruits, spices, clothing, and household goods.
Highlights: A bustling market with a wide variety of goods, great for experiencing local culture and finding unique souvenirs.

2. Sunday Walking Street Market (Tha Pae Walking Street):
What to Buy: Handicrafts, jewellery, clothing, art, and street food.
Highlights: Open every Sunday evening, it’s one of the most popular markets, offering a lively atmosphere and a chance to buy directly from local artisans.

3. Saturday Night Market (Wua Lai Walking Street):
What to Buy: Similar to the Sunday Market, with an emphasis on handmade goods, silver jewelry, and local food.
Highlights: Held every Saturday evening along Wua Lai Road, known for its silversmith shops.

4. Night Bazaar:
What to Buy: Souvenirs, clothing, accessories, and artwork.
Highlights: A large market open every evening, offering a mix of traditional and modern goods, plus a vibrant atmosphere with performances and food stalls.

Modern Malls and Shopping Centres

1. Central Festival Chiang Mai:
What to Buy: International brands, electronics, fashion, and groceries.
Highlights: A large, modern shopping mall with a wide range of shops, a cinema, and a food court.

2. MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center:
What to Buy: Fashion, electronics, beauty products, and dining options.
Highlights: A trendy mall near Nimmanhaemin Road, popular with both locals and expats, featuring rooftop dining with great views of the city.

3. Airport Plaza:
What to Buy: International brands, electronics, fashion, and groceries.
Highlights: A large, modern shopping mall with a wide range of shops, a cinema, and a food court.

4. Promenada Resort Mall:
What to Buy: A mix of retail stores, entertainment options, and dining.
Highlights: A unique mall with an open-air design, offering a relaxed shopping experience.

Specialty Shops and Boutiques

1. Nimmanhaemin Road:
What to Buy: Boutique fashion, unique home decor, art, and handmade goods.
Highlights: A trendy area with numerous boutique shops, cafes, and galleries, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind items.

2. Baan Tawai Village:
What to Buy: Handcrafted furniture, wood carvings, home decor, and souvenirs.
Highlights: Known as the artisan village, it’s the place to go for high-quality handcrafted goods.

3. Rimping Supermarket:
What to Buy: Imported groceries, organic products, and local delicacies.
Highlights: A favorite among expats for its wide selection of international and high-quality local products.

Tips for Shopping in Chiang Mai

  • Bargaining: Bargaining is common in traditional markets. Start with a lower price and negotiate politely.
  • Cash: Carry cash, especially in markets and smaller shops, as some places may not accept credit cards.
  • Local Products: Look for locally made products such as Thai silk, silver jewelry, wooden carvings, and traditional ceramics.
  • Food and Snacks: Don’t miss out on trying local snacks and street food. Markets are a great place to sample a variety of Thai treats.
  • Shopping Hours: Markets typically open in the late afternoon and evening, while malls have standard daytime hours (11 AM to 10 PM).

Laundry and Dry Cleaning in Chiang Mai

When it comes to laundry and dry cleaning in Chiang Mai, you have several options. You can choose between local laundromats, on-demand laundry services, or even a monthly laundry subscription. Some popular options include:

  • Em’s Laundry – Chiangmai Laundry
  • WashDrop Laundry ซักอบรีด
  • QLEEN by PERFECT Dry Cleaning group
  • Laundry Royal Chiang Mai
  • Laundrytown

Each of these services offers different options and pricing, so it’s important to compare them to find the best option for your needs. Some services offer pickup and delivery, while others have physical locations where you can drop off and pick up your laundry. Additionally, some services specialize in dry cleaning and offer additional services like ironing and folding. Overall, there are plenty of options for laundry and dry cleaning in Chiang Mai, so you can find the one that works best for you.