Whilst it doesn't have as many shopping options as Chiang Mai or Bangkok, shopping in Chiang Rai is still fun and rewarding. The most important shopping spot is the Night Bazaar which is meant for tourists. The bazaar is adjacent to the bus terminal and comes into its full splendour at night. Rain can however spoil the show as most of the market is uncovered. So, if it rains don't bother to go there as the vendors are not likely to show up.

Shopping in the markets and from the local hill tribes in Chiang Rai is sure to be an enjoyable experience.

Use our Chiang Rai Shopping Guide below for information on what to buy and where to buy it whist in Chiang Rai. Information about unique Thai items that you may wish to consider purchasing can be found by visiting our Thailand shopping guide. Situated in many of the shopping areas in Chiang Rai are some great Chiang Rai restaurants serving delicious Thai meals.

Chaing Rai Shopping Guide

Night Bazaar

The night bazaar in Chiang Mai is the inspiration for Chiang Rai's Night Bazaar. At present it is not as large or busy as Cjiang Mai but there is still enough to satisfy tourists. The bazaar is located in a narrow street in the town's centre between Phaholyothin Road and the bus station. Shops in Chiang Rai night bazaar consists of small stands that are lined up on both sides of the street.

There is an open-air restaurant called Centrepoint situated halfway down the street. A small stage is also in place for dance and music performances.Towards the bus station, the stalls are replaced by a food court. The eats available mainly cater to local tastes. However, there are a couple of restaurants catering to tourist palates near the bazaar entrance on Phaholyothin Road.

Handicraft Centres

If you are looking for options other than the night bazaar then look for the handicraft centres that sell items made by the local hill tribes. One of these is the Hill Tribe Museum and Handicrafts Shop functioning under the aegis of the Population and Community Development Association. You will find another outlet on the highway between the airport and the city.You can also visit the city's main market. A wide range of goods right from fruits and vegetables to apparel and home needs, await you here.

Chiang Rai Souvenirs

Hand-woven cloth

'Pha phun muang' is a typical northern Thai hand-woven cotton cloth. Supplementary-weft patterns and tapestry weave patterns are used to give 'Pha phun muang' its typical look. The north-eastern Thai people weave 'Matmi' which are silk cloths. The Thai lue women are very skilled at weaving and they use plant dyes extensively. Quite a few of the weavers produce under the OTOP (One Tambon One Product) scheme. A tambon refers to one administrative sub-district.

The womenfolk of a tribe which has moved to the Wiang Chiang Rung district from the northeast weave silk cloth.

Sa paper

The Sa or mulberry tree grows well in northern Thailand. Sa paper is fashioned out of these trees. This paper is used for a variety of purposes like writing, making envelopes, as wrapping paper and even for making lampshades. These Sa paper items can be bought at souvenir shops in Chiang Rai, at the Night bazaar or even at regular stationery shops.  

Woodwork

Traditionally weaving has always been women's domain while the men work with wood. Woodworkers churn out items like photo frames, dolls, toys, mobiles, and the like. Some of these products sport the natural look while a few are coloured and varnished. These woodwork items are sold at souvenir shops in Chiang Rai.

Silverwork

Traditional Thai dresses are always worn with silver jewellery. All the hill tribe people you see will be sporting silver jewellery. These jewellery items are sold by weight. In order to suit tourist tastes jewellery for sale is often fashioned in latest trendy designs.

Crafted products by hill-tribes

Yao embroidery

Yao women are very skilled with their embroidery needles. Elaborate geometrical patterns are very popular. These designs look splendid on their traditional dresses of black turbans and black pants.

Karen textile

Karen women specialise in weaving cotton cloth. The looms they use are back-strap looms. They also weave 'Matmi' - a silk cloth- in different patterns. The traditional colours used are indigo blue and red. However nowadays more colours are used to cater to tourist demands.

Hmong batik and appliqué

The traditional dress of the Blue Hmong women consists of pleated cotton or hemp skirts. The skirts are decorated with batik designs in indigo blue. These women are skilled in appliqué work too and they make several items using this technique. Trendy clothes, wallets and bags sporting local designs are sold in many souvenir shops.

Akha, Lahu and Lisu embroidery and appliqué

Women belonging to the Akha, Lisu and Lahu tribes are very skilled in embroidery and appliqué work. They use their skills in making several interesting items that are showcased for sale in Chiang Rai souvenir shops.

Coffee

Coffee grows abundantly in the mountainous districts in Chiang Rai. Doi chang, Doi tung and Doi Mae salong are the principal coffee growing areas. Head for a coffee shop where you get to enjoy coffee fresh from the Chiang Rai mountains. Coffee beans are a popular takeaway in souvenir shops.

Tea

Tea is grown by Chinese people on the mountainous districts of Doi Wawi and Doi Mae salong in Chiang Rai. High grade oolong tea is produced in these plantations. The tea produced here has earned OTOP 5stars - a local quality grading. You can taste the tea and buy some to take back home.