Chiang Rai Shopping Travel Guide  Jump to: Chiang Rai Shopping Galleries
Chiang Rai has some fantastic local products that you may want to pick up for a bargain. Try the night bazaar as found between the bus station and Phaholyothin Road. You can pick up silk garments, tattoo etchings, pets, old coins, and collector's needlework. Or just watch the locals do their thing. Or try the main market that sells anything from food, fruit and vegetables, to jeans and homewares. To be honest, this market makes for better browsing than buying, but please yourself. Find this market near Wat Phra Singh. [more]
In any Chiang Rai market, the first price that you see does not mean it's the price you will pay. Bargaining makes up a way of life in Thailand, so bring your best negotiating skills to the table. Be sure to only bargain when appropriate - bargaining over a product less than 10 Baht makes for very poor form. If you make an offer that gets accepted, then you will be expected to honour that offer. Do not disrespect the seller or yourself by backing out of a deal. The usual way to avoid offence and get the best deal would be to offer one third of the price you first see. Then you will go up, and the seller will come down in price. If you don't like a price, walk away. If the seller truly wants to sell, they might just chase you and re-bargain!
With the Northern hill tribes in Chiang Rai, you will find some amazing handicrafts on your travels. Hand woven cotton, clothing, silver ornaments, and wood carvings all make popular choices. Check out the Hill Tribe Museum and Handicrafts Shop, found on the highway between the city and the airport, as operated by the Population and Community Development Association.
The Chiang Rai Handicrafts Centre makes the largest hill tribe shop in the area. You may call for a free pickup as it lies four kilometres out of town. The delightful staff will hand out hot tea to shoppers fading away. This shop includes an adjoining factory, good airmail shipping, and very helpful staff. With reasonable prices, and masses of things to choose from, you may need to spend an entire day here!
Some popular food choices include Naem and Mu Yo. These name the fermented pork products, similar to sausages. Lychees also make a popular shopping choice when in season from April to May, as pineapple and tea does most the year round.
The Lily Handicraft Store lies across the road from the Wangcome Hotel. Filled to the brim with local handicrafts, including some spectacular clothing items, you can definitely find a bargain here. There also exists a smaller branch on the main road, Phaholyothin Road, near Silver Birch. Most of these items, though, have been factory made. This does make the prices good and the clothing fit better, however.
The Silver Birch lies near the Wiang Inn on the main road of Chiang Rai. Be aware that they close on Wednesday and do not accept credit cards. This popular little store sells primarily hill tribe jewellery and unpainted wooden carvings. You will find everything in this store, from the tasteful to the downright tacky. You can sit outside on their table, enjoy a fresh drink, and relax as the world passes you by after all your hard shopping work.
Sumalee's Handicraft Centre will custom order your favourite teak and rosewood furniture - if you have a way to get it home! Otherwise, you may wish to choose to partake in their silk or hemp fabrics instead. Much easier to carry home with you.
You may also be lucky enough in Chiang Rai to discover traditional Thai silk. Designers love this silk for its traditional weaves and complicated patterns. The silk usually comes in a lovely multi coloured combination. There exist many different types of silk weaving techniques, patterns, cottons and cloths, and all styles come steeped in tradition. Pick whatever style you personally adore!
There tend to be many scams in Thailand surrounding gems and jewellery. The Tourism Authority suggests that you do purchase any gems in Thailand at all to avoid any problems. However, ruby, sapphire, onyx, and jade exist abundantly in Thailand. If you remain sensible, do not overspend, and be prepared for anything, you may get a good buy. Cultured pearl farms in Thailand turn out some excellent pearls, so the pearl jewellery may be worth your while if cultured pearls make your day.
Quality Thai leather goods have been created using very durable leather. A wide range of styles, complemented with gorgeous designs, make leather products a decent purchase in Thailand. Pottery creates another interesting option. The Chinese influence can easily be seen in Thai pottery.
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"Everything you ever wanted to know about Chiang Rai shopping"
