Typically when most people think of Chinatown they think of San Francisco, New York or even Bangkok. Chiang Mai would probably be the last place to come to mind. I’m here to tell you, not only does Chiang Mai have a Chinatown – it is wonderful!
Chinatown is actually Chiang Mai’s oldest trading quarter and covers the entire area between the large archway on Chang Moi Road and the bank of the Ping River.
This bustling shopping district features several markets and numerous little side alleys with hundreds of shops. Truly anything and everything you’re looking for – you can find it in Chinatown.
While there are a plethora of shops, the star of the show is fabric. Chinatown is a seamstresses’ paradise. There’s a vast array of fabric shops, each one carrying different prints and designs.
A walk through Chinatown will unearth plenty of unique finds, quirky scenes and interesting street life. A maze of lanes and alleyways house many wholesale shops and stalls selling a variety of goods including Chinese teas and silks. The streets are lined with vendors and everyone has something to sell.
A wander through this bustling area is a pleasant assault on your senses. The smells, tastes, sights and sounds lead you into the heart of the city’s Chinese community with lots to explore and experience.
Although Chinatown in Chiang Mai isn’t the largest of its kind, it hums with activity and is a worthwhile inclusion on your list of places to visit when exploring Chiang Mai.
Pro Tip: Arrive early! Chinatown is huge and it’s busy. Shops are open seven days a week from 9am until 7pm.
