Visas

Visas can be extended in Chiang Mai at the Chiang Mai branch of the Immigration Division of the Royal Thai Police Department (Tel. 277510), located 300 meters (660 feet) before the entrance to Chiang Mai Airport. The division is open from 8:30-12:00 a.m. and 1:00-4:30 p.m. weekdays.

For an extension permit, contact the division in person, taking a photocopy of your passport, along with two passport sized pictures. Plan to spend at least an hour there. Dress politely, as the division enforces a strict dress code.

Festival & Event's Days

When speaking of shopping in Chiang Mai, one must consider, along with the everyday necessities, the many handicrafts that are part of the city's history. Made with workmanship skill that have been passed down from generation to generation, these beautiful crafts are a good representation of Chiang Mai's proud Lanna heritage.

Bor Sang and Sankampaeng Area (Highway 1006)

This road serves as the location to the largest amount and the most popular of handicraft factories . and shops in Chiang Mai. It begins at the Chiang Mai - Sankampaeng intersection and continues to the Sankampaeng district at k.m. 13. It is lined on both sides by showrooms and factories where you have the opportunity to observe the production of crafts, as well as purchase them. Thai silk, cotton, lacquerware, ceramics, leather products, silverware, umbrellas, woodwork, jewelry, and antiques can all be found along this road.

Due to the increased shortage of antiques, artists have turned to creating replicas of old antiques which portray the same beauty and characteristics as the genuine ones. There is no attempt to pass off these neo-antiques as genuine. The famous Bor Sang Village, which sells umbrellas and woodcarvings, is also located on this road.

Night Bazaar

The Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Rd. is probably the largest center for the selling of all sorts of crafts in ChiangMai. A good place to shop if you are pressed for time-the selection is astounding! The Night Bazaar originated as a three story building, and later expanded to be the busy mosaic of department stores, shops, and vendors that it is today.

Markets

Visiting one of Chiang Mai's markets is a good way to observe the local Thai people, as well as get to know them. It is also an excellent place to improve your bargaining skills. Chiang Mai markets are one of a kind, and quite unlike anything you would expect to find in your home country. You can find almost anything at these ld style markets which sell everything from spices to fresh meat. There are several of these markets in Chiang Mai, including the Ton Lamyai, the Warorot, which is famous for its variety of preserved fruits; the Sanpakoi, and the Chiang Mai Gate markets.

Hang Dong Area

This area begins at the Chiang Mai-Hang Dong intersection, and continues until the k.m. 15 post marker. This area is best known for its many antique shops. There are also wood carving, lacquerware, ceramic, silver, and bamboo craft stores along this route. In addition, on k.m. 15 of this road, lies Tawai Village, which is famous for its woodwork. It is a good place to observe carvings and neo-antiques being made, as well as being sold at cheap, wholesale prices.

Wualai Road

This road is famous for being home to generations of silversmiths. It is here that much silverware is produced and sent to shops all over the city to be sold. If you are in search of high quality, Chiang Mai style silverware with expert workmanship, then this is the place to visit. In addition to silver, there is also lacquerware, antiques, ceramics, and silk available on this road.

Villages

As for those who desire to observe crafts being made in their traditional surroundings, the different craft villages are a good place to visit. Apart from the umbrella villageof BorSang, and the Tawai woodcarving village, there is also the rattan and wickerwork of HongDong, the ceramic village of Muangkung, and the cotton village of Nong Aab Chang and Baan Rai Pai Ngam which specializes in natural dyes. These village also give the opportunity for a good bargain.

Hilltribe Products

These include silver ornaments, such as bracelets, necklaces, pendants, hairpins and pipes of intricate design, and embroidered items including tunics, jackets, purses, bags, caps and dress lengths.

Everyday Necessities

Department stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and most of the streets of Chiang Mai sell the everyday necessities that you need. Most will have anything from shampoo to bread for sale. The prices at these stores are fixed

Information from Tourism Authority of Thailand