Malls in Chiang Mai are a Stark Contrast to its Culture Rich Roots
Just because it’s far from Bangkok, a heritage capital and traditional, don’t expect to be without malls in Chiang Mai. If you’re after some retail therapy then you’re in luck, Chiang Mai has a great selection of shopping spots across the city.
They’re considerably smaller than the monster malls that you’ll find in Bangkok, but they’ll certainly scratch that retail therapy itch that you’ve been harbouring. They almost all have excellent shopping, extensive food options and lots of entertainment too. In fact, a few even play host to some of the best coworking spaces in Chiang Mai.
MAYA
Probably the best located of the malls in Chiang Mai, especially if you’re staying in the old city or the digital nomad hotspot area of Nimmanhaemin. It’s the most modern of the malls in the city and has something for everyone. It proclaims itself as a Lifestyle Mall and you can see why. Everything here is positioned as selling the high life and the fashion that goes along with it.
On the upper levels there are multiple food courts, fancier restaurants and a huge multi-screen cinema. There’s also a great coworking space called CAMP which is regularly populated with students and digital nomads alike. One of the best aspects of the mall? It plays host to a great group (yes group) of rooftop bars with a beautiful view across the Chiang Mai mountain range.
Hours of Operation: 10:00 – 22:00
Address: Maya 55 Moo 5, Huay Kaew Road, Nimmanhaemin
Contact: +66 (0) 5208 1555
Central Festival Chiang Mai
Part of the major chain, Central Festival, this mall is a big one (arguably the biggest in Chiang Mai. It’s really easy to access thanks to its location on the major ring road and is serviced by hundreds of songthaew on a regular basis.
Expect to find all of the major western fashion brands such as Top Shop, H&M etc, as well as locally owned stores too. The huge array available here, all 250,000 sqm of it, means you can easily lose a day here. Especially if you include a meal at one of the many restaurants and a film at the multiplex cinema.
Hours of Operation: Mon – Thurs 11:00 – 21:30, Fri – Sun 11:00 – 22:00
Address: San Dek Intersection, close to the outer ring road east of the Ping River.
Contact: +66 (0) 5399 8999
Kad Suan Kaew
This is the old timer of the Chiang Mai mall group. It was the first mall to be built in Chiang Mai and is still standing today. That fact means that it’s in a great central location, but doesn’t draw in people looking for an ultramodern alternative. As with Maya, it’s really close to the Nimman area and the northern section of the old city. There’s not as much choice of shopping locations but the local food court is excellent, plus there’s a top floor bar that serves great beer and a bowling alley for those rainy days.
Hours of Operation: Mon – Fri 11:00 – 21:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 21:00
Address: 99/4 Huay Kaew Road
Contact: +66 (0)53 224 444
Our Final Tip for Shopping in Chiang Mai
These are great options for when you’re looking for a western fix. But make sure you check out Chiang Mai’s incredible selection of local markets and night markets too. They’re incredibly varied and offer a real insight into local life, as well as some great souvenir options.
