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| Many tourists come to Chiang
Mai almost exclusively to shop. Whether it is for watches,
gold, jade, clothing or jewelry there is almost limitless
availability of any known product. For those looking for the
lower priced range of item, the famous NIGHT BAZAAR is ideal.
If it is an up-marker item you are looking for, that too is
well catered for. Bargaining is a long practiced art in places
where prices are not marked. In places, such as department
stores, it does not apply, Receipts should be obtained ad
for genuine jewelry, a certificate of guarantee also. There
are many skillful tailors who will produce the required garment
within a day or so at a competitive price. Also, there are
number of fine retail shops throughout the city selling high
quality clothing at about half the price one would expect
to pay the most Western countries.
The price of gold is set and is of 22 carat standard. The
many gold shops will be more than helpful in your choosing
an elegant and beautiful piece. Hand-made pewter ware is
available in available in many places in Chiang Mai and
is extremely beautiful.
There is also much cottage-industry type jewelry available
through out the city and environs. For many specialized
goods, the road to SANKAMPAENG must be at the top of your
list. It is there you will discover finely crafted silverware
and lacquer ware at very competitive prices. Also do not
fail to inspect Chiang Mai famous umbrella industry where
you can buy beautifully hand-painted umbrellas of all sizes.
The road to HANG DONG is dotted with many fine places selling
excellent handcrafted woodcarvings from life-sized elephants
to tiny birds. And much more. Also, the road to MAE RIM
gives the opportunity to search for items such as antiques
and carvings.
Do not forget to check out Chiang Mai’s famous silk industry.
Many fine garments, such as shirts, blouses, skirts and
suits can be tailors made for you at exceptionally reasonable
prices. So, give yourself a treat and fell the sensual luxury
of a Thai silk garment around you. You will also find more
unusual industries, such as decorative paper made from mulberry
tree bark, woodcarving and leatherwear of exceptionally
high quality. Another every popular local industry is the
manufacture, frequently to your order, of handmade, creatively
designed, candles.
Chiang Mai is quite simply, Thailand’s major center for
quality handicrafts. The visitor need merely visit the nearest
city emporium or night market to purchase handicrafts. A
major advantage of shopping in Chiang Mai is that the visitor
may watch artisans working within the city and in several
outlying villages, particularly along the Bo Sang-San Kamphaeng
road where, in genuine cottage industries, parasols, silk
and cotton weaving, jewelry, woodcarving, silverware, celadon,
and lacquerware are manufactured, and number among popular
purchases.
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Major Chiang Mai products include:
Cottons & Silks First-class Chiang
Mai cottons and silks are of incomparable quality. Cottons
and silkshave innumerable fashion and furnishing applications.
The largest possible selection is available is San Kamphang.
Umbrellas-Parasols these are inextricably
associated with Bo Sang where villagers have been
engaged in their manufacture for at least 200 years.
All materials, silks, cottons, sapaper(manufactured
from the bark of the mulberry tree) and bamboo are
produced or found locally Visitors to Bo Sang will
see literally hundreds of designs and sized ranging
from the miniature to the gigantic.
Silverware The finest Thai silverware
is exquisite, and is made in Chiang Mai, where certain
families have prettied their art for several generations.
Traditional skills and a guaranteed content of at
least 92.5% Pure silver invest bowls, receptacles
and decorative items with authentic value. Silver
shops are concentrated on Wua lai Road, where silverwareartisans
and their families live.
Lacquerware Striking black and gold
designs give lacquerware its visual appeal and sheen.
This decorative are enhances items made of wood, bamboo,
metal, paper and baked clay in the form of receptacles,
ornaments and various souvenirs.
Pottery Chiang Mai is the major
centers of Thailand’s pottery industry. Prized items
include high-fired celadon, which is produced in many
forms, including dinner sets, lamp bases and decorative
items.
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Furniture/Woodcarving Chiang Mai is a major center
of furniture making. Major woods and materials include teak,
rosewood and rattan. Items may be unadorned or, especially
with teak and rosewood, artfully caved in traditional or modern
designs. Woodcarving is a traditional northern Thai art featured
in numerous temples. In recent years, woodcarving has increasingly
embellished furniture, gracing screens, chairs, tables, bed,
indeed. Carved elephants, figurines and tableware number among
other popular purchases.
Hilltribe Products - These include silver ornaments, such
as bracelets, necklace, pendants and pipes of intricate design,
and embroidered items including tunics, jackets, bags, purses,
caps and dress lengths. Gold
Plated Orchids & Butterflies – Orchids and
butterflies are preserved and plated with 24-carat gold
to create unusual gift items such as necklace pendants,
hairpins and earrings.
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