Living in Chiang Mai

Stroll Around the Old City
The old city is the most interesting and historic part of Chiang Mai and where many important temples are located. Back in the 13th century, Old Chiang Mai City was the capital of the powerful Lanna Thai kingdom which ruled the entire region, plus parts of Laos, until the Burmese intervened in the mid 16th century. Remnants of the walls still remain along with city gates and the old moat which was restored in 1800.

Start at Tapae Gate, traditionally considered the main entrance to the ancient moated city. Tha Pae Gate restored to its former glory, forms the entrance to an area which has become the place for top end handicraft boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, bars and secondhand bookstores. A great place to browse.

Department Stores

Makro Department Store		Lotus Department Store
Carrefour Department Store		Big C Department Store
Index Living Mall		Modern Form Showroom

Convenience Stores

Tesco Lotus		Local Stores
7 ELEVEN		Kasem Store

Supermarkets

Modern Chiang Mai supermarkets are organized much in the same way as their Western counterparts. They offer all kinds of goods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh seafood, meat, tofu, pickled, dried and canned food, bread, dairy products, snacks, ready-to-eat meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and household articles.

Rimping Supermarket

Tops Supermarket

Chiang Mai is the center of handicrafts with a variety of antiques, silver jewellery, and embroidery, Thai silks and cottons, basketry, celadon, silverware, furniture, lacquerware, woodcarvings and parasols. Major Chiang Mai products include:

• Cottons & Silks
• 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, Sa paper (manufactured from the bark of the mulberry tree) and bamboo are produced or found locally.
  
• Silverware - Traditional skills and a guaranteed content of at least 92.5% pure silver invest bowls, receptacles and decorative items.
  
• Lacquerware - This decorative are enhanced items made of wood, bamboo, metal, paper and baked clay, in the form of receptacles, ornaments and various souvenirs.
  
• Furniture/ Woodcarving - Major woods and materials include teak, rosewood and rattan. Items may be unadorned or, especially with teak and rosewood, carved 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, beds, figurines, carved elephant indeed anything bearing a wooden surface large enough to be carved.
  
• 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.
  
• Pottery - Chiang Mai is the major centre 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.
  
• Sa (Mulberry) Paper Products: Chiang Mai is also famous for its Sa paper products a handmade, multi-purpose natural fiber. Sa products that come in different, distinctive designs include cards, notebooks, stationery, boxes, bags, photo frames, lanterns, gift wrapping paper, etc.

Nationwide Television, cable TV and local cable TV channels are available in Chiang Mai. Local and nationwide English newspapers and magazines are usually found in book stores.

Landline telephone system, high-speed internet (ADSL), all mobile phone systems, post offices, parcel services are available in Chiang Mai.

Electricity
The voltage in Chiang Mai is 220 Volt, which is different from North America (110V),

Chiang Mai power outlets are identical to ungrounded (2-pin) North American outlets. While most Chiang Mai outlets these days are polarized (one slot is slightly wider than the other), it is possible to encounter non-polarized outlets in some places.

Some North American equipment will work fine in Chiang Mai without adapter and vice versa, however, some sensitive equipment may not work properly or even get damaged. If you intend to purchase electronic appliances in Chiang Mai for use outside of Chiang Mai, you are advised to look for equipment specifically made for oversea tourists.