China Town

📍 Location of China Town 🚘 Directions to China Town

About China Town

Chinatown in Chiang Mai is a bustling hub of activity, especially during the Chinese New Year. The streets are lined with a multitude of stores selling a variety of goods, from food and drinks to fruits. The street food, in particular, is a highlight, offering excellent and affordable culinary delights.

For those interested in textiles, Chinatown offers a wide range of traditional clothing at negotiable prices. It's a great place to find unique pieces to add to your wardrobe.

However, it's worth noting that Chinatown in Chiang Mai may not be as large or as thrilling as those in bigger cities like Bangkok, New York, or San Francisco. It's more of a local market, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the residents. While it may not be the best place for shopping, it's still an interesting place to explore and see something different.

If you're in Chiang Mai for several days, it's worth taking the time to explore Chinatown. But if your time is limited, there are many other attractions in the city that may be more worth your while. One recommended activity is to take a break and enjoy an aromatic oil massage to relax from long day walks. It's the perfect way to recharge before continuing your exploration of the Old City.

Chinatown is a historically important part of Chiang Mai. It covers a large area next to the Ping River and is home to a multitude of indoor and outdoor markets, shops, temples, and shrines. Its historical significance to the city is immense. Visiting during the Chinese New Year is undoubtedly the best time, although it can be very crowded.

This small area is home to the Chinese families living in Chiang Mai. It features two Chinese Confucian Temples, old herbal medicine shops, and typical double-storied shophouses. There are also family-run wholesale shops and gold shops, most of which are painted red for good fortune. The area is known for organizing the annual Chinese New Year festivities and parade.

Chiang Mai's Chinatown may not be as grand as those in larger cities, but it is the center of Chinese business in the city. It's home to at least ten gold shops, Wororot Market, Tonlamyai Market, and two Chinese temples. It's also a great place to find Lanna style fabrics. However, it's worth noting that the area is primarily a business district, with shops and markets interspersed with the occasional restaurant or convenience store.

Chinatown is located north of Tapae Road, next to the Ping River. The official Tourist Information Centre is nearby, on Tapae Road, next to Nawarat Bridge. The area offers plenty of photo opportunities, especially at the fresh markets. However, unlike other Chinatowns, it tends to quiet down after dark, with most shops closing by 20:00h.

Despite its worn appearance, Chinatown offers a glimpse into Chiang Mai's original character. It's a place where you can find remnants of the city as it was in the 1970s. It's a far cry from the fancy, air-conditioned shops found elsewhere in the city, but it offers a unique charm that's worth experiencing.

During the Chinese New Year, Chinatown comes alive with activity. It's the best place to find good clothes at affordable prices. There are also many tea shops in the area, offering a wide range of flavors for tea lovers.