Malaysian Meanders: Chiang Mai Sunday Market

Another Spring Break is upon me, and I have yet to finish telling you about last year's Spring Break in Chiang Mai, Thailand... or even Spring Break from 2 years ago in Japan. I'm wondering where next year's Spring Break will find me.

The very first thing we did in Chiang Mai was the Sunday Market to get a feel for the town. We hopped in a songtow and took a ride to the Old City which is surrounded by a fortified wall. Granted, the busy Starbucks where the driver dropped us off didn't really scream "exotic Southeast Asia," but once we crossed Tha Phae Gate, the feeling of I-could-be-anywhere dropped away, and the ambiance of Chiang Mai wrapped itself around us.

Looking out at the New City through Tha Phae Gate

As the name implies the Sunday Market occurs on Sunday. The stalls stretch down Ratchadamnoen Street which is closed to vehicular traffic, making it a great place for me to browse without worrying that my kids would stray in front of a car or scooter. I was tempted to start snapping up souvenir handicrafts but made myself walk all the way down to see all my choices before I pulled out my wallet.

Handicrafts at the Sunday Market

Haggling is expected at the Sunday Market, as is the case with most places in Thailand. I am a horrible haggler. Hubby says I remind him of Monty Python's Life of Brian. My friends tell me that your first offer should be 60% off the asking price, and then you should finally end up at about 30% off after negotiations. I usually believe the seller's story that his dear wife worked her fingers off embroidering the lovely purse I'm holding in my hand and pay the full amount.

The Sunday Market is also a great place to find cheap eats, although to be honest, all of Chiang Mai seems to be overflowing with good and inexpensive meals. You can buy something to nosh on from a stall or duck into one of the brick-and-mortar restaurants lining the street.