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, jewellery, woodcarving, silverware, celadon, and lacquerware are manufactured, and number among popular purchases.

Umbrellas-Parasols - These are inextricably associated with Bo Sang where villagers have been engaged in their manufacture for at least 200 years.  All materials, silk, cottons, sa paper (manufactured from the bark of the mulberry tree) and bamboo are produced or found locally.  Visitors to Bo Sang will see literally hundreds of design and sizes ranging from the miniature to the gigantic.

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 rose wood, artfully carved in traditional or modern designs.  Woodcarving is a traditional northern  Thai art featured in numerous temples.  In recent years, wood carving has increasingly embellished furniture, gracing screens, chairs, tables beds, indeed anything bearing a wooden surface large enough to be carved.  Carved elephants, figurines and tableware number among other popular purchases.

Silverware - The finest Thai silverware is exquisite, and is made in Chiang Mai, where certain families have practiced 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 silverware artisans and their families live.

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 in San Kamphang.

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.

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.

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.

Pottery - Chiang Mai is the major center 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.