Where the Mountains Come to You
These days it’s mainly a bargain outlet for the famous local handicrafts, along with knockoff and genuine name-brand items. The main market is under roofed concessions, but sprawls out into the surrounding streets, where dozens of vendors set up every evening – many of them hilltribe people who have made the journey from the mountains to convert their wares into cash.

From Skilled Fingers
Homespun bargains include hand-woven silk and hemp clothing, hand-painted fans and umbrellas, woodcarvings, silver bowls and vases, northern Thai and hilltribe art and costumes. This is a good place to pick up decorative opium paraphernalia, but make sure it’s clean or customs may have a few questions for you when you get home. The standard modern stuff available in Bangkok is also here – and can often be had for lower prices – if you have the patience.

The Art of the Deal
Bargain hard and show no mercy. Many vendors are selling the same items, so you can easily move on to the next. Keep smiling though – bargaining should be fun after all – and the best deals happen when both sides are happy.