Chiang Mai Shopping Guide 2026: Maya Mall & Night Market Finds
Ready for a Chiang Mai shopping spree? Discover Maya Mall for cool treats and unique finds, then explore bustling night markets for authentic souvenirs and local fashion.
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Ready for a Chiang Mai shopping spree? Discover Maya Mall for cool treats and unique finds, then explore bustling night markets for authentic souvenirs and local fashion.
Chiang Mai Shopping: Maya Mall & Night Market Must-Buys
Supypy @sue__ryan
✔️ Don't miss the delicious mango and banana Pocky!
✔️ Highly recommend the crispy chicken skin fries inside Maya Mall.
✔️ Convenient currency exchange services are available within Maya Mall.
✔️ For comfortable "elephant pants" and similar clothing, definitely buy them at the night markets for the best deals!
1. Shopping at Maya Mall
You might already know about many of the popular items to buy in Chiang Mai, Thailand. But I'm here to give you the inside scoop on Maya Mall itself – where to exchange currency, the best shops, and what unique snacks to try!
Chiang Mai can get incredibly warm, so seeking refuge in the air-conditioned comfort of Maya Mall was a welcome escape.
Right at the entrance, you'll spot sacred elephant decorations, which are highly revered in Thailand. They look similar to the mini keychains you often find at night markets.
It's tricky to find places in Thailand that offer free currency exchange with certain international travel cards. So, your best bet is often to bring US dollars to exchange or use an ATM, though be mindful of the fees.
I brought USD with me, exchanged a bit at the airport, and then converted more at Maya Mall as needed. I didn't notice any significantly better exchange rates elsewhere in Chiang Mai, so I opted for the convenience and security of a large shopping mall.
Maya Mall is quite an expansive shopping center, spanning from the basement parking all the way up to the 6th floor.
As expected, the mall hosts a diverse range of international brands, including familiar names like Watson's, Miniso, and Mitsukoshi.
Descend to the basement level, and you'll find souvenir shops alongside a sprawling supermarket. This supermarket is a treasure trove of goodies! Among the popular and must-buy items are corn jelly and Thailand-exclusive Pocky flavors.
The Thailand-exclusive Pocky, in particular, is perfectly portioned for a quick snack and makes for excellent souvenirs. I highly recommend buying them! It's often cheaper to purchase them in bulk rather than individually. I'm a huge fan of the banana Pocky, so I stocked up!
2. Maya Mall Food Court Delights
While Maya Mall boasts a large food court on the 6th floor, don't overlook the basement! Downstairs, you'll find trendy stalls offering unique snacks like crispy fries and, my personal favorite, chicken skin fries. I made a beeline for the chicken stall!
These chicken skin fries were incredibly similar to the popular ones once offered at KFC. They also sell a variety of sauces, making them the perfect savory treat to enjoy while you're shopping.
Throughout the mall, starting from the first floor, you'll find numerous shops selling clothes and souvenirs. While it's great to pick up items you love, be aware that clothing like "elephant pants" can be a bit pricier here. They might offer slightly better quality than market stalls, but the true joy of these comfy pants is getting a good deal. For that, I highly recommend heading to a night market instead!
3. Malin Plaza Chiang Mai Night Market
Chiang Mai is home to many fantastic night markets, but I want to shine a spotlight on Malin Plaza. This is a wonderfully expansive night market, brimming with delicious food, unique souvenirs, and a wide array of clothing.
From the moment you enter, your eyes will be drawn to a captivating selection of souvenirs. To keep your energy up, there's also a diverse range of street food! And when it comes to clothes, you'll find surprisingly neat and well-organized stalls.
After my snack haul at Maya Mall (and yes, I bought even more Pocky than pictured!), I picked up some comfy elephant pants (the kind with elasticized ankles!) here.
It was also fun discovering unique cereals, more diverse than what I typically find back home, and I couldn't resist grabbing some seaweed snacks too. I hope you have a blast finding delicious and affordable treats in Chiang Mai, and remember to haggle for those elephant pants at the night markets for the best prices!
Summary: Your Chiang Mai Shopping Cheat Sheet
Grab the Thailand-exclusive mango and banana Pocky – they're a must-buy!
Don't miss the crispy chicken skin fries at Maya Mall's basement food court.
Exchange your USD directly at Maya Mall; it's a cool and convenient option compared to wandering around in the heat.
For the best deals on "elephant pants," head to the night markets!
📍 Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center
55, 5 Huay Kaew Rd, Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300 Thailand
📍 Malin Plaza
หน้ามหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่ 99 58 Huay Kaew Rd, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200 Thailand
Yes, you can use the system available within Maya Mall to exchange dollars to Thai Baht. It is mentioned that you can exchange some money at the airport and then exchange additional funds as needed at Maya Mall.
Fried chicken skin is recommended at Maya Mall's underground food court. It is said to be similar to KFC's Hot Chicken Skin and good for a light snack while shopping, enjoyed with various sauces.
It is recommended to buy "refrigerator pants" at a night market. Prices at Maya Mall tend to be expensive, so it's better to haggle at a night market to buy them at a cheaper price.
Recommended Thailand-exclusive souvenirs to buy at Maya Mall's underground supermarket include corn jelly and Thailand-exclusive Pocky. Banana Pocky, in particular, is recommended as it's suitable for a single serving and makes a good gift.
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Supypy (@sue__ryan) • Instagram Photos and Videos