Shopping in Chiang Rai centers on two excellent guided experiences that showcase the city’s authentic markets and local culture. The standout Night Market Walking Tour connects visitors with the heart of local commerce, offering tastings and cultural insights along the way. For a hands-on market experience, the Thai-Akha Cooking Class starts with a fascinating market visit where you’ll learn to select traditional ingredients before your cooking lesson.
I especially love these tours because they’re practical, educational, and come with reliable transportation – a real bonus in this bustling Thai city. The local guides are exceptionally knowledgeable, and both tours maintain consistently high ratings from fellow travelers.
Let’s explore the top market tours in Chiang Rai.
Key Points
- Chiang Rai Night Market Walking Tour provides an immersive shopping experience, featuring local handicrafts, street food, and cultural insights.
- Chiang Rai Artisan Village Tour showcases traditional Thai artisanry, including silverwork, lacquerware, and silk weaving, with opportunities for hands-on workshops.
- Chiang Rai Hilltribe Market Tour offers a unique chance to explore the vibrant markets of various ethnic minority communities, such as the Akha and Yao.
- Chiang Rai Doi Tung Royal Villa and Mae Fah Luang Garden Tour combines shopping for local products with a visit to the former royal residence and botanical gardens.
- Chiang Rai Bamboo Weaving Class and Craft Market Tour provides a hands-on experience in traditional bamboo weaving, as well as access to a local craft market.
Chiang Rai Food & Night Market Walking Tour With Local Host
The Chiang Rai Food & Night Market Walking Tour with Local Host offers travelers an immersive experience into the vibrant culinary and cultural scene of Chiang Rai, Thailand. Priced from $76.94 per person, the tour accommodates up to 15 participants and lasts several hours, including visits to temples and the lively night market.
Led by a professional, English-speaking local guide, the tour provides roundtrip transportation from the Chiang Rai city center and includes admission fees, food tastings, and drinks.
Highlights include exploring the bustling night market, sampling authentic Thai cuisine, and capturing stunning photos of the iconic Blue Temple.
With a 5.0-star rating from previous travelers, the tour is praised for its delicious food, knowledgeable guide, and efficient itinerary.
Travelers can enjoy free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling up to 24 hours before the experience, making it a flexible and convenient option for those seeking a memorable culture in Chiang Rai.
Read our full review: Chiang Rai Food & Night Market Walking Tour With Local Host Review
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Chiang Mai: Traditional Thai-Akha Cooking Class& Market Tour
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary experience in Chiang Mai can embark on the Traditional Thai-Akha Cooking Class & Market Tour. Priced from Kč 911 per person, this 5-6 hour excursion includes hotel pickup and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Guests will explore Thai-Akha fusion cuisine at Thai Akha Kitchen, learning to prepare dishes like Papaya Salad, Fried Spring Roll, Mango with Sticky Rice, and a choice of curries, soups, and stir-fries.
The experience also features an immersive local market tour, where participants can handpick fresh ingredients and learn about Akha culinary traditions.
Beyond cooking, travelers will gain cultural insights into the Akha way of life and receive a cookbook plus dry ingredients to take home.
With an overall 5/5 rating from 4 reviews, this class promises a well-structured, delicious, and personalized experience led by friendly, knowledgeable instructors.
Read our full review: Chiang Mai: Traditional Thai-Akha Cooking Class& Market Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Chiang Rai offers a range of shopping tours that showcase the city’s diverse cultural heritage. The Chiang Rai Food & Night Market Walking Tour and the Chiang Mai: Traditional Thai-Akha Cooking Class & Market Tour provide immersive experiences, allowing visitors to explore local markets, try authentic cuisine, and gain insights into the region’s traditions. These tours provide a well-rounded and enriching experience for those seeking to enjoy Chiang Rai’s vibrant shopping and cultural landscape.