Mea Sai  About 62 kilometres from the Chiang rai province on Highway No. 110 is Thailand’s northern-most district. Mae Sai (แม่สาย), borders on Myanmar’s Tha Khi Lek (ท่าขี้เหล็ก) marked by the Mae Sai River with a bridge spanning both sides. Foreign visitors are allowed to cross over to the Tha Khi Lek market by presenting their passports and paying a fee at the Mae Sai immigration checkpoint. Foe more details, call 0 5373 1008-9.

In addition, there are tour services up to Chiang Tung in Myanmar which is some 165 kilometres to the north by road.
MAESAI BACKGROUND At the northernmost point of Thailand, near the Burma borderline, opposite Tachilek, the twin towns, are now known throughout the gem world as a source for rubies.

Burma, now called Myanmar, has been known to produce the world’s best rubies and often times are funneled through this corner of the Golden Triangle. Burma’s sapphires and gem-quality jade and jade boulders, sometimes weighing several hundred kilograms, can be found on a merchant’s property on either side of the border. However, although gemologists from the world over often visit both sides of the border, most transactions are finalized on the Thai side, Maesai.

The Maesai Market A steady flow of ruby rough is usually a daily occurrence with parcels ranging from several stones into 10’s and 20’s of carats, to smaller carat stones in 1/2 to 1 kg parcels. There are many temptations on the market, but one should spend the time in the market to sort out its many trends.

Also found on the market are sapphires from Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Laos. Wherever there is a gem market, it seems that gem merchants find the opportunity to travel to this northern destination to trade or sell gem goods from as far away as Africa, Afghanistan and Australia.

There are several small factories available for all the services required for gemstone production, including cutting, polishing, heat treatment and carving if necessary.

I have witnessed high quality gems pass through Maesai, bound for Japan. Seven stones purchased out of a selection of 20 in the rough, the largest of the Mogok selection were over 44 carats plus, gem-quality. Not all stones are witnessed, and major stones that penetrate this border are only a phone call away from being sold on the Thai marketplace or the international market.

Although Mong Hsu is referred to as the new mine, it seems that most stones are from this mine. Mogok, the old mine, is usually the request made by most gemologists, however, it seems that there are adequate quantities and quality stones from Mong Hsu to please those who venture to thisgateway.

If it’s gems that one comes for, don’t forget the charm of the mixed cultures at this major crossroad of the gem world. Rich in culture, one can find Tibetan minorities mixed with Chinese, Thai, Burmese and even headhunters most have never heard existed.

Mae Sai ‘s a big border market where poppular among tourists

Take a bus on route Chiang Rai- Mae Sai end at Mae Sai bus terminal and transfer to minibus or 2 rows bus to the border (5 baht /person ) What 2 shop : Jewelly , jade , silk , clothes , TV, VDO, Stereo , VCD, DVD and all electricities (almost made in China) , Chinese medicine, liqaure , cigarette, dry food such as dry shrimp&dry fish from Myanmar

Chiang Rai Night Bazaar tries hard, but it doesn’t live up to its well-known counterpart in Chiang Mai. The bazaar is located between the bus station and Phaholyothin Road in the center of town. The market consists of many small stands lining the narrow street running between Phaholyothin Road and the bus station. Roughly halfway down the alley is Centrepoint, an open-air restaurant surrounded by more stalls and with a stage for classical music and dance performances.

If you press on to the bus station the market snakes around to the left and turns into a food court. The food court is mostly aimed at Thais, but its worth a look. There are also one or two restaurants catering to foreigners facing the market. There are several more restaurants on Phaholyothin Road near the entrance to the Night Bazaar.

The night bazaar in Chiangrai is filled with hustle and bustle covering 4 city blocks. There are three stages all far enough away from each other to avoid ’sound collision’. In front of the stages are seating areas for patrons to sit and watch the shows plus have a meal, snack and cool beer. The variety of shops is really appreciated by shopping enthusiasts. Everything from silk ready-made garments to tattoo etching can be had. The hill tribes sell an amazing selection of old coins, collector’s pieces of needlework and very fine quilted bed spreads.

The night bazaar is also connected with the city’s fresh fruit market that is open at night. Those visitors who like to try the indescribable shapes, colors and tastes of Asian fruit can enjoy their fill of the great fruits in the height of harvest season.

Some visitors who have been away from western fast food or perhaps just curious to see if the flavor is the same as that in their neighborhood back home, will appreciate the selection of western franchise restaurants located near the night bazaar. Some surprise tastes are in store such as when the counter girl asks, ” will that be regular or hot and spicy?”

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is a location in Chiang Mai in Thailand. Chiangmai night bazaar is located right in the heart of the city. There are many hotels in that area and visitors can enjoy walking along the shopping streets and spend time in the night bazaar and many other shops.

Every evening, the centre of Chiang Mai comes alive with a massive Night Bazaar, and few people visit the city without picking up a few bargains here. In fact, the stalls that are squeezed on to the pavement and in the purpose-built arcades are one of Chiang Mai’s biggest attractions.
 
spoilt for choice at Chiang Mai Night BazaarHere you can pick up everything from antiques to fake Rolex watches, choose from an astonishing variety of handicraft souvenirs, sample the smoothness of the colourful silk on sale everywhere, have a suit measured up, ready for your collection the following evening, browse exquisite Asian silver jewellery or stock up on cheap DVDs.

The Chiang Mai Night Market is considered legendary and certainly one the cheapest places for tourists to shop in Thailand, due its close proximity to the source of products and the lower cost of living in Chiang Mai. It is situated along a three block stretch of Chan Klan road in the heart of the city, within walking distance of most hotels. Clustered around it are many restaurants and other useful services, such as camera shops, travel agents, internet caf�s and more. One popular activity is to have your portrait done all dressed up in traditional Thai costume.

The actual Vieng Ping Night Bazaar is the main locus of trade and comprises a two-storey mezzanine arcade where quality antiques, clothing and crafts can be found. Across the road is the renovated Kalare Centre where you can settle your appetite after all the bargaining and haggling. It has a more upmarket appearance and better selection of local goods than the pavement vendors. There is an international selection of food to be enjoyed in an open-seated area with entertainment provided by traditional Thai dancers and music – an enchanting experience.

Since many of the properties in the area were bought up by one of Thailand’s richest tycoons, there has been a gentrification to this area that is otherwise quite shabby in the daylight. The Chang Klan Plaza offers indoor mall-type shopping at the Northern reach of the Market, while the busy Anusarn Market towards the southern end of the strip offers the largest selection of eateries, particularly seafood.

Wandering along the crowded pavements, admiring the beautifully-made handicrafts and seeking out bargains on more contemporary consumer goods is the best way to enjoy the Chiang Mai Night market. Take your time and be patient, but most of all, learn how to bargain! Thai market traders expect it and their opening gambit will always be about twice what you ought to pay. The longer you persist with a ‘friendly’ argument, the better your final price. However, be aware that these goods are already ridiculously cheap and the vendors earn modest incomes.

The many goods on sale include: colourful Thai fabric, silk, clothing, t-shirts (souvenir and fake name brands), copied sunglasses and watches, luggage, music and DVDs, cheap shoes, handicrafts, silverware, interior décor, wood carved products, gems, antiques, toys, accessories and travel convenience goods.