If you have just arrived in Chiang Mai and want to savour the vast varieties of food available in Chiang Mai, you can head on to Central Airport Plaza in Chiang Mai เซ็นทรัลพลาซา เชียงใหม่:
This complex is located not far from the Chiang Mai international airport. Note: I believe the complex is only opened at 11am from the few times that I had been there (if you are early you need to wait outside the entrance).
Usually, Thai hosts may bring their overseas friends to eat here because there are so many choices and varieties. Furthermore, one get to savour food from different parts of Thailand- northern, southern, Isan. You can find a variety of the local mixed rice, noodle soup, sweet drinks, cakes, flavoured meat, prickles, etc from there (more pictures from this post).
As for shopping, the stores may be a bit pricey but there are offers at concourse areas from stores that are clearing their stocks. In the next article, I will mention about changing foreign currencies to Thai baht.
Address:
Central Airport Plaza in Chiang Mai เซ็นทรัลพลาซา เชียงใหม่
Mahidol Rd,
Tambon Pa Daet,
Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai,
Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100,
Thailand
Website: http://www.centralplaza.co.th/en/
Call Center: +662 021 9999