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Kad Suan Kaew

Kad Suan Kaew Shopping Mall in Chiangmai is one of the largest shopping malls in the area.  It is situated at 21 Huay Kaew Road, Muang, Chiangmai 50200, telephone 053224333.   For those people,  who do not live in Chiangmai, it is west of the moat roundthe corner from Chiang Mai Ram Hospital, any tuk tuk or song taew driver will get you there in no time, for usually around 50 baht (approximately one pounds).

This shopping complex seemed a little dowdy to me at first as I was a frequent visitor to the bright and airy Airport Plaza, however, I soon got used to it with its Thai style décor and bustling atmosphere, especially from the local people themselves.  The centre attracts huge crowds, particularly at weekends, it is spacious and air conditioned too.  One of my slight criticisms would be the lack of toilet facilities (For cleanest one go to Central - Lady's bra area)  but also as you enter the complex from the outside car and motor cycle parking area, there is a men’s and lady’s toilet on the right hand side.

There is a plethora of shops which sell luxury items with brand names, to local handicrafts and goods at discounted prices which are usually located on the ground and first floors.  It is also popular for families with youngsters, as it has a cinema on the fourth floor including a gaming machine area and snack cafes nearby.

The ground floor has a post office, hairdressers, cafes, pharmacies, Tops Food Market and a food hall which I have eaten at on many occasions.   You simply buy a food voucher from the kiosk and choose a meal and drink from the many outlets, it is amazingly cheap and there is also a stage which houses a local band every evening.  My friends and I have enjoyed many a night here having a drink and listening to the excellent band, but I must say best of all is the Thai “Elvis” impersonator.  He does his best and is very entertaining to watch.

The first floor, reachable by escalator, has many banks, opticians, restaurants and fashion shops for shopaholics.  The second floor has hairdressing salons, pharmacies such as Boots, and the Central store which covers all floors within the complex.  The third floor has mobile phone shops, IT City where you can buy PCs, laptops and all the accessories you could ever imagine, all at affordable prices.

I must say I highly recommend Kad Suan Kaew shopping centre where the items for sale are certainly cheaper than the Airport Plaza, although the range is a little less.   The shops I regularly visit within the complex have friendly and courteous staff whom soon get to know you and greet you with a smiley “sawadii ka” (hello in Thai).

For food lovers there is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from on every floor, such as Kentucky Fried Chicken, Starbucks, Black Canyon and many local Thai places to try out their delicious meals.  There is always an extensive list of food from which you can choose and there is nothing better, whilst on holiday, than sampling the local delicacies.

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