Promenada Chiang Mai: More than Just a Shopping Centre
Promenada Mall in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a vibrant shopping and entertainment hub that merges outdoor and indoor spaces to offer a one-of-a-kind experience. Located just a short drive from Chiang Mai city center, it’s a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.
The mall is beautifully designed to resemble a European-style town square, combining shopping, dining, and entertainment in a refreshing open-air setting. With a wide array of international and local brands, a large supermarket, a multi-screen cinema, and a diverse food court, Promenada Mall ensures an enjoyable day out for all.
Plus, it hosts regular events including art exhibitions, live performances, and seasonal festivities, adding an extra layer of cultural experience. So whether you’re on the hunt for the latest fashion trends, craving delicious cuisine, or seeking family fun, Promenada Mall Chiang Mai is your go-to destination.
You need to know
On May 6, 2022, the Promenade Mall Chiang Mai announced its closure, referring to the difficult times during the Covid-19 pandemic. We hope that this wonderful shopping center will open its doors again, but in a new and more popular format.
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About 20 minutes east of Chiang Mai’s old city, Promenada Resort Mall has established itself as a popular center for tourists and locals alike. With its unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, Promenada offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Unlike traditional malls, it combines the concept of a shopping center with the ambiance of a resort, creating a refreshing and relaxing environment. The mall’s lush greenery, open-air spaces, lake, and water features create a tranquil setting, making it a perfect escape from the bustling city.
Promenada Resort Mall (Google Map) is located at 192-193 Moo 2 Tha Sala, Amphur Muang, Chiang Mai. If you enjoy shopping in wide open spaces with no crowds, Promenada is your best choice. Read on for the low-down on the mall, nearby tourist attractions, and even some more unconventional activities where you can experience the local culture.
Getting To Promenada Resort Mall
The Old City is only about 4.7 miles (7.5 km) away from Promenada Resort Mall, and tourists can easily find their way via various modes of transport.
Metered taxis are available in Chiang Mai, but generally, you must book them instead of simply flagging them down en route. There will be a fixed start fee for the first 1.2 miles (2 km), and then they will charge you per mile/km after that. You can negotiate the price of a longer trip, but not as far as Promenada Mall.
The most common transportation around Chiang Mai is by songthaew, the red shared taxis that operate on fixed routes. Look for those en route to San Kamphaeng as they pass Promenada Mall. The fare is typically affordable, usually 30 -40 baht within the city, and you can negotiate rates for trips outside the city.
Tuk-tuks are quick but noisy, and they can be expensive. Drivers are often unwilling to negotiate fares, charging 100 baht or more, but you will find one willing to drive you to Promenada if you’re not too fussy about the cost.
If you’re in Chiang Mai and looking for a ride, you’ve got to check out Grab and InDrive apps. They’re your go-to e-hailing services in town. What’s even better is they’re usually easier on the pocket than if you were to strike a deal with a songthaew. You should totally give them a whirl!
The Chiang Mai RTC City Bus is an economical way to get around the city. One of its routes, R2, is called the Promenada loop, a circular trip starting and ending at Promenada Mall, so this is perfect for a day at the mall. You will have air conditioning and free Wi-Fi en route.
Renting a motorcycle or scooter is a cheap and convenient way of getting around town. If you’re using a bike or scooter, there is ample free parking at Promenada Mall. There are countless rental companies in the city, and they will often offer more affordable rates for extended use of their bikes.
Promenada also has free shuttles running from the mall to some hotels, which can be very convenient if the times are suitable for you.
With its vast size and diverse offerings, navigating Promenada Mall may initially seem overwhelming. However, with a few tips, you will soon find your way around.
Promenada Mall is a massive shopping center with two buildings, A and B, joined by a bridge that overlooks the lovely green gardens and a little lake. Each building has three floors with retail stores, food courts, and restaurants.
Take advantage of the mall’s directory and maps strategically placed throughout the premises. These will help you locate the shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues you want to visit.
Great Ways To Spend Your Day At Promenada Resort Mall
Hopefully, you’ve arranged to spend a long time at Promenada Chiang Mai. Between shopping, stopping for sustenance, and choosing your favorite entertainment type, your visit could easily take up an entire day. And one well spent. There’s something for everyone, including the kids.
Shopping, Of Course
Short of houses and vehicles, there is very little not for sale at Promenada Resort Mall. Rimping is the local supermarket where you can buy all your household goods. There are also tons of clothing and shoe shops spread throughout the mall. This includes big brand names, several boutiques, and jewelry and accessories shops.
One of the popular tech shops with a good reputation for service is Chi-Chang, where you can buy all things electronic.
Refueling At The Restaurants
Shopping can be a hungry business. Building A and Building B each boast a vast array of restaurants, offering both local and international cuisine. If you’re a Western foreigner or “farang” craving the taste of home, you can order KFC, visit Dukes, TomToms, or Wine Connection, to name a few.
Of course, when in Thailand, you should also try local Thai food and all the other Asian cuisine found in the food courts and restaurants. If you’re looking for a typical Thai takeaway, a delicious option is Satay. It’s a mouthwatering meat skewer served with peanut sauce. You choose your protein from pork, beef, chicken, buffalo, fish, or even tofu. This is a must-try meal when visiting Thailand.
Fun For All At Promenada
Kids usually hate shopping, so you can coax them to tag along graciously with the promise of a visit to the arcades or allow them to go there while you’re shopping (supervised if they are young). These are located in Building B on the first and second floors. There’s also an indoor playground that will keep the little ones happy for ages.
Even if you’re not doing any shopping, there are hoards of exciting things to do for all ages at the mall. If you’re the active type, the bowling alley can be a fun activity or group of friends. Or, if bowling isn’t your thing, the ice skating rink is another arena where you can show off your graceful moves while gliding across the ice.
If you’re less of the bouncy, energetic social butterfly, there’s also a large cinema with eight theaters to enjoy the latest movies.
Depending on your definition of entertainment, you could also enjoy a relaxing massage, facial, or any other beauty treatments at the local salons and wellness centers. Many ladies will agree that this is the relaxing “me-time” they prefer, while others visit the entertainment centers.
Promenada Mall has also been known to host art exhibitions in the center and live music for all to enjoy, sometimes indoors, and larger shows at the amphitheater.
If you time your visit to the mall right during seasonal promotions, you could spend much less on your purchases than you had expected.
Practical Information For Tourists
Currency
The local currency is the Thai baht. Although nearly all shops accept cards, keeping some cash on hand for markets, food stalls, and transportation is helpful.
Language
Most Thai people speak English, but it won’t do any harm to learn a few basic phrases. The locals always appreciate it.
Weather
One of the most appealing things about Thailand is its warm weather throughout the year. The country has three main seasons: the wet season, running from May to October; the cooler season, from November to February; and the hot season running from March to May.
The southwest monsoon dominates the wet season, and although it’s not the hottest time of the year, the humidity can be very uncomfortable, so it may not be the greatest season to visit Thailand.
The cool season makes for comfortable temperatures, ideal for visiting the country. The northeast monsoon is the reason for the cooler, dry air. The comfortable temperatures and humidity make November to February the best time to visit Thailand.
Chiang Mai’s climate is known as tropical savanna. It’s typically overcast and oppressively humid in the wet season, generally clear in the dry season, and the temperatures are hot throughout the year, typically varying between 59° F (15°C) and 97°F (36°C). The highest temperature recorded in Chiang Mai was 108.5°F (42.5°C).
Safety
Chiang Mai has a reasonably low crime index of 24.5 and carries the rank of the safest city in South East Asia. That being said, one should always practice common sense safety precautions, e.g.:
- Only carry a little cash with you.
- Don’t leave irreplaceable valuables lying around in hotels.
- Don’t walk alone in dimly lit areas at night.
- Bottled water is a better option than drinking tap water.
Exciting Attractions Close To Promenada Resort Mall
Promenada is conveniently located near several popular tourist attractions, including temples, natural parks, and cultural activities. Here’s a brief overview of some local sights you should visit while in the area.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple is one of Chiang Mai’s most sacred temples, situated in the hills above the city. It’s a 16-mile (25.8km) drive from Promenada Mall. You can climb the 306 steps to the summit or take a cable car to see the incredible view of the city below.
Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
Twenty miles (32 km) northwest of Chiang Mai, you will find this stunning National Park, covering an area of 102 square miles (265 square km). It boasts evergreen forests, endless scenic trails for hiking and biking, and the most exquisite waterfalls.
Baan Kang Wat
Just a little over 10 miles (16.5 km) West of Promenada Chiang Mai, you will find a charming artists’ village called Baan Kang Wat. On Sunday mornings, they also hold a farmers’ market, where you can buy organic vegetables, cheeses, and mouthwatering coffee.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
If your shopping muscles are not exhausted by the time you leave Promenada Mall, head for the Night Bazaar in the heart of the city. You can buy anything from food, souvenirs, handicrafts, and clothing.
Art In Paradise 3D Art Museum
This interactive art museum features 3D paintings and optical illusions that allow visitors to become a part of the artwork. It’s a fun and immersive experience for those looking for something different to do.
Try Something Different From Typical Tourist Activities
If you want to do some different from the usual tourist activities, here are some interesting options:
- Meditation and monk chats: Participate in a monk chat program at Wat Suan Dok Temple. These chats provide an opportunity to interact with Buddhist monks, learn about their way of life, and gain insight into Thai culture and spirituality.
- Thai Cooking Classes: Engage in hands-on cooking classes and learn to prepare traditional Thai dishes. Several cooking schools in Chiang Mai offer classes where you can visit local markets, select fresh ingredients, and master the art of Thai cuisine.
- Umbrella Painting workshops: Visit the nearby Bo Sang village, famous for its umbrella-making traditions, and try your hand at umbrella painting. Learn about the traditional techniques and create your own unique masterpiece!
- Muay Thai Training: Get a taste of Thailand’s national sport by taking a Muay Thai training session. Several gyms and training centers in Chiang Mai offer classes for all levels, allowing you to learn the techniques and engage in a challenging workout.
- Bicycle or scooter tours: Hire a bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle, and head out on a self-guided tour of the countryside surrounding Chiang Mai. Explore scenic routes, visit local villages, and interact with the friendly locals while enjoying the country air.
These unconventional activities near Promenada Mall offer a unique perspective and allow you to dig deeper into the local culture, traditions, and natural beauty of Chiang Mai. Embrace these hidden gems for a truly memorable and enriching visit to the region.
Summary
Promenada Resort Mall is an incredible shopping destination with a vacation vibe. It’s home to exciting shops, restaurants where you can satisfy your cravings for cuisine from many different cultures, and enough things to do to entertain the entire family. Additionally, you can enjoy many tourist attractions and hidden gems in the vicinity of this fantastic shopping center.
FAQ
The mall typically opens at 10 am and closes at 9 pm every day. But hey, it’s always best to check their website or call ahead for any changes in schedule.
Absolutely, the mall is known for hosting a variety of unique local boutiques and shops. You’re bound to find something special here!
Oh, you’re in for a treat! The food court is diverse, offering a delicious mix of international and local Thai cuisines. Don’t miss out on the Pad Thai!
Yes, indeed! The mall often hosts live music, cultural events, and even fashion shows. Make sure to check their event calendar.
Absolutely! The mall has an information desk staffed with friendly people who speak multiple languages. They’re always ready to help.
You can easily catch a local red truck (songthaew) or tuk-tuk from the city center. There’s also a mall shuttle service. Just remember to check the timings!
Yes, there’s ample parking space at the mall and it’s totally free. How cool is that!
You bet! The mall has a top-notch cinema and also a bowling alley for some extra fun.
Definitely! They often run special promotions and offers for tourists. Just ask for a ‘tourist privilege card’ at the information desk.
Sure thing! The mall has beautiful architectural features and a lovely garden area which are perfect for photos or a little relaxation.
Absolutely! The mall is fully accessible with elevators and escalators, plus dedicated parking spots near the entrances for easy access.
Discover a variety of pricing options for renting automatic scooters, maxi-scooters, semi-automatic motorbikes, and manual-gear motorcycles in Chiang Mai by browsing our Bike Rental Rates page. Find out more about our scooter rental in Chiang Mai.
If you prefer to travel by car, be sure to read our guide on how to save up to 50% on rental car expenses in Chiang Mai.
For an extensive compilation of our travel advice, explore our Northern Thailand Routes and Travel Notes section.
If you encounter any inaccuracies in the text or have valuable information to share with our readers, please feel free to contact us.
Cat Motors Team
- Author: Cat Motors Team
- Posted:
- Updated: January 25, 2024
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