If you need camera gear, repair, our anything camera related there are only a handful of quality options on Chiang Mai. In my two times living in Chiang Mai and buying a lot of camera gear here, the best place to buy a camera or camera gear in Chiang Mai is the Pantip Plaza. However, there are a few others that aren’t bad either.
Update: We have had one report this store has closed, if you make it over here let us know if this place is still here. It is a popular photo shop chain in Thailand, but maybe they moved. We are not currently in the city, but try to keep these pages up to date.
For the best selection of camera gear in Chiang Mai head to Pantip Plaza. Located on the south-east side of the moat this plaza is your go-to spur for everything camera related. There are about 10 shops selling everything from the basics too hard to find high-end equipment. I usually end up at the FotoPro store on the first level because they have the biggest selection of quality gear. For basics like batteries and memory, the other shops have cheaper options.
FotoPro has some production-grade camera equipment and choreography gear. This is the store I bought my Sigma 150-500mm lens last year before Africa.
How to get to Pantip Plaza
Most songthaew drivers will know where the plaza is and this is the best way to get to the Pantip Plaza (20 Baht ride from anywhere in the moat or Nimman area).
Other Options in the City
Big Camera – There are a few locations around the city and has just about everything to fit your needs. Point and shoots all the way up to high-level DSLRs. However, they don’t carry GoPro anything.
There it’s a Big Camera in Maya Shopping center on the 3rd floor. There is also one in the Pantip Plaza.
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How to Get to Maya Shopping Mall
The best way to get to Maya is by songthaew (red truck) everyone knows where Maya Shopping mall is. You may have better luck pronouncing it like the Thai people do “Mae-ya” Shopping. Should be 20 Baht from anywhere in/near the moat.
There are a few more options in town, but I have not tried them so I can’t say if they are any good. I have been surprised at the amount of stuff I can get from the stores listed above and haven’t needed to venture further. If you have been to another place that is the best place to buy a camera in Chiang Mai and recommend it, leave it in the comments.
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Denchai Trading Co., Ltd.
Another Option is Denchai Trading located a few blocks outside of the moat on the northeast corner. Here they have a decent selection of consumer level camera and some lenses. Here they don’t have anything super high end, but if you need a replacement camera while you are traveling, this place is a decent option. Most taxi drivers I found did not know this place, I found it easier to get a songthaew to the corner of the road around the moat and walk from there.
Address: 11/2 Rattanakosin Rd, Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
