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
Rob van Dijk
Wednesday 8th of August 2018
Hi,
My lens broke so I went to Pantip plaza. Unfortunately the Fotopro shop seems to be gone now (August 8 2018). Only 2 camera shops left: Big camera and CK camera, with a limited offer of lenses.
Adam
Wednesday 22nd of August 2018
You can give Denchai Trading trading a try too. Address: 11/2 Rattanakosin Rd, Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
MARIUS DAIAN
Tuesday 26th of December 2017
Hello friends Where can I find and see the prices for Canon 6D Mark II - body, in Chiang Mai ? I will be there in January and I am interested to buy, if I find a good price, like BH Photo. Thank you
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Tuesday 26th of December 2017
You'll have to shop around. To get the best price you'll have to be in person and negotiate.
Rafa
Friday 1st of December 2017
I want to buy a Sony zoom lens. This was super helpfull!
john ball
Tuesday 5th of September 2017
Better to buy in another country as Thai taxation makes gear expensive. Main professional outlet is Photobug in Changpuek.
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Wednesday 6th of September 2017
When we bought our telephoto camera lens for our African safari prices were right around what we would have paid for the same exact lens on Amazon.com if we were in the USA. If you are in Chiang Mai as a tourist or living in Chiang Mai this is the best option. We bought that lens here and then flew to Bangkok right before Africa and so glad we bought it in Chiang Mai because we couldn't even find that lens (500mm).
If you are heading back to the Western world and can wait to purchase something it might be worth it yes.
Conor Lee
Tuesday 29th of August 2017
Which store is that? Thanks!
Adam
Wednesday 30th of August 2017
My favorite is Fotopro in the Pantip Plaza, directions are above in the post. If they don't have what you need try DK Trading. I need to add this store to this article yet. Just google DK Trading Chiang Mai, for another option.