Updated 2023-05-04 01:25:49

Khlong Mae Kha

A beautiful canal with many shops

Khlong Mae Kha (คลองแม่ข่า) is a popular tourist attraction in Chiang Mai.

Currently, the most popular landmark in the center of Chiang Mai is the Mae Kha Canal, a small canal spanning approximately 750 meters that has been renovated and cleaned up. The riverbank has been decorated with beautiful and neatly arranged concrete blocks, resembling the Otaru Canal in Japan. Additionally, the community has been encouraged to renovate their homes to fit in with the new atmosphere. Some of the homes have been converted into shops, beverage and food stalls, and souvenir shops, all in a cool Japanese style. Visiting in the warm afternoon light, this charming area is a must-visit for hipsters and those looking to relax. Don't forget to stop by and take some quick photos to post on social media.

Mae Kha Canal is located in Chiang Mai, near Chang Klan Road, which is relatively easy to access from within the city. For those who are traveling by private car, there is a parking area available before reaching the Mae Kha Canal Bridge, where you can park your car. The area is quite spacious, so there are many parking spots available. The parking fee is 40 baht per car. Then it's just a few steps to get to Mae Kha Canal. For those who do not use private cars, you can take a red truck and get off here. The price depends on the distance from where you get on.

Traveling during the Yi Peng festival, you will see large lanterns decorated along the river and colorful lights lining the streets. The starting point for the walking tour of Mae Kha Canal is at the Mae Kha Bridge, which is approximately 750 meters long. Along the way, you can see local homes, shops, and souvenir stalls where you can stop to support the community by purchasing goods. It is recommended to visit in the afternoon around 4 pm when it is not too hot and the shops are starting to open. On Saturdays and Sundays, the shops will open earlier.

The area around the base of the bridge has a history of Mae Kha Canal. Mae Kha Canal, or Mae Kha River, is an ancient canal in Chiang Mai and is one of the waterways that King Mengrai chose to build the city over 700 years ago. Originally, Mae Kha Canal served as an outer moat surrounding the city and as a way to drain water into the Ping River. However, as the city grew, the water in the canal became heavily polluted and efforts were made to clean it up and restore its beauty, similar to the Otaru Canal in Japan.

The community of Mae Kha canal has around 300-400 households with their houses built along both sides of the riverbank using beautiful concrete blocks that line up like the Otaru Canal in Japan. The locals here can also grow trees, vegetables, and flowers, making the landscape even more beautiful.

There are many souvenir shops in the area, selling ethnic fashion accessories and clothing which are a bit surprising at first, as one might expect to find typical trinket shops. However, the majority of the residents in the community are ethnic hill tribes, such as Akha, Lahu, and Chinese Ho, who have lived in the area for generations and have inherited their cultural dress and way of life, which they now sell at affordable prices.

In addition to the souvenir shops, there are also beverage shops, coffee shops, and snack shops, which are mostly decorated in a cute, Japanese style. The walls are adorned with graffiti-style murals, and visitors are often compelled to stop and take photos because of the bright and attractive colors.

For further inquiries, contact them at 093 790 8058.

Khlong Mae Kha is located at 9 Sridonchai Rd, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand.