Kad Suan Kaew
Kad Suan Kaew
3.5
This location was reported permanently closed
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3.5
206 reviews
Excellent
40
Very good
80
Average
67
Poor
10
Terrible
9
melf_the_elf
Chiang Mai, Thailand39 contributions
Dec 2021
This mall is still functional, if below capacity. At the moment, the movie theatre is open, the "Tops" supermarket is open, the bank of ATMs works fine (dispenses 100-baht notes even), and the couple dozen stores that are still open have moved to the first few floors. (The upper floors and back wings are dead and only a very few restaurants are left -- mainly the food court and fast food franchises like KFC and Mister Donut.)
The post office is open, too, though not easy to find. You have to go out the back entrance. Luckily, there are usually workers you can ask at the mall entrances (ostensibly checking your temperature or having you sign in; though that is not strongly enforced at the moment.)
On the whole, I find little reason to visit here. It feels old. The clothing, electronics, and miscellaneous stores don't appeal to me. I have gone to a movie once and the supermarket a couple times, but it's primary function for me is a place to tell songthaew drivers to drop me off since it's easy to pronounce. ("Cod Swan Cow" is always understood, though I'm sure I'm mangling the Thai.)
The post office is open, too, though not easy to find. You have to go out the back entrance. Luckily, there are usually workers you can ask at the mall entrances (ostensibly checking your temperature or having you sign in; though that is not strongly enforced at the moment.)
On the whole, I find little reason to visit here. It feels old. The clothing, electronics, and miscellaneous stores don't appeal to me. I have gone to a movie once and the supermarket a couple times, but it's primary function for me is a place to tell songthaew drivers to drop me off since it's easy to pronounce. ("Cod Swan Cow" is always understood, though I'm sure I'm mangling the Thai.)
Written January 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rgundry
Chiang Mai, Thailand42 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
I reviewed this Mall a few years ago. Came here in December after missing our trip last year. And yes, I would agree with some of the other posts that it is an old mall, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not worth visiting. After all, it’s probably the first mall built in Chiang Mai, yes it does need some upgrading, but I saw signs of improvement around the food hall and Tops Supermarket, and would guess that the refurbishment will not stop there. It is in a good location and easy to get to. They have a street food market in front on the forecourt. It’s open from Thursday to Sunday. We have eaten there quite a few times in the past few years and always found the food to be quite good. I can understand why some people would leave negative comments. I believe these comments to be based on the short time spent there and then never going back. A 30 or 40 minute mooch around and not finding the “Big Brands” will not leave a lasting impression. Take time to pursue what’s on offer and you get an entirely different perspective. Lots of small independent shops, selling a myriad of quite beautiful items, for the home or for souvenirs. There are clothing stalls selling traditional costumes, others selling modern wear. Shoe shops, and opticians etc. This snobbery about big brands I have never understood. Why would I pay two or three thousand baht for an item with a label, if, I can buy one for eight or nine hundred baht without the big brand name and label. I would have to say go and see these things for yourself, don’t be put off by people’s negative comments. We found the goods on sale in Tops supermarket to be of a good quality and I must say they had some nice bakery products. We have on occasion bought shirts, shoes and souvenirs. Yes, it is old, but there is still something about it that we like.
Written January 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fwheby
Chiang Mai, Thailand148 contributions
I live next door to KSG, just a 5-minute stroll away, and consider myself fortunate. While I rarely buy at Central Department Store, the multitude of peripheral shops is fantastic: mobile phones, belts, jeans, post office, copy shops, pharmacies, key and shoe repair shop, several movie theaters, banks, eyeglasses shops, Apple computers, Kad Auditorium (seating for several thousand), home of Gate Theater (Chiang Mai's English language theater company), Tops Grocery (with a first-class in-house bakery), and dozens of eateries -- from stalls with PadThai and KhaoSoi to KFC to moderately upscale restaurants like Sizzler. You may go to one of the newer malls to reach a particular magnet destination, but you're more likely to find something here than anywhere else in town if you are just browsing. Several reviewers said this place not for tourists, but I disagree. Tourists can go to fancy shops back home, so why waste holiday time doing it here. This is THE place to find that swim suit that you forgot to pack, or an umbrella for that unexpected rainstorm, or a massage at one-twentieth the price you'll pay in NYC or London.
A renovation will earn my fifth star.
A renovation will earn my fifth star.
Written August 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rattana G
3 contributions
Jan 2020
Unlike a lot of other reviewers, we still find this mall rather appealing. To many people are ready to write it off without giving it time to upgrade itself. Improvements are being made and it is looking far more inviting. The food court in the basement next to Tops Supermarket is complete and looks far more modern, with new food stalls, coffee shops and seating area. Floors above have also had some redecoration, yes some shops have been moved about a bit during the refurbishment but that is not unusual you can’t do building work if a shop is still operating, so some of the silly comments made by other reviewers make no sense. Don’t complain that the mall needs to be upgraded, then complain when it is. If you are going to comment on something, make a sensible comment. There are bargains to be found, if you look around. Small independent traders with a myriad of items all there for the discerning shopper. Don’t be put off by some of the negative remarks, this is still great location. People talk about the new malls, everything sharp and shiny but they are also far more expensive. Tops supermarket stocks plenty of items for the benefit of tourists and their food area serves plenty of delicious dishes that appeal to everyone no matter where they are from. The cinema on the top floor has been totally refurbished and Major Cineplex will be open for business within the next couple of weeks. A few moaning Minnies will not stop us from coming here. We have made it a must visit for the past 15 years or so. Give it a try, make up your own mind, and enjoy it.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edgler
Siem Reap, Cambodia19 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Half the mall is closed for renovations...the other half has every second shop shuttered and locked up tight.
Don't stay from the entrance or you may get lost since all the maps are torn out leaving an empty podium. The cinema? Forget it...it's closed too.
Dirty with flickering lights.
You will see most of the shop workers sleeping in plain sight.
Go to Maya or Central Festival instead.
Don't stay from the entrance or you may get lost since all the maps are torn out leaving an empty podium. The cinema? Forget it...it's closed too.
Dirty with flickering lights.
You will see most of the shop workers sleeping in plain sight.
Go to Maya or Central Festival instead.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan Maarek
Tel Aviv, Israel16,512 contributions
Nov 2018
I have been many times in Thailand and this was my 3rd visit in Chiang Mai.
As far as prices are relevant I have always had better bargains in Chiang Mai.
This time I was looking for Levi's or Lee Cooper Jeans but couldn't find any in the center of Chiang Mai.
Neither in Big C couldn't we find them and I didn't want to wait for Bangkok.
So we tried this mall, and find them in the general store there.
I must point out out that this is not a place for tourists, all the better.
The prices were fantastic, a third of what we have in my country, and now, almost a year after wearing them I can assure they are not fake ones.
Of course there is much more opportunities for shopping in Bangkok than here.
Yes, there is definitely much more choice in MBK, Pratunam market, shops along Sukhumvit (near Nana Sky Train station), Tcha Tu Tchak (Weekend Market) of course in the weekends, even Big C, but when price is relevant, Chiang Mai is the place to do your shopping.
So this is my advice: if you find what you want , take it now, don't wait for Bangkok or another city market hoping to have a better deal.
One last advice: if you buy in general stores, they are not the kind of place in which it is appropriate to bargain as the prices are tagged and labelled.
But if you buy in the streets, night markets or alike, don't bargain too much, don't push to far.
a 5 or 10 or even 20 bath difference between the price you offer and the one the seller wants will not really make a difference in your wallet.
Please don't forget than 1 $ is not much at all for us but may be one day food for a whole family there.
If you insist staying at your price you might loose a good buy making the situation a lose/lose instead of a Win/Win.
Be generous, while of course not letting the sellers making fun of you.
1 or 2 dollars shouldn't stop you closing the deal.
As far as prices are relevant I have always had better bargains in Chiang Mai.
This time I was looking for Levi's or Lee Cooper Jeans but couldn't find any in the center of Chiang Mai.
Neither in Big C couldn't we find them and I didn't want to wait for Bangkok.
So we tried this mall, and find them in the general store there.
I must point out out that this is not a place for tourists, all the better.
The prices were fantastic, a third of what we have in my country, and now, almost a year after wearing them I can assure they are not fake ones.
Of course there is much more opportunities for shopping in Bangkok than here.
Yes, there is definitely much more choice in MBK, Pratunam market, shops along Sukhumvit (near Nana Sky Train station), Tcha Tu Tchak (Weekend Market) of course in the weekends, even Big C, but when price is relevant, Chiang Mai is the place to do your shopping.
So this is my advice: if you find what you want , take it now, don't wait for Bangkok or another city market hoping to have a better deal.
One last advice: if you buy in general stores, they are not the kind of place in which it is appropriate to bargain as the prices are tagged and labelled.
But if you buy in the streets, night markets or alike, don't bargain too much, don't push to far.
a 5 or 10 or even 20 bath difference between the price you offer and the one the seller wants will not really make a difference in your wallet.
Please don't forget than 1 $ is not much at all for us but may be one day food for a whole family there.
If you insist staying at your price you might loose a good buy making the situation a lose/lose instead of a Win/Win.
Be generous, while of course not letting the sellers making fun of you.
1 or 2 dollars shouldn't stop you closing the deal.
Written October 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bearanddragonNevada
Chiang Mai, Thailand117 contributions
Dec 2011 • Solo
True, it's a little old and not as glitzy as the airport plaza, but what it lacks in size and brand-name stores it makes up for in utility and location.
The place has your Western Franchise food basics: Subway, KFC, Sizzler's, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and half a dozen other places. It has at least 4 Thai food courts where you can get reasonably priced meals. It is anchored by the Central Department store. It has a cineplex, and a good supermarket where you can get Western imports, and over a dozen hair salons and barbers. To top it off, there are probably at least half a dozen good bakeries. At the northwest corner of the moat it's a simple motorbike, tuk tuk, or song thaew ride from, or even a walk if you live in the moat. Finally, for those of you who want a workout, it has a decent gym on the fourth floor with 50 baht entrance fees.
Thursday through saturday nights they have an outdoor market that serves the best satay (marinated pork/chicken on a stick served w/peanut sauce) in town, along with cheap street fair and clothing.
Bottom line, very accessible. Very affordable. And rarely crowded.
The place has your Western Franchise food basics: Subway, KFC, Sizzler's, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and half a dozen other places. It has at least 4 Thai food courts where you can get reasonably priced meals. It is anchored by the Central Department store. It has a cineplex, and a good supermarket where you can get Western imports, and over a dozen hair salons and barbers. To top it off, there are probably at least half a dozen good bakeries. At the northwest corner of the moat it's a simple motorbike, tuk tuk, or song thaew ride from, or even a walk if you live in the moat. Finally, for those of you who want a workout, it has a decent gym on the fourth floor with 50 baht entrance fees.
Thursday through saturday nights they have an outdoor market that serves the best satay (marinated pork/chicken on a stick served w/peanut sauce) in town, along with cheap street fair and clothing.
Bottom line, very accessible. Very affordable. And rarely crowded.
Written December 29, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FrequentFlier15421
Oslo1 contribution
A huge complex, dusk premises, but full of activities. Thursday-Saturday is outdoor market, food and nitty-gritty for sale.
6 cinemas, but rarely more than 20 people watch.
Lot of thai-traditional stuff on sale at the inner ground floor.
Definitely different from other shopping-centres like Carrefour and Tesco-Lotus.
6 cinemas, but rarely more than 20 people watch.
Lot of thai-traditional stuff on sale at the inner ground floor.
Definitely different from other shopping-centres like Carrefour and Tesco-Lotus.
Written January 19, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah W
15 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
I come to this mall almost every day. Heaps of western sized clothes and central department store to buy your homewares. We also workout at the Strong Gym on level 3.
Post workout gains available on B1 level. Try the stewed pork or beef soup without noodles.
Dangerous dairy queen at the bottom of the escalators on l2 and dunkin donuts on the way out on B1.
Post workout gains available on B1 level. Try the stewed pork or beef soup without noodles.
Dangerous dairy queen at the bottom of the escalators on l2 and dunkin donuts on the way out on B1.
Written August 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
plugger14
Udon Thani, Thailand245 contributions
Dec 2014 • Solo
a very dated shopping centre and awfully designed. However quite a wide range of dinign options and more of a Thai experience than the Airport shopping centrre
Written February 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where can I find a mattress topper close to old town?
Written November 26, 2017
Central department store at Kad Suan Khaew has mattress toppers although they are rather expensive. You might also try the other newer malls around the area.
Written November 28, 2017
TukTuk or taxi.
It's on the start of the road that goes to the CM Zoo.
Written March 2, 2017

A Tripadvisor member
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Don't know either, sorry
Written November 20, 2016
Can I buy a small electric kettle here? If not in Kad Suan Kaew then where in or near Chiang Mai Old Town please?
Written January 22, 2016
Yes, there are small appliances of many types at Central Department Store within KSK. We have bought a hot pot, microwave, toaster oven, rice cooker etc etc and fan there. The store covers 3 floors.
Written January 24, 2016
Hi Sarah, do you know what time Strong Gym opens? I can't find any info online
cheers
Calum
Written October 14, 2015
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