Shop Nimmanhaemin Road

This convenient stretch is easily accomplished on foot and can be broken up with lunch and snack breaks. New shops and cafés open almost daily while other venues disappear in a flash. One reliable address, Nandakwang is a homespun haven of well-priced Thai hand loomed bedspreads, table linens and teddy bears. Next door, Doi Tung Lifestyle sells Issey Miyake–inspired clothes and shoes, raffia rugs and stylishly slouchy handbags to support livelihood development projects for northern Thai communities under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Downstairs, settle into the comfy seating to sip mangosteen juice and nibble macadamia nut cookies, a specialty of the house. Perhaps the most cosmopolitan stop on this itinerary, Gerard Collection lines the walls with beach chic woven bamboo and leather bags finished with buffalo horn, sterling silver or both. At Palmy, Pitiporn Batpim combines her training at the London College of Fashion with indigenous influences for a consistently stylish footwear selection in butter soft leathers. Another sweet spot, Nimmanhaemin Promenade offers kitsch in a convenient mini-mall. The street facing Chabaa (Soi 4, Nimmanhaemin Road) is a closet-size space overflowing with a kaleidoscope of cotton sundresses, Nepalese bejeweled belts and piles of shimmering Indian bangles. Cross the courtyard for more at Boho Rhapsody (Promenade Room 4, 081-167-6768) and at the back you’ll find Maneeslip (053-289-252) offering custom leather dress shoes and sandals for men and women.