Yunnan's Muslims
Caravan traders from southern China.
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The historic mosque of Chiang Mai's Chinese Hui Muslims, officially Hidayatul Islam Ban Ho Mosque, in a small lane a few steps from the Night Bazaar. It was founded in the late nineteenth century by Chinese Muslim traders from Yunnan, who led mule caravans between southern China, northern Thailand and Burma. The present building is simple and white with a dome and minaret, surrounded by a small quarter of Muslim families of Yunnanese, Thai and South Asian descent, and halal restaurants serving Chinese Muslim and northern Thai dishes, above all khao soi and chicken rice. The mosque is lively with daily and Friday prayers. Entry is free; the mosque is open for prayer at prayer times, and non-Muslims visit outside prayer times in modest dress. You can ask the caretakers about the community's history. It is the best place to pray and eat halal food in central Chiang Mai, and pairs easily with the Night Bazaar in the evening. The quarter is known for a small Friday-morning market.
Caravan traders from southern China.
Khao soi and chicken rice.
Daily and Friday prayers in town.
Soi 1 Charoen Prathet Road, near the Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai Night BazaarChiang Mai's best-known market, spreading every night along Chang Khlan Road eas3 minutes walk
Tha Phae Gate and the Old City WallsThe best-known and most photographed gate of Chiang Mai's old city, on its east 11 minutes walk
Wat Chedi LuangThe ruins of a colossal stupa at the heart of Chiang Mai's old city, one of its 20 minutes walkBan Ho Mosque is the closest and best known for the Night Bazaar area and hotels, and holds Friday prayers. The city has other mosques, but this is the easiest for visitors.