Saranai Commercial Buildings Early commercial buildings in Lanna were owned by overseas Chinese. They settled in groups, mostly on a river side, and pioneered in trading. This area then became a trading community and a port.Their commercial buildings were half-wood half-concrete structure.The design was a mix between Chinese and early Victorian (Gingerbread House) architectural styles with carved wood decorations.The unique permanent buildings called Saranai (or Salanai) were terraced homes with front folding doors that allowed full-width opening. Along the eave boards and long vents above the doors were decorated with carved wood.The riverside commercial communities where beautiful and well-preserved buildings could be found include: the community at Wat Kate on Charoenrat road and on the east bank of the Ping river in Chiang Mai, later expanding to Tha Phae and Wichaya roads; and the community at Chinese market (Gaad Kongta/Konta community) on Talad Kao road which lies along the south of the Wang river.
Chinese Market Community or Gaad Kongta (a market on the road to the pier), in Lampang, was situated on an old small road at the east-west bank of the Wang river. It was the centre of water transportation where at first was occupied by the powerful Burmese workers of a British forestry company. Then came Chinese traders. Many of them were appointed by Siam to be tax collectors.The number of the Chinese increased till forming a Chinese Market Community. Currently, the place becomes a walking street market on every weekend from the evening till late night. The commercial buildings in this area are both half-wood half-concrete and whole reinforced concrete constructions. Some are decorated in Burmese style and some with western stucco.
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