Arts & Crafts Chiang Mai

The fascinating beauty of the Arts and Crafts culture of Chiang Mai are the techniques which have been passed down from generation to generation from the Lanna empire some 700 years ago.The intricate workmanship is testament to those who practice the ancient principles of the past and keep the craftsmanship alive today.

Chiang Mai has been the art and craft capital of Thailand for centuries and continues to be the place for wholesalers to procure bulk handicrafts and ship them out to other destinations. The infrastructure for selling the artworks is extensive and well organized to suit the needs of the consumers. Traditional wooden carvings and contemporary pieces are skillfully created with love, care and attention using natural the materials of teak, rattan and rosewood. Other trinkets and sculptures use silver, silk, cotton and pottery as their integral components.

The woodcarving tradition of Northern Thailand is no more evident than within the grounds of some of Chiang Mi’s favorite temples and shrines.  Chiang Mai is a consumer paradise for those wishing to purchase antiques, handmade furniture and an assortment of local handicrafts and art pieces. Within the city there is a wide selection of antique shops, wholesale dealerships and the smaller gift shops and embroidery shop houses selling their stunning items to the general public. Aside from the undoubted quality of the craftsmanship, the other defining factor of their success is the immensely affordable prices which bring a new meaning to value for money.

Thapanae Road is an area densely populated with art shops where you can procure primitive tribal items stemming from the surrounding northern region or as far as Tibet. Sipsong Panna paintings, ancient embroideries and custom made jewelry are all readily available on this interesting road. Siam Celadon and Tea House are great places to purchase local ceramics with detailed and intricate patterns with impressive glazed finishes. The blend of wood ash and the local clays provide a distinctive feature of the Celadon ceramic products. The artistic handicraft shops in and around the Night Bazaar provide the perfect platform to buy hand-woven textiles and delicious wooden carvings.

A visit to the hill tribe villages is always the perfect opportunity to watch a craftsmen at work, sculpting unique handicrafts that are individual to their own specific cultures. From village to village you will see totally contrasting styles of workmanship and items individually influenced by their separate customs and beliefs. Bosang is a village just outside of Chiang Mai that is famous for the hand painted umbrellas they have been making for over 200 years. Nobody is quite sure why the villagers make these colorful umbrellas, but people believe the skill was introduced to Chiang Mai by the Chinese.

Chiang Mai is the artistic center of Thailand, with desirable items and masterfully crafted carvings and hand-woven silks. The ceramics, silverware, Lanna textiles, Thai Lacquerware, rich silks and custom made jewelry are at the main ingredients for the success of the Chiang Mai arts and crafts industry.