Roaming Chiang Mai & Lanna / Made in Thailand. Part 1

Text & Photography / Chen Yu’an | Partner / Tourism Authority of Thailand

The reason why “Thai Design” has attracted attention in recent years is none other than its ability to integrate modern fashion elements into both product design and attraction planning while preserving the essence of traditional Thai culture and a touch of the inherent wit and humor of the Thai people. These characteristics are not limited to Bangkok; from the handicrafts, design streets, brands, to even the creatively restored ancient temples in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in northern Thailand, they all add new vibrancy to the region.

Traditional wood carving meets modern craftsmanship
Due to Chiang Mai’s abundant timber production, local wood carvings have long been known for their excellent craftsmanship and reasonable prices, whether in carving quality or materials used. In the past, furniture and Buddha statues were the main focus, but now in Chiang Mai’s night markets, you can find numerous small souvenir items. If you want to witness the knife skills of traditional artisans, the 1,000 Museum, a private collection museum, is well worth a visit.

The museum’s owner was originally a teacher who, in order to preserve the traditional craft culture of northern Thailand, resolutely resigned from his teaching position and began his career as a collector. The museum houses about 10,000 items, many of which are masterpieces that took 3 to 14 years or more to complete. Notably, there is a three-tiered three-dimensional floral carving made from a single block of wood, and a floor-to-ceiling four-tiered forest tree spirit sculpture nearly as tall as one story, both showcasing intricate and elaborate craftsmanship that are worth appreciating in detail.

The most amusing item in the collection is undoubtedly a mechanically linked set of wooden carvings that intricately depict the daily life of northern Thai commoners, even including intimate bedroom scenes. The museum owner stated that the selection of exhibits prioritizes local works, emphasizing handmade quality and materials. With many elderly artisans passing away, preserving their great works and introducing more people to Chiang Mai’s traditional art is the driving force behind his establishment of the museum.

About a 50-minute drive from downtown Chiang Mai lies the Ban Tawai wood carving village, which 30 years ago was just a small family-run industry that later turned into an OEM factory. Now, it not only takes OEM orders but also exports goods. Initially, Chiang Mai was famous for its teak production, but due to logging bans, darker-toned mango wood or bamboo is now more commonly used, resulting in a variety of product styles.

The entire wood carving village is roughly divided into five zones, offering a wide range of products—from large custom furniture, household items, and lighting fixtures to creative goods. Many shops also sell beautiful pottery, ceramic cups, northern Thai textiles, or silver accessories. Some storefronts advertise discounts of up to 20%, but there is still room for bargaining, with prices often as low as half of those found in night markets. Even domestic Thai tour groups visit to shop here. If you’re looking to add wooden furniture or items to your home, a trip to Ban Tawai might yield plenty of good finds.