Rating: 4.3/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00–17.00

 

Pgakenyau (Karen) Weaving Handicraft Group is a cultural tourism destination in Mae Sun Subdistrict, Fang District, Chiang Mai Province. It offers visitors a chance to study the way of life, arts, traditions, and culture of a Pgakenyau (Karen) hill-tribe community through their traditional weaving practices. The place is not about spectacle or staged activities, but about seeing how handwoven textiles are created as part of everyday life, reflecting identity, belief, and long-standing community knowledge.

 

The charm of visiting lies in observation rather than rushing from one activity to another. Take time to watch the rhythm of weaving, the preparation of warp threads, the movement of the shuttle, and the careful control of tension across the fabric. These skills require experience, patience, and deep concentration. Many woven products are made for practical use—such as skirts, shawls, scarves, shoulder bags, or everyday household items—showing how textiles are closely tied to local climate, landscape, and daily needs. After spending some time here, it becomes clear that woven fabric is not merely a souvenir, but a language through which the community tells its story.

 

Supporting the community in a thoughtful way is another meaningful part of the visit. Purchasing handwoven products, even small pieces, helps income circulate back to local artisans rather than turning the visit into a brief stop without impact. If you wish to ask questions, approach them from a learning perspective—for example, asking about the meaning of patterns, the materials used, why certain colors are chosen, or which step of the process is most challenging. Such questions often lead to respectful and genuine conversations with the weavers.

 

Special attention should be paid to etiquette when taking photographs or entering work areas. This is a real working environment where weaving requires focus. Always ask for permission before photographing people or taking close-up shots of the weaving process, and avoid interrupting artisans while they are working. If there are areas or moments where photography is not appropriate, these boundaries should be respected without negotiation.

 

Getting There Travel via Highway No. 107, then turn into the road leading to Wat Mae Sun Luang (Village No. 1, Mae Sun Subdistrict). Continue to the Pgakenyau hill-tribe village located in Village No. 6, Mae Sun Subdistrict. The distance from the entrance road to the village is approximately 4 km. The route is best suited for private vehicles. During the rainy season or early mornings, allow extra travel time as roads may be slippery or foggy. For up-to-date visiting conditions, it is recommended to check locally before departure.

 

For a fulfilling experience, plan to spend at least half a day. This allows time to explore at a relaxed pace, engage in conversations, and better understand the context of the weaving tradition. If traveling with children or elderly visitors, prepare drinking water, hats, and comfortable walking shoes, as visits usually involve slow but continuous walking around the community.

 

 

A: Available information indicates daily opening from around 08.00–17.00, but checking community readiness in advance is recommended.

 

A: Visitors usually observe weaving and handicraft production, learn about pattern meanings, and purchase handmade products to support the community. Demonstrations depend on availability on the day.

 

A: Photography is allowed in many areas, but permission should always be requested, especially for portraits or close-up shots during weaving.

 

A: Dress modestly, ask learning-focused questions, avoid interrupting work, and support community products without bargaining aggressively.

 

A: At least half a day is recommended to explore without rushing and to fully understand the weaving context and community lifestyle.