Rating: 3.6/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Daily (it’s best to check each shop/zone’s hours before you go, especially during events or festivals)

Opening Hours: Recommended 09.00–18.00 (many shops start opening late morning, and it’s liveliest in the afternoon)

 

Baan Tawai is a renowned wood-carving handicraft village in Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai. Craft lovers often call it a “must-visit” because it’s not just a souvenir market — it’s a dense, walkable craft zone packed with variety: wood carving, line work and decorative detailing, lacquer and gold leaf, antique-style pieces, silverware, lacquerware, woven textiles, basketry, and even pottery in some shops. One visit can give you both inspiration and meaningful pieces to take home.

 

What makes Baan Tawai special is that it feels like a “working craft district” rather than a staged tourist spot. You’ll see everything from small gift-sized items to large statement pieces made for homes, hotels, and restaurants. Many shops also accept custom orders, so you’ll find classic Lanna-style carving alongside contemporary and modern designs that fit today’s interiors. That range is a big reason Baan Tawai has remained popular with both Thai and international visitors — you can buy “one perfect piece” or commission something for a real project.

 

According to community stories, Baan Tawai has carried on its wood-carving tradition for over 40 years, and often mentions three early pioneers: Por Nan Daeng Phanthusa, Por Chai Ma Inkaew, and Por Huen Phanthusat. They reportedly worked and learned wood carving in the Wua Lai – Pratu Chiang Mai area during 1957–1962 (B.E. 2500–2505), then brought that knowledge back to share within the village. Over time, Baan Tawai grew into a well-known wood-carving handicraft village in Chiang Mai, expanding into a major craft marketplace that more and more people came to recognize.

 

If you want to “walk it properly,” try looking with a craft buyer’s eye. Start with materials and proportions: is it carved from a single piece of wood or assembled from multiple parts, are the joints tight, is the carving depth consistent and crisp, and how smooth is the surface finishing. Then look closer at decorative details — lacquer, gold leaf, or antique finishes — do they feel naturally aged or rushed and artificial. Baan Tawai offers everything from true artisan-level work to mass-produced decor, so knowing what to check helps you buy within your budget and still get what you actually want.

 

Another point people often skip: clarify key terms with the shop early, especially for large items or custom orders — actual dimensions, weight, finishing and coating, care instructions, packing and shipping methods, and production time. For big wooden pieces, it’s fair to ask about wood seasoning/drying and whether the shop covers issues like cracking or warping, because humidity and transportation can genuinely affect wood. These questions aren’t being “too serious” — it’s simply buying professionally and fairly for both sides.

 

Baan Tawai works well as a relaxed half-day to full-day trip. You can pair it with other Hang Dong spots — nature attractions, cafes, or nearby temples and older communities if you want a cultural angle. Another advantage is that it’s not far from Chiang Mai city, and driving gives you flexibility to hop between multiple stops easily.

 

Getting There Baan Tawai is in Hang Dong District and is easy to reach from Chiang Mai city by private car. It’s smart to allow time for parking on weekends and during peak travel seasons. If you plan to explore in depth or commission a large custom piece, leave extra time to compare several shops — workmanship, materials, pricing, and shipping terms — before you decide.

 

In short, Baan Tawai is ideal if you want to experience Chiang Mai through “living craftsmanship.” You can browse wood carving across many levels — from small souvenirs to custom-made work — speak directly with shop owners and artisans, and bring home something with a real story behind it. If you take your time and choose carefully, Baan Tawai is the kind of place you’ll enjoy walking through — and you may end up with a piece that lasts in your home for years.

 

 

A: It’s best known for wood carving and a wide range of handicrafts gathered in one district, making it great for both souvenir shopping and deeper craft browsing.

 

A: Ask about the wood type, seasoning/drying, surface coating, care instructions, packing and shipping, and production time if it’s a custom order.

 

A: You can visit any day. Late morning to afternoon is convenient because more shops are open, but go earlier if you want fewer crowds, especially on weekends.

 

A: A solid route is Royal Park Rajapruek or Chiang Mai Night Safari, or Grand Canyon Chiang Mai, then return to the city in the evening.

 

A: Ask before photographing work areas, avoid handling delicate pieces without permission, and negotiate respectfully while recognizing the value of craftsmanship.