Chiang Mai Thai silk from San Kamphaeng

The majority of silk products in Thailand are produced in Chiang Mai, although the silk itself is cultivated from huge silkworm farms on the Khorat plateau in the country's northeast.

Even with modern technology, Chiang Mai silk remains a timeless expression of the craftsman's skill. From reeling the gossamer silk filaments from the cocoon, through the dyeing process, to weaving the filaments into a myriad of shimmering forms, nothing can replace the sure hands and eyes of the experienced craftsman in revealing the luminous beauty of genuine Thai Silk.Thai silk is considered among the best in the world, due to the higher fibre ply, quality of weave and rich hues - a result of the coarser silk being able to withstand stronger dyeing.


Although most fabric nowadays is woven on a mechanised loom, making the process far more efficient and consequently the end product cheaper, much of the silk of Thai origin is still woven by traditional hand methods, and for this the Thais are incredibly patient and skilled with their hands, producing an end product that has a very subtly superior feel. There is also quite a complex method of preparing the silk and dyeing it.

Woodcarving Furniture in Chiang Mai

Thai wood furniture is first class and ChiangMai is a major centre of wood furniture making, its artisans being well known for their expertise in woodcarving floral motifs and other intricate designs. Wood furniture in a variety of finishes, including a light withewash and pastel colours, include cabinets, tables, dinning room sets, bedroom sets or something as simple as a wood tray or trivet - indeed anything bearing a wood surface large enough to be carved. Carved wood elephants and wood figurines number among other popular purchases.



When shopping in ChiangMai, one must consider the many handicrafts that are part of the city’s history. Made with workmanship skills that have been passed down from generation to generation, these beautiful crafts are a good representation of ChiangMai’s proud Lanna heritage. Umbrellas made of sa paper, hilltribe crafts with bold colors, fabrics of countless types, delicate ceramics (celadons), replicated and genuine antiques, dazzling jewelry and gems, silverware of all sorts, lacquers with intricate designs, rattan and wickerwork, and woodcarvings ranging from pictures to furniture are only a part of the long list of crafts and arts that help to make ChiangMai so special. Each individual piece of workmanship requires painstaking attention to detail and design in the process of its creation. Owning one of ChiangMai’s traditional crafts is a sure way to take back tangible memories of your visit to ChiangMai.

Lanna Thai Crafts
Offering quality exotic handmade ornaments, decorations and gifts made of wood, ceramics, bamboo in northern Thailand. Customers can choose from 3 ways to pack, 3 ways to pay and 7 ways to deliver worldwide - lowest shipping costs guaranteed. We have product videos and instant online quotes to all countries.
http://www.lannathaicrafts.com/

Three Kings Monument

Three great kings of Thailand are imortalised in this monument in the heart of Chiang Mai.
Although there was certainly previous habitation in the area, King Mengrai founded a New City at Chiang Mai in 1296 and it became the capital of his kingdom of Lanna, as the grouping of Tai states in what is now the north of Thailand was called. For two centuries Lanna was a powerful and prosperous Tai kingdom until it succumbed to the overweening might of Burma in 1558.

According to legend, the three worked together to lay out the city of Chiang Mai. The sculpture has become something of an iconic image representing Chiang Mai. You will see it reproduced in various forms all around the city.

It is their recently erected statues that stand in a pleasant square at the very heart of the city, in-front of what used to be the Provincial Hall, but which it is now the Chiang Mai City Arts and Culture Centre.


Behind the monument stands the old provincial hall. It was converted into an Art and Culture Hall. Across Phrapokklao Road to the east stands the Chiang Mai magistrate court.

On the north-east corner of the Phrapokklao - Ratwithi intersection is Yupparat School, which was built on the grounds of the former palace of the kings of Chiang Mai. The Wooden building that stand at the corner near the intersection is the former stable for white elephants - a symbol of power and nobility - belong to former Chao.

Chiang Mai Walking Street Fair

Sunday Market starts around 14:00 and lasts until 22:00, with local craftpersons operating stalls along Rajdumnern Road on the inner-east side of the moat near Tapae Gate. The street is blocked off from traffic so there is plenty of room to walk. Unlike the sellers on Chang Khlan Road, who peddle many fake designer goods, excellent hand made items are displayed and sold. At the 5 temples on this road you can enjoy real Northern Thai food and snacks.



Saturday Market on "Wualai Road" (the street that shoots off at an angle just outside the Chiang Mai gate on the south side of the old city) officially starts at 17:00, although the road will be closed to cars from about 14:00 onwards; it's pretty much over by 23:00. It's the old silver working district, and some shops stay open late on this day. Like the better-known Sunday Market, there's lots of food and local crafts.