Baan Tawai

Though not directly in the city of Chiang Mai, Baan Tawai should be at the top of any traveller’s list if they’re looking for Thai wood products, furniture and home decor. Located less than 20 km south of the city, Baan Tawai is a traditional wood carving village with a long history of craftsmanship that is still in operation today. Take highway 108 heading south and look for the Baan Tawai signs on your left after about 20 minutes. The entire village is essentially one big market with numerous shops and stalls selling a wide range of handmade items at retail and wholesale prices. Grab your own set of wheels or hire a tuk tuk or songthaew for the day to make the trip and carry your purchases back to town. If you’re looking to buy larger pieces that are difficult to travel with, most shops offer shipping services both back to Chiang Mai and internationally. Most shops start closing around 4 pm so try going in the morning to beat the heat and crowds.