Baan Tawai, a village in Hang Dong district about 15 km south of central Chiang Mai, is Thailand's largest wood-carving and handicraft village — over 500 shops and workshops line a covered street stretching nearly a kilometer.
From Temple Carving to Thailand's First OTOP Model Village
Local accounts trace the carving skill of Baan Tawai back to monks at the village temple, who taught the craft to villagers as a source of extra income. Then, between 1957 and 1962 (B.E. 2500-2505), three villagers — Phaw Naan Daeng Puntusa, Phaw Jaima Inkaew, and Phaw Huen Puntusart — traveled to a shop on Wua Lai Street near Chiang Mai Gate to learn additional carving techniques, then brought the knowledge back to teach the rest of the village.
From that point, carving grew into the village's main livelihood, supporting nearly every household. In 2000 (B.E. 2543), villagers formed the Baan Tawai Handicraft Export Group, and in 2004 (B.E. 2547) the Community Development Department designated it Thailand's first OTOP Model Village.
3 Things Worth Knowing Before Visiting Baan Tawai
1. It's Not Just Wood Carving
While best known for teak carving and furniture, Baan Tawai brings together many other crafts under one roof — gilded lacquerware, silverware, woven textiles, basketry, and pottery — making it one of northern Thailand's most complete home-decor and souvenir shopping destinations.
2. Custom Furniture Made to Order
Many shops take custom orders for teak furniture in whatever size and design you need — tables, beds, even carved doors — with international shipping available. It's a popular stop for anyone furnishing a home or a Lanna-style hotel or restaurant.
3. A Full Day of Shopping, Rain or Shine
Over 500 shops line a fully covered street, making it comfortable to browse all day regardless of sun or rain. Open daily 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.
Small Souvenir vs. Custom Furniture Order
- Timing — Small souvenir: buy it and take it with you immediately / Custom furniture: production takes several weeks to months — plan ahead
- Budget — Small souvenir: starts from a few hundred baht, ideal as a gift / Custom furniture: significantly more expensive — worth comparing quotes across a few shops first
- Shipping — Small souvenir: fits right in your suitcase / Custom furniture: requires international freight — confirm cost and delivery time clearly before paying a deposit
Local Insider Tips
- Getting there: Baan Tawai is about 17 km from Tha Phae Gate, roughly a 25-minute drive (up to 40 minutes during rush hour) — allow extra time on a weekday evening.
- Bargaining: most shops expect some negotiation, especially for multiple pieces or custom furniture orders — browse a few shops and compare prices before committing.
Complete Your Lanna Craft Trip with Terra Lanna
Stay close to Chiang Mai's handicraft shopping with a stay at one of our hotels, or let our local team arrange a private deep-dive tour of the Hang Dong and San Kamphaeng handicraft villages for you.
Learn more: Chapter 3 (IV): Traditional Handicrafts