Exploring the Enchanting Wood Carvings at Baan Tawai Village

Baan Tawai Village, a 30 minute drive away from the Old City of Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a captivating destination that has been enchanting visitors with its beautiful wood carvings for centuries. Stepping into this village is like stepping into a world of intricate craftsmanship and artistic expression.

Baan Tawai Village

Wood carvings are a large part of the lives of those in Northern Thailand, and is a very common form of artistic expression in the region. You will be able to find many wood-carving handicrafts, and also see wood carvings ornaments in the homes of the locals.

If you are interested to learn more about the art of wood-carving, or to pick up some souvenirs from the region, you definitely have to head over to Baan Tawai Village, which is also commonly known as the village of wood-carving. Here, the skill of wood-carving has been passed down from generation to generation, and today, is a hub for some of the best quality and exquisite wood-carving items.

Visiting Baan Tawai Village

If you're fascinated by the art of wood carving, a visit to Baan Tawai Village should be at the top of your travel itinerary.

Experience the Wood Carving Process

One of the most exciting aspects of visiting Baan Tawai Village is the opportunity to witness the wood carving process firsthand. Stroll through the village's narrow lanes, and you'll find craftsmen engrossed in their work, chips of wood flying as their tools dance along the surface. From wood carving to polishing and painting, you will be able to witness the craftsmen hard at work on their craft.

Engage in conversations with the artists, and you'll gain insights into their techniques, inspirations, and the stories behind their creations. Witnessing their passion and dedication will give you a deeper appreciation for the art form.

Purchasing and Preserving Baan Tawai Wood Carvings

If you're captivated by a particular wood carving, or if you are looking for a truly local souvenir to bring home, you can bring a piece of Baan Tawai's enchantment home with you. Numerous shops in the village offer a wide range of wood carvings, from small trinkets to larger sculptures. You will be able to find a range of products from antique reproductions, candles, gift packs, ornaments, frames, and even larger pieces of furniture.

While some of these items can be found downtown, you will get a much larger variety here at Baan Tawai, and most definitely at a cheaper price too. You can also get made-to-order pieces of furniture here, with international shipping services available.

Before displaying your purchase, remember to follow the proper care guidelines to preserve its beauty for years to come.

Getting There

Baan Tawai Village is just a 30 minutes drive out from the Old City, and can easily be covered in a half-day trip. An option could be to rent a scooter or motorbike and ride out to the village.

If you don't have a licence, you can get a ride-share to help you get around. Grab is the go-to ride share app in Chiang Mai, so be sure to download the app in advance!

A third option would be to hail a red songthaew to help you get there. If you are going with this option, remember to first agree with the driver on the cost of the ride!