North Thailand is famed for its production of traditional crafts such as silk weaving and silverware, lacquerware and ceramics, umbrellas and woodcarvings, and many visitors go hunting for an appropriate souvenir of their stay in places like the Night Bazaar.
However, if you’re interested in the way these traditional crafts are made, using processes unchanged through centuries, it’s worth spending half a day exploring the workshops and showrooms along ‘’The Handicraft Highway’, as Highway 1006 between Chiang Mai and San Kamphaeng is often known.
Along this road, you’ll find workshops and showrooms displaying all these crafts and more, so you get the chance to both see how the items are made as well as hunt for that special something to buy as a gift or souvenir.
Watch the process of silk weaving right from the silk cocoon to the loom, silversmiths hammering out patterns on silver bowls, potters throwing clay on the wheel and painters adding bright designs to umbrellas at Bor Sang. It all makes for a memorable day out, and don’t forget the camera!
Getting There
Regular songthaew run between Praisanee Road in Chiang Mai and San Kamphaeng, but in order to stop off at lots of places, it’s best to rent a motorbike or car and drive yourself, or join a tour. Be wary of tuk-tuk drivers who say they’ll take you there for next to nothing, as they’re looking for commissions on any purchases you make, and may expose you to some hard-sell tactics
Need to Know
- What is it? A road lined with handicraft workshops and showrooms
- When to go: Any time
- Nearest Town: Chiang Mai is at the western end of the road.
- Don’t Miss: Get your jeans or shirt painted with a colorful design at the umbrella workshops in Bor Sang.
- Address: Highway 1006
- Opening hours: 08:00-17:00