Exploring Chiang Mai – Baan Kang Wat Craft Village

Baan Kang Wat is a quaint crafts village located just outside Chiang Mai City. It is about a 10 minute drive from the west side of the old city. The easiest way to get there if you don’t have your own mode of transport is by tuk-tuk or songthaew (red taxi van).

Baan Kang Wat is open from 11am – 6pm every day with the exception of Mondays. Every Sunday there is an open market from 8am – 1pm.

Baan Kang Wat crafts village was developed to create a space where independent artist and crafters can produce and sell their work. The village promotes local artists and is home to around 10-15 shops.

As you enter the Baan Kang Wat crafts village you will be greeted by a large communal space and a amphitheater. This communal area hosts a variety of events such as live music and movie screenings. It also offers a space to sit down relax and take in the beauty around you.

Cute narrow pathways lined with flowers and shrubs guide you from workshop to workshop. As you wander through the village you will notice the buildings are all wooden and designed in keeping with traditional Northern Thai architecture.

Each shop at Baan Kang Wat is home to different trader. You will find a variety of things from pottery to clothes, paintings and jewellery makers. Some of the artists host workshops in their shop. It is a great opportunity to learn a new skill and have a more personalised souvenir to take home.

If you are interested in taking a class then we recommend you visit early as a lot of the classes range form 3 – 5 hours long. Most classes don’t need to be booked in advance. You can just show up and inquire on the day.

The village is also home to delicious food options from traditional thai food to brunch and pasta options. There is also two excellent coffee shops, a juice / smoothie bar, ice-cream shop and a churros vendor.

If you are in search of something laid back to do while visiting Chiang Mai we highly recommend checking out Baan Kang Wat crafts village. Note: Bring cash – like a lot of places in Thailand cash is king.