Baan Tawai Village

Hours (Open/Closed) Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

📍 Location of Baan Tawai Village 🚘 Directions to Baan Tawai Village

About Baan Tawai Village

Baan Tawai village, located in Hangdong District, is just about an hour outside of Chiang Mai. This community is renowned for its wood sculptures, and visitors can explore markets and interact with wood carvers. Crafts are available for purchase, making it a unique destination for those interested in art and culture. However, it's important to note that some visitors have reported disappointment due to the absence of tour guides.

The village is home to some incredible carvings, including Buddha statues, coffee tables, and large wall carvings. However, visitors planning to ship their purchases back to the United States should be prepared for potentially high shipping fees. One visitor reported using a local shipping company, TYL, and found the process challenging, requiring several follow-up emails and calls. The cost was also significantly higher than initially quoted, so it's advisable to budget accordingly if you plan to ship items home.

Unfortunately, some visitors have found Baan Tawai village to be over-commercialised and over-priced. While there are small shops in the heart of the village, many of them sell mass-produced items that can be found in other markets in Thailand. The lack of 'western' toilets and limited food and drink options were also noted. However, the shade provided by street coverings was appreciated.

Despite the commercialisation, there are still some unique finds in Baan Tawai village. Some visitors reported finding lovely larger pieces and individual shops away from the main tourist areas. However, it's important to research whether the timber goods would last in your climate back home before making a purchase. Shipping costs can also be a deterrent for some.

Baan Tawai is a major shopping strip for Thai 'antiques' and furniture, catering to travellers who are willing to pay for shipping to bring home authentic Thai pieces. While the prices can be high, some visitors have reported satisfaction with their purchases.

For those looking for handicrafts and furniture in Chiang Mai, Baan Tawai is a recommended destination. The handicrafts are made on-site and can be purchased at wholesale prices directly from the factory outlets. The village is open seven days a week, closing before 5pm. There's also a lovely little cafe, Pankled Coffee House, serving very inexpensive Thai food right in the centre of the handicraft village.

Visitors to Baan Tawai artisans village can spend a half day or longer exploring the variety of furniture, soft furnishings, 'antiques', decorations, toys, collectibles, souvenirs and memorabilia. Most of the items seen at The Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai come from Baan Tawai and can be bought for significantly less. There are several 'zones' spread over a wide area, and the main area is sufficient for most visitors. The 'shops' and walkways are mostly covered to protect against the sun and rain. There are also a few good, inexpensive eateries around, including an upstairs restaurant in the centre and a delightful cafe run by a young couple serving great coffee and homebaking.