1 / 2Baan Tawai is a wood-carving and furniture village in Hang Dong district, about 15 km south of Chiang Mai on Route 108 and then a short turn east. Hundreds of workshops and showrooms line its lanes, selling carved wood, furniture, lamps, textiles and home decor, much of it made on site. It is about 30 minutes from the Old City but only 15 minutes from Mae Hia, which makes it the natural afternoon trip if you are staying in Mae Hia. Entry is free and you can browse for as long as you like.
Why go
Baan Tawai is where much of the carved wood you see in Chiang Mai's hotels, restaurants and markets comes from. Walking its lanes, you pass open workshops where carvers shape elephants, doors and panels with chisels and mallets, and showrooms full of finished pieces at prices well below the city shops. Even if you buy nothing, it is a fascinating look at a working craft community.
It is also a good place for serious shopping. Whether you want a small carved bowl or a full set of teak furniture, someone here makes it, and many shops arrange packing and shipping for large pieces, including overseas. Look for the OTOP label, the government mark for village products, on goods made by local producers.
For anyone based in Mae Hia, the short drive is the real advantage. You can spend a relaxed morning at the gardens or a temple nearby and still have a full afternoon in Baan Tawai without crossing the city.
What to see
- The workshops: many carvers work in open sheds facing the lane. Watching them rough out a figure from a block of wood is the highlight. Ask before taking close-up photos.
- Furniture showrooms: large warehouses of tables, cabinets, beds and doors in teak and other woods, often with a section of antiques and reproductions.
- Home decor and lamps: lanes of smaller shops selling lamps, baskets, ceramics, mirrors and textiles, good for gifts that fit in a suitcase.
- OTOP products: local village products with the OTOP label, from carvings to woven goods.
- The zones: the village is spread out, with different lanes and zones focusing on furniture, decor or small crafts. Take your time and simply wander between them.
How to get there
- From the Old City
- about 30 minutes by car or Grab, south on Route 108 towards Hang Dong, then follow the signs east to Baan Tawai.
- From the airport or Mae Hia
- about 15 minutes by car. Head south on Route 108 or along the back roads through Hang Dong. After Wat Ton Kwen, it is the second-closest place on this site to Mae Hia.
- By songthaew or Grab
- Grab is the easiest way to come and go. Red songthaews do not run a fixed route here, so charter one for the round trip if you plan to shop and need help carrying bags.
- By own car or scooter
- a car is best, since the village is spread out and you may want to load purchases. Most showrooms have parking.
Tips
- Weekday mornings are quietest. Some workshops slow down in the hottest part of the afternoon.
- Prices are often negotiable, especially for several pieces or larger items. Ask politely for the best price.
- For shipping, get the full cost, including packing, insurance and delivery, in writing before you pay.
- Check the wood and the finish. Ask whether a piece is solid teak or another wood, and whether it has been treated for export if you are shipping abroad.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring water; you will walk more than you expect.
- Pair Baan Tawai with Wat Ton Kwen, a teak Lanna temple a few minutes away, or with Royal Park Rajapruek on the way back to Mae Hia.
- Have an early lunch at the Mae Hia community market before you go. To see why so many visitors choose this side of town as a base, read our guide to Mae Hia.
FAQ
Is Baan Tawai free to visit?
Yes. There is no entry fee; you pay only for what you buy.
Where is Baan Tawai?
In Hang Dong district, about 15 km south of Chiang Mai, off Route 108.
What are the opening hours of Baan Tawai?
Most shops are open 09:00 to 17:00 every day.
Can Baan Tawai shops ship furniture abroad?
Many can. Ask for a written quote that includes packing, insurance and delivery.
How far is Baan Tawai from Mae Hia?
About 15 minutes by car, the closest craft village to Mae Hia.
