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Travel Guide |
Shopping |
Workmanship skills passed down from generation to generation |
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Handicrafts famous with shoppers and importers around the world |
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Each individual piece of workmanship requires painstaking attention to detail and design in the process of its creation.
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When shopping in Chiang Mai, one must consider the many handicrafts that are part of the city's history. Made with workmanship skills that have been passed down from generation to generation, these beautiful crafts are a good representation of Chiang Mai's proud Lanna heritage. Umbrellas made of sa paper, hilltribe crafts with bold colors, fabrics of countless types, delicate ceramics (celadons), replicated and genuine antiques, dazzling jewelry and gems, silverware of all sorts, lacquers with intricate designs, rattan and wickerwork, and woodcarvings ranging from pictures to furniture are only a part of the long list of crafts and arts that help to make Chiang Mai so special.
![](http://www.thaitravelplan.com/icontit/celadon.gif) ![](http://www.thaitravelplan.com/icontit/silver.gif) ![](http://www.thaitravelplan.com/icontit/silk.gif)
Owning one of Chiang Mai's traditional crafts is a sure way to take back tangible memories of your visit to Chiang Mai.
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Travel Guide |
Shopping |
A timeless expression of the craftsman's skill |
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THAI SILK |
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Although modern technology had been introduced, Chiang Mai silk remains a timeless expression of the craftsman's skill. From reeling the gossamer silk
filaments from the cocoon, through the dyeing process, to weaving the
filaments into a myriad of shimmering forms, nothing can replace the
sure hands and eyes of the experienced craftsman in revealing the
luminous beauty of genuine Thai Silk.
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Travel Guide |
Shopping |
Unique glaze and inimitable, finely cracked finish |
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CELADON |
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Skill and experience on the part of the craftsman
are paramount for the process. Producing Celadon requires a great deal
of time, care and concentration.
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Chiang Mai is the centre of Thailand's ceramics industry. Among it most prized items is the distinctive Celadon pottery, so named for its unique
glaze, the result of certain ingredients mixed with wood and ashes
applied in a carefully controlled step by step process.
The clay is first treated with additives which are then let in the shade and
thrown. After bisque firing at a temperature of 800 C, the glaze is
applied. The piece is then placed in the kiln for a second firing at a
temperature of 1,250 C, which gives the Celadon its inimitable, finely cracked
finish.
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Travel Guide |
Shopping |
A wide selection of silver objets d'art |
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SILVERWARE |
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Both silver coins and pure silver ingots (smelted in a furnace) are beaten out by hand into the desired style or shape. Months of patient effort go into these delicate and intricate designs.
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Chiang Mai offers a wide selection of modern and antique silverware. The city is a prime source of such objets d'art because generations of
artisans have made their homes here. Chiang Mai's laid back atmosphere
has brought together many ethnic groups, each with its own distinctive
style, providing you with a wide range of beautiful artifacts to choose
from. The majority of the best silver works are situated along the
Chiangmai - Sankampeang Road. Here you will find delicately patterned
silverware from Thailand, Laos and Burma along with antique and modern
hilltribe jewelry.
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Travel Guide |
Shopping |
A 400 year old Chiang Mai tradition |
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LACQUERWARE |
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The art of making lacquerware is a 400 year old Chiang Mai tradition. Lacquerware is entirely handmade. Lac Resin is produced by
insects from sap taken from fig trees. The exquisite oriental designs
on the flawless glossy black surface are made entirely by hand. The
world renowned Thai lacquerware can be decorated in paint, gold leaf,
egg-shell or simply engraved.
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Travel Guide |
Shopping |
Cool in the summer and warm in the winter |
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COTTON |
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Cotton is the most common fibre used in weaving in Thailand, especially Chiang Mai grown cotton which is of two types: one which produces white tufts ad one which produces light brown tufts, the latter being known locally as "fai tun" or "moi rat cotton".
Even though locally grown cotton gives a lower yield, has coarser threads an is light brown in colour rather than white, it has a special quality which makes it suitable for weaving textiles as it can be used in any season. It is cool in the summer and warm in the winter: as Chiang Mai people say, it breathes.
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Travel Guide |
Shopping |
Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings and bangles |
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JEWELLERY |
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Thai craftsmen have become experts in the art of making beautifully refined and elegant jewellery. Their expertise in the cutting, polishing
and setting of gems is uncontested worldwide. If you're truly looking for a beautiful jewel,
the Sankampaeng Road is a place to go. There you can admire the most somptuous assortment: glorious sapphires, diamonds, emeralds and Siamese Rubies in exclusive designs - with splendid collections of exceptional works of art: necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings and
bangles, especially created by the local artists.
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Travel Guide |
Shopping |
Floral motifs and other intricate designs in a variety of finishes |
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WOODCARVING |
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Chiang Mai is a major centre of wood furniture making, its artisans being well known for their expertise in woodcarving floral motifs and other intricate designs. Wood furniture in a variety of finishes, including a light withewash and pastel colours, include cabinets, tables, dinning room sets, bedroom sets or something as simple as a wood tray or trivet - indeed anything bearing a wood surface large enough to be carved. Carved wood elephants and wood figurines number among other popular purchases.
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RECOMMENDED HOTELS |
Tamarind Village
![](http://www.thaitravelplan.com/iconshtl/3starnav.gif) A peaceful and picturesque village-style accommodation located in the center of Chiang Mai's old town. |
Northern Heritage Resort & Spa
![](http://www.thaitravelplan.com/iconshtl/4starnav.gif) Established under the Government campaign for long stay Health Care services. |
Royal Princess Hotel
![](http://www.thaitravelplan.com/iconshtl/4starnav.gif) From Dusit Group; Luxury hotel with caring service in the best 'Lanna' tradition. Located in the center of the Night Bazaar. |
Amora Tapae Hotel
![](http://www.thaitravelplan.com/iconshtl/4starnav.gif) Newly opened 4 star hotel at Tapae Gate. |
Holiday Inn Hotel
![](http://www.thaitravelplan.com/iconshtl/5starnav.gif) The first Deluxe 5-Star hotel in Chiang Mai. Located on the banks of the Mae Ping River. |
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Climb the 304 steps Naga Staircase of Doi Suthep
According to legend, the temple's site was selected by an auspicious elephant. The story goes that a monk named Sumana placed half of a Buddha relic on an elephant's back and set it loose. It was decided that when the elephant stopped walking, a temple would be built on that exact spot to house the gem...
Float away your bad luck and pay your respects to the goddess of the river
Thai festivals are not the sort of thing you just watch. You get into them, right to the heart of them - and take away memories which will stay with you for ever. Arguably the most beautiful and the loudest, Loi Kratong is best enjoyed in the north.
Travel Guide |
Restaurants |
Northern dishes, dances and hill tribe culture shows |
Experience both the Northern food and culture at the same time
Kantoke Dinners provide a good way to get to know both the Northern food and culture at the same time. At this event, visitors are seated in the floor around a circular tray with Northern dishes on it and eat while watching
traditional Thai and Northern dances and hill tribe culture shows. Savour the delicate flavours of
a traditional Kantoke Dinner, with all the customary dishes that have
enlivened the cuisine of the Lanna for generations.
Travel Guide |
Nightlife |
Live Blues, Jazz, Rock, Country |
Relax to piano music
For a peaceful, private evening, you can relax to piano music in a hotel lobby. Blues, Jazz, Rock, and both Thai and Western Country are played live at the many pubs and coffee shops around the city.
Travel Guide |
Shopping |
Workmanship skills passed down from generation to generation |
Handicrafts famous with shoppers and importers around the world
The many handicrafts that are part of Chiang Mai's history are famous with shoppers and importers around the world. Sah paper umbrellas, delicate ceramics and celadons, dazzling gems and jewellery, silverware of all sorts, lacquerware with intricate design, thai silk, woodcarvings, antiques and semi-antiques, furniture,...
Travel Guide |
Sports |
Five golf clubs and four driving ranges |
Destination golf courses
Chiang Mai has a total of five golf clubs, ranging from 9 to 18 hole greens. The green and caddy fees vary from place to place and are cheaper on weekdays than on weekends. There are golf clubs and electric cars for rent. Chiang Mai also has four driving ranges, which charge from between 25-30 baht for a tray of 50-60 balls.
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