Old and New Handicrafts of Chiang Mai

Old and New Handicrafts of Chiang Mai

The samlor, Chiang Mai’s living heritage

Your guide will meet you at your hotel at 0800 for your “Old and New Handicrafts of Chiang Mai “ tour. We will take you to Wat Loi Kroh, where your bicycle taxis (samlor) arewaiting for you. We will ride along the former outer wall of Chiang Mai known as “Kamphaeng Din” (earthen wall) to the Wua Lai Neighbourhood. Not much is left of this ancient outer city wall that protected the old walled city on the east and south sides of the city. We will make a brief stop at the Pratu Korm market aka as Kad Korm, a small local morning market. From there we head for Wat Nantaram, the old center of the lacquerware crafts.

Silver and lacquerware artisans from the Shan State in Myanmar migrated to the Wualai neighbourhood of Chiang Mai over 200 years ago. Unfortunately the lacquerware industry has almost disappeared from this area but the silver industry is still very important.We will visit the small lacquerware museum in Wat Nantaram as well as one of the last lacquerware workshops in the neighbourhood.

Wat Srisuphan, Chiang Mai’s Silver Temple

From there, we continue to the magnificent Wat Sri Suphan, Chiang Mai’s Silver Temple. It is the center of the silver industry of Chiang Mai. The famous “silver” ordination hall (ubosot) of Wat Sri Suphan is made of a mix of aluminum and zinc alloy that gives a “silver impression”. They have used silver only in some sacred areas, mainly in the interior. It is nevertheless an impressive building with outstanding value. In Wat Srisuphan you can find very good information on all the artisans in the Wualai neighbourhood and the temple also offers courses to learn the different techniques of silver hammering.

The Wooden elephants of Petch Viriya at Baan Jang Nak

We will continue our tour on four wheels instead of three. Drive to the Sankamphaeng district, where we will have lunch in a typical Northern Thai restaurant: Huen Jai Yong. We are now in the district of the Tai Yong people, who migrated from Muang Yong in Shan State (Burma, now Muyanmar) more than 200 years ago. After lunch, we will visit Baan Jang Nak, the home of Petch Viriya, the most famous Thai carver of wooden elephants. In the Northern Thai language, Baan Jang Nak means “House of many elephants”. It is a fantastic place; you will see elephant statues of all sizes, wood and concrete. Phet Viriya’s family originally comes from Muang Yong. Apart from a master wood carver, Petch is also a gifted painter. Many of his painting portray elephants and also the trek of the Tai Yong people from Muang Yong to Chiang Mai centuries ago.

The Amazing Kulwatana Foundry

The Kulwatana Foundry specializes in producing metal and bronze Buddha images through a traditional casting process. Skilled workers melt metal into a liquid state and pour it into carefully crafted molds. After this they allow it to cool and solidify into finely detailed sculptures. The foundry operates exclusively on a made-to-order basis. It creates not only Buddha images but also small replicas of famous temple, such as the Mahabodhi Temple in India, as well as statues of historical figures and other custom pieces. It is a fascinating place to visit, offering insight into this complex and time-honored craft. Please note that the specific activities taking place during your visit may differ from those shown in the images. The production depends on current orders. The production process, however, remains the same.

The Umbrella Making Center

The Umbrella Making Center at Bor Sang is the last place we visit on our tour today. It specializes in handcrafting and painting colorful umbrellas and parasols. Chiang Mai has become world famous for this craft that also originated from Burma. The umbrellas and parasols are made from bamboo and mulberry (sa) paper. They have become popular for their traditional craftsmanship, bright floral designs, and historical significance.

For centuries local people have handmade “sa (or saa) paper” from the bark of the paper mulberry tree. They soak the bark, boil it and pound it into a pulp. After this they spread the pulp on a screen and dry it in the sun. Finally they put the paper on a bamboo frame, make it waterproof and paint it. We will take our time at the Umbrella Making Center and learn about the history of this amazing craft. The Center produces beautiful umbrellas and parasols.

It is time to go back to Chiang Mai. Your guide and driver will drop you off at the hotel.  We hope you enjoyed our immersive trip “Old and New Handicrafts of Chiang Mai”.