Baan Kang Wat – Chiang Mai’s Artist Village
Northern Thailand is famous for its rich artisan culture, from woodcarving and umbrella making to handmade food items. Visit Baan Kang Wat Artist Village near Aleenta for handmade products as well as workshops and classes!
Big Ruckprasit’s village is an exquisite network of buildings designed as multi-functional houses for artists. Stroll along lush pathways amidst beautiful greenery and discover shops and studios along the way!
The Village
Northern Thailand stands out from the rest of Thailand with its distinct sense of style and creativity, evident in how people dress, speak (they should sound slower but sound fast to Bangkok ears), decorate homes and businesses – even Baan Kang Wat offers a glimpse of this vibrant creative energy! This village showcases this artistic spirit.
Chiang Mai’s Old Historical Town lies outside this village and offers an oasis of culture and craftsmanship. Wander its lush pathways lined with blooming plants as you visit its shops, studios and restaurants – many traders also provide workshops on various subjects ranging from pottery making and painting to leathercraft and jewelry-making!
Nattawut Ruckprasit, more commonly known by his artistic moniker Big, has achieved an enviable balance between nature and development in this village. Grass and trees cover its property while teak houses built in traditional-meets-modern style feature brushed concrete walls and timeless wooden furniture; artists and craftspeople live above their shops creating a sense of community among residents; Big’s personal artistic practice can be traced through his aesthetic choices including palm-sized ceramics that highlight his balance between clay and wood.
Baan Kang Wat is a favorite dining and shopping hub of both locals and visitors, both alike. Offering everything from vegetarian fare to meat dishes at its cafes and restaurants, vegetarians won’t go hungry here. Taiwanese Veggie Restaurant on Nimmanhaemin Soi 13 provides one such spot; another great vegan food choice can be found nearby at Mae Ping Street Food Stalls.
The Shops
Baan Kang Wat offers more than art; it provides a welcome respite from downtown Chiang Mai’s busy streets. Each teak and concrete house, or house, houses its own trader with something exclusive to offer; many even run workshops so visitors can learn something new or leave with personalized souvenirs!
Nattawut Ruckprasit, commonly known by his Thai moniker Big, was inspired to create Baan Kang Wat by his own artistic practice: creating palm-sized ceramic sculptures made with clay and wood that carefully balance out each element. Baan Kang Wat houses reflect this aesthetic with each home featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces used for designing, making, exhibiting, selling, learning and living; Big’s Bookoo Studio can be found inside one home along with many independent shops and restaurants.
Each house is carefully planned to take advantage of natural lighting, ventilation and insulation; creating beautiful yet inviting living spaces where people can sit back with coffee or tea and relax in comfort.
Baan Kang Wat shops feature an assortment of locally made goods, from clothing and accessories to jewellery and gifts for loved ones back home. You are sure to find something suitable at one or all of its shops!
Alongside its shops, the village also features a small cafe and workshop space where you can try your hand at pottery- or fabric art making. Please be aware that these workshops tend to fill quickly; so, if you’re keen on learning something new be sure to book early.
Baan Kang Wat is open daily from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m, though individual shops have different opening hours. Easily found and worth the short drive out from town, it offers peaceful respite from city streets while offering authentic local craft and cuisine in an immersive and unique setting.
The Food
Baan Kang Wat Village lies at the base of Doi Suthep and prides itself on sustainable and community based practices. Each shop in this village is owned by independent local artisans who operate under a common economy system to reduce rent payments while directly engaging their customers.
Each store and stall in a village is special, reflecting its owner’s creativity and craftsmanship. Some stores specialize in handicrafts while others offer more general items like pottery or clothing; some even run workshops to introduce visitors to local crafts while teaching something new!
Cafes and restaurants across Thailand also provide an array of cuisine from all corners. Their offerings use fresh local ingredients with creative flare – an excellent opportunity for travelers to try new Thai dishes while supporting artists within their communities.
Village itself is an idyllic destination, especially during morning hours when temperatures are more pleasant and not so crowded. A central sunken amphitheater hosts local events like musical or gaming tournaments which further add to its unique spirit. Meanwhile, buildings crafted out of teak wood and concrete provide stunning scenery.
Baan Kang Wat is an indispensable place if you want to support local artisans and gain an insight into community life in Chiang Mai. There’s so much going on at Baan Kang Wat that spending hours here won’t become tedious; make sure this visit is part of any itinerary in Chiang Mai and don’t miss it!
The Events
Village located just outside the Old Historical City and easily reached via tuk tuk. Ask for Baan Kang Wat (Black Temple Market) near Wat Ram Poeng (wadrameping).
Nattawut Ruckprasit, commonly referred to by his nickname Big, first had the idea for an artist village in 2009. Several years were spent planning this ambitious endeavor before ground was broken in 2014. Big’s designs combine traditional Northern Thai architecture with contemporary approaches while providing both living quarters and workspaces within each building.
While most village houses are used for artisanal production, each space has been carefully planned to facilitate a range of activities from designing and painting to teaching and selling. Big has carefully chosen all retailers, food service providers and service providers in his village who share his philosophy of creating a shared economy that benefits all. Tenants range from handicraft stores and family restaurants to traditional barber shops – even an old-school barbershop!
Make sure to allow at least a couple hours for you to explore and discover all that the village has to offer. Many traders provide workshops or classes such as pottery or woodworking which you can participate in, as well as offering unique handmade products at different shops and studios throughout.
An amphitheater near the entrance serves as the venue for various community events throughout the year, such as live music performances and educational talks. These gatherings aim to connect local residents with both their environment and each other more intimately.
Other events held at the village include ceramic workshopping sessions hosted by In Clay and Chatchaiwat Pottery; as well as tie dye workshops facilitated by artists Pawana (Nok) Prakobsuk of denim brand Like Now who demonstrate how to tie dye textiles using natural colors such as indigo for blue tint and blood-orange annatto seeds for red hues.
Baan Kang Wat’s artists and shop owners take great pride in the craftsmanship and quality of their products, which can be seen by visitors who visit this village of Chiang Mai. Baan Kang Wat stands as a hidden gem ideal for creative exploration in Chiang Mai.