Baan Kang Wat

Baan Kang Wat, located at the foot of Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai and near Wat Umong, officially opened in 2015. It's a forest-themed creative community spontaneously gathered by local Chiang Mai artists, distinct from commercialized night markets.

The park consists of dozens of traditional Northern Thai stilt houses: the first floor houses handicraft workshops, shops, and cafes, while the second floor provides living space for artists. Enveloped in tropical greenery, the houses are in quiet alleyways, free from noisy tour groups, making it a less-traveled destination favored by Western tourists and art enthusiasts for leisurely exploration.

 

Basic Attraction Introduction

Thai: บ้านข้างวัด

📍Address: 191-197 Soi Wat Umong, Mueang Chiang Mai 50200 (Inside the alley of Wat Umong, Chiang Mai)

 

Business hour:Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00–18:00

❗Closed all day Monday for maintenance, please don't make a wasted trip!

Sunday Market (limited time only): 8:00–12:00 (Most stalls, best atmosphere; only a few stalls on Saturdays)

 

🕒Suggested visit duration

Just strolling and taking photos: 2 hours

Including DIY crafts + afternoon tea: 3–4 hours

 

A Leisurely Half-Day Itinerary

Baan Kang Wat art village map
 

Morning/Midday

Arrival and Exploration (10:00 – 12:00) – Aim to arrive around 10:00 AM; the crowds are thinner, the environment is peaceful, and the lighting is perfect for photography. Upon arrival, browse the independent bookstore near the main entrance, then sit beneath the large tree in the central courtyard to soak in the relaxing, lush green surroundings. The architecture features traditional Northern Thai wooden houses nestled amidst greenery, making the setting itself a beautiful sight.

 

Afternoon

Hands-on Crafts and Shop-Hopping (12:00 – 15:00) – Try a DIY craft workshop—the true soul of Baan Kang Wat. Options include pottery, indigo dyeing, painting, and wood carving. For instance, you can try pottery at "Earth Tone" (approx. 500–1,000+ THB) or craft your own personal notebook at "Note a Book." Afterward, continue exploring the village's many independent shops—such as the vintage store "Past Perfect" or the fragrance shop "dayoffstudio"—to hunt for unique handmade treasures.

 

Afternoon Tea and Photography (15:00 – 17:00) – When you’re tired from walking, take a break at a café. Recommended spots include the forest-themed bakery "Forest Bake" or the book-filled café "Mahasamut Library." Every corner offers a scenic backdrop; the central courtyard, the unique entrances to various studios, and even the graffiti walls make for excellent photo opportunities. For your outfit, consider cotton-linen fabrics or solid colors to better blend in with the village's atmosphere.
 

Early Evening

Departure (17:00) – Most shops close at 18:00, so it is best to start getting ready to leave around 17:00.

 

Baan Kang Wat DIY Workshop List

1. Bookoo Studio | Pottery Studio

📍 Location: North of Central Amphitheater

✅ Craft: Hand-building pottery, ceramic painting Make cups, bowls, incense holders & small ornaments

⏱ Duration: 1.5 – 3 hours

💰 Price: 300 – 850 THB

📌 Notes: Finished pieces take 1–3 weeks for firing; international shipping available

📅 Booking: Walk-in available on weekdays. Pre-booking highly recommended on weekends IG: @bookoo.studio

 

 

Bookoo Studio is the most well-known ceramic workshop within the art village. Beginners can join clay hand-building courses or paint pre-made ceramic blanks to craft cups, incense holders and delicate ornaments. After creation, finished works will go through firing procedures. International shipping service is available for customers who hope to bring their pottery home. It delivers a serene hands-on experience and allows visitors to create long-lasting, one-of-a-kind ceramic souvenirs.

 

2. Indigo Dye Workshop

📍 Location: West Lane of the village

✅ Craft: Natural indigo tie-dye Make cotton tote bags, scarves & handkerchiefs

⏱ Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours

💰 Price: 200 – 400 THB

📅 Booking: No online reservation required. Register on-site

 

 

This studio specialises in eco-friendly natural indigo tie-dye adopting ancient Lanna craft techniques. Travellers are free to design exclusive patterns on cotton tote bags, scarves and linen handkerchiefs. All pigments come from natural plants without harmful chemical additives. Visitors can take finished handicrafts away straight after class. It is a lightweight, portable craft experience ideal for families and tourists searching for authentic Northern Thai handmade keepsakes.

 

3. 2Wicks Candle Studio

 

📍 Location: Close to Enough for Life Café

✅ Craft: Scented soy candle pouring Custom decorative candle cups

⏱ Duration: 1 hour

💰 Price: 250 – 450 THB

📅 Booking: Walk-in basis; seats fill fast on busy afternoons

 

2Wicks Candle Studio focuses on handmade scented soy candles. Participants can pick favourite fragrances, decorative containers and dried botanicals to design personalised candle cups. The crafting atmosphere is relaxing and suitable for visitors of all ages. A wide range of aroma options satisfies different preferences. This gentle creative activity produces beautiful aromatherapy items, perfect as travel gifts or private mementos from Chiang Mai.

 

4. 15.28 Studio

📍 Location: South Path

✅ Craft: Watercolour painting, hand-painted postcards

⏱ Duration: 1 – 2 hours

💰 Price: 200 – 380 THB 📅 Booking: Walk-in only

 

Nestled along the quiet south path, 15.28 Studio runs watercolour painting workshops. Guests draw landscape works or illustrated postcards inspired by the lush wooden buildings and tropical greenery of Baan Kang Wat. No professional painting skills are required. The shaded, tranquil environment helps visitors slow down and capture the unique rustic charm of this artist village on paper. It is a lovely choice for travellers fond of painting and quiet creation.
 

5. Print & Art Shop | Lanna Block Printing

📍 Location: Between Pottery Studio & Indigo Dye House

✅ Craft: Traditional Lanna block printing Print patterns on tote bags, postcards & art paper

⏱ Duration: 1 hour

💰 Price: 180 – 350 THB

📅 Booking: Walk-in only

 

This workshop preserves traditional Lanna block printing heritage. Visitors can stamp classic Northern Thai cultural patterns onto tote bags, postcards and art paper under artist guidance. Works can be taken home immediately without extra waiting for processing. The operation is simple and time-efficient. It offers an accessible way for tourists to engage with local traditional craftsmanship within a short visiting schedule.

 

6. U-Talay Studio | Driftwood Craft

📍 Location: Back Alley

✅ Craft: Handmade driftwood keychains & small decorations

💰 Price: 290 – 390 THB

 

U-Talay Studio sticks to sustainable creation using natural driftwood materials. Visitors are able to make delicate driftwood keychains and small decorative ornaments. The studio promotes environmental ideas by reusing natural waste to create rustic handicrafts. This simple craft requires no prior experience. It appeals greatly to travellers who favour natural texture, eco-friendly design and minimalist handmade travel souvenirs.

 

7. Plaster Painting Stalls

📍 Scattered shops around Enough for Life Café

✅ Craft: Paint plaster figurines (elephants, cats)

💰 Price: 150 – 300 THB Perfect choice for family visitors

 

 

These scattered stalls offer plaster figurine painting. Visitors decorate blank plaster statues shaped like elephants, cats and other cute creatures with colourful paints. The operation is easy and friendly for all age groups, especially young children. Artworks can be completed quickly and carried off right away. It stands as the most family-oriented DIY activity in Baan Kang Wat, a great casual activity while wandering the art village.

 

What are some worthwhile eateries to try in the village?

1. Yook Samai

📍 Reference Location: Next to Central Amphitheater

As the main full-service restaurant inside Baan Kang Wat, it serves authentic Northern Thai Lanna cuisine. The signature Khao Soi chicken curry noodle attracts countless visitors, alongside basil pork rice and crispy tamarind tofu. Diners can dine in open-air seating surrounded by lush greenery. It is the ideal choice for visitors looking for a proper lunch amid art exploration, delivering genuine local flavours without venturing outside the art village.
 

2. Obchoei Original Homemade

📍 Reference Location: West Lane, close to Indigo Dye Workshop

This vintage wooden-house café focuses on handmade desserts and creative beverages. Visitors should not miss its banoffee cake and moist carrot cake, paired with distinctive lychee coffee. The retro decor creates a peaceful atmosphere perfect for slow afternoon tea. It offers a quiet retreat after visiting nearby craft workshops, matching the artistic, laid-back vibe of the whole art village.
 

3. Seasons Homemade Ice Cream

📍 Reference Location: Main path between entrance & amphitheater

This small stall supplies freshly churned homemade ice cream with rich tropical flavours, including mango, Thai tea, durian and butterfly pea. It works as a refreshing quick snack to beat Chiang Mai’s heat during village wandering. Portions are suitable for sharing, and guests can grab ice cream to enjoy while strolling along tree-lined lanes and visiting different handmade studios.
 

4. Enough for Life Café

📍 Reference Location: Core landmark along recommended walking route

A popular hybrid café combined with vintage handicraft retail. It serves classic lattes, tiramisu and creamy lemon cake. The iconic rattan hanging chairs and rustic decoration make it one of the most photographed spots. Many travellers stop here for a short rest between DIY workshops. It balances good drinks, photogenic scenery and a relaxed atmosphere for casual breaks.
 

5. Graph Coffee

📍 Reference Location: Near the second-hand bookshop

As a well-known local specialty coffee brand, this branch delivers carefully brewed cold brew and dirty latte. The minimalist wooden building blends naturally into the art village’s landscape. Besides coffee, simple baked pastries are available. It is a top pick for coffee lovers seeking high-quality single-origin drinks in a quiet artistic environment away from crowded tourist zones.
 

6. Wood-fired Pizza Stall

📍 Reference Location: Central garden zone

This casual stall prepares thin-crust pizza baked in a traditional wood oven on site. Visitors can take away pizza and eat on the grass steps of the central amphitheater. It provides a simple international food option for groups with varied tastes. The open-air setting adds extra leisure, suitable for travellers who prefer light, casual meals instead of formal Thai dishes.
 

7. Sunday Morning Market Food Stall

📍 Reference Location: Central Amphitheater Area (Only Sunday 8:00–12:00)

Available exclusively during the weekly Sunday creative market, these temporary stalls offer a diverse range of local street food. Highlights include banana sticky rice, Northern Thai sausages, fresh organic fruit juices and homemade baked goods. It brings the liveliest culinary experience of Baan Kang Wat, allowing visitors to taste local farm produce while browsing handmade craft stalls.
 

 

Recommended attractions along the way

• Wat Umong: An ancient tunnel temple hidden in the forest, very close to the art village.
• Doi Suthep: Home to the famous Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Temple of the Twin Dragons), offering panoramic views of Chiang Mai.
• Nimmanhaemin: Chiang Mai's trendiest street, lined with trendy cafes, boutiques, and restaurants.