• By: RIYANKA
• Sep 08, 2024
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Baan Kang Wat: A Paradise for Art Lovers in Chiang Mai

While searching for Airbnbs in Chiang Mai, we stumbled upon this charming homestay called Lucklub, nestled within what the description called an artists’ village, just 7 km from the city center. The name ‘Baan Kang Wat’ was mentioned in the description – and it was a place I had never heard of before! Curious enough, I quickly Googled it, only to find some super-aesthetic, Pinterest-worthy photos.

I shared it with Tanisha, my friend who was traveling with me, and she immediately agreed that we should book it. That was all it took – we didn’t really know what we were getting into, but Baan Kang Wat turned out to be every bit as magical as it looked!

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The next morning, I woke up to the sound of soothing music—it felt as if someone was playing the piano right outside the homestay. It was around 9 am when I stepped out of our room, and the whole place was full of life and buzzing. People were clicking photographs around the aesthetic corners, sipping on coffee, buying tiny trinkets, and enjoying their time attending the workshops.

[Find the link to the Lucklub homestay inside Baan Kang Wat, here.]

 

A Traveler’s Guide to Baan Kang Wat, Chiang Mai

Founded and managed by Nattawut and Waranya Ruckprasit, Baan Kang Wat is home to a unique and close-knit community of artists and craftsmen from Chiang Mai, nurturing small businesses and community-led workshops, with boutique cafes and a cozy vibe.

Located at the foot of Doi Suthep mountain, not far from Wat Ram Poeng Temple, it feels like an escape from the city. The artists’ village is made up of less than 10 buildings, including a homestay where Waranya warmly hosts her guests. As soon as you walk through the gates, you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world. The village is full of small, green pathways leading to pretty shops and artsy stores, selling things like handmade cups, lamps, postcards, shirts, earrings, and more.

Each shop has its special touch, and some of the artists even offer classes and workshops that visitors can join. Also, this is a sustainable and eco-friendly set-up, which is completely plastic-free.

Nattawut, who is a painter himself, runs Bookoo Studio, where you can mold, carve, and paint clay models to take home as unique souvenirs. You can also have your portrait painted by Nattawut or join one of his wholesome painting workshops.

The buildings in the village have a perfect blend of traditional Thai architecture, with their wooden structures, and modern, minimalist designs. As I walked around, the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air that morning, and a sense of calm washed over me. Flowers, plants, and shrubs were tucked into every corner, adding a touch of nature to the entire village.

I stopped by Obchoei to grab an iced mocha for myself and some cookies for Tanisha. Decorated with vintage elements, every corner of the place was Insta-worthy (and you should check their page on Instagram to believe me!). They also offer cooking and baking lessons, teaching how to make those delicious melt-in-mouth cookies and perfect carrot cakes!

As I continued exploring, I came across shops offering sustainable clothing and accessories, crockery and cutlery made from nacre (mother of pearl), handmade musical instruments, and more.

There’s a small amphitheater that sits at the center of the artists’ village, surrounded by food stalls offering everything from healthy salad bowls to freshly cooked Pad Thai. It’s the ideal spot to relax and enjoy a meal. This open space also doubles as a venue for community events, hosting film screenings and live performances throughout the year.

But my attention was grabbed by another very pretty shop, just next to the amphitheater, and it was called Earth Republic Studio. Adorable sculptures pulled me towards the store run by Athit Mingchua, who makes diverse character designs with ceramics. From quirky animal lamps to table decor items and keychains, everything there was popping with colors!

After spending nearly half an hour browsing, I left with a handful of stickers and keychains that made for the perfect souvenirs. Another shop that caught my eye was 2Wicks Candle, offering fragrant soy wax candles and even hosting candle-making workshops. While wandering through the market, I found myself lost in thoughts, amazed at how beautifully people were co-existing here, each nurturing their passion for art.

If you’re a fan of notebooks and vintage postcards, you’ll be enchanted by Note A Book. I couldn’t resist picking up a bunch of postcards there. You can also create your own customized notebook, making it uniquely yours!

By the time I decided to grab an iced latte from Graph Coffee, it was nearly afternoon. I headed back to the homestay to unwind for a while before setting out to explore Chiang Mai’s temples.

The following days felt like a retreat as we hibernated inside Baan Kang Wat, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main city. It was a serene escape we hadn’t planned for, but one that I’ll cherish for a long time.  This, definitely, is a perfect place for slow travelers looking for a sustainable, eco-friendly stay in Chiang Mai.

FAQs About Baan Kang Wat, Chiang Mai

1. How far is Baan Kang Wat from Chiang Mai’s main city?

• Baan Kang Wat is located about 7 km from Chiang Mai’s main town, and if you don’t have your own transportation, the easiest way to get there is by tuk-tuk (songthaew), which is readily available in the city center. The ride will cost you around 150 to 180 THB. Alternatively, you can also book a Grab taxi through the app.

2. Is Baan Kang Wat open on all days?

• Baan Kang Wat is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 am to 6 pm, and is closed on Mondays. Every Sunday, the village hosts an open market from 8 am to 1 pm, where you can join various workshops, savor local cuisine, and enjoy live music.

3. What kind of workshops can I attend at Baan Kang Wat?

• From painting and pottery, to candle-making, weaving, book-binding, and cooking – you can learn it all here! More than 20 workshops are held at this artists’ village, all guided by expert artists.

4. Is there an entrance fee for Baan Kang Wat?

• No, it’s free for all 🙂

5. Do I need to stay inside to experience the artists’ village of Baan Kang Wat?

• Not really! Most of the people usually visit here from Chiang Mai, but in case you wish to stay amidst nature, and away from the chaos of the city, I would definitely recommend staying here.

6. Can I buy good souvenirs from Baan Kang Wat?

• OF COURSE! It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs. Postcards and notebooks, candles, fridge magnets, cute little clay potteries, art prints, cutleries, t-shirts, earrings, cosmetics – you’ll find the most amazing gifting items here!

Though I’ve visited Thailand several times, my adventures were mostly in the South, exploring the islands of Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. This trip marked my first venture into Northern Thailand, and I absolutely fell in love with it. The region has a unique charm, just as warm and inviting, with so much more to discover.

If you’ve explored Northern Thailand, I’d love to hear about your favorite places in the comments below. And if you’re planning a trip to Chiang Mai, don’t miss out on visiting Baan Kang Wat!