Ban Tawai
Section of Populated Place
Ban Tawai, near Chiang Mai, is an established artisan village known for woodcarving, furniture workshops and galleries. Shoppers and designers browse carved furniture, lacquerware and live carving demonstrations.
Ban Tawai is a well-known handicraft village in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand, recognised for its concentration of woodcarvers, furniture makers and artisans. It functions as a major centre for the region’s commercial craft production.
The modern craft village developed in the later 20th century as artisans and traders consolidated production and retail in one locality, becoming a major destination for buyers of Thai woodworking and handicrafts.
Located south of Chiang Mai city in Hang Dong district, Ban Tawai is reachable by road and often visited on day trips from Chiang Mai.
- Craft workshops and shopping: Workshops and galleries are clustered along the village streets, where visitors can see woodcarving and furniture production firsthand and purchase finished pieces.
How to Get to Ban Tawai #
Ban Tawai is about 20-30 minutes by car south of Chiang Mai city center on Route 108. Songthaews and tuk-tuks can be hired from Chiang Mai; driving yourself along the main highway is straightforward.
Tips for Visiting Ban Tawai #
- Visit the carving workshops in the morning when artisans are at work-prime time for seeing woodcarving and furniture creation.
- Walk the side streets away from the main tourist strip to find more authentic craft stores and fewer imports.
- If shopping for furniture, expect to arrange transport; many sellers can help with shipping arrangements.
Best Time to Visit Ban Tawai #
Cool season (November-February) is most comfortable for visiting workshops and markets.
Weather & Climate near Ban Tawai #
Ban Tawai's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 13°C to 36°C. Moderate rainfall (993 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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May
May is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (154 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (182 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (178 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
