Artisanal Heritage

    Thai Traditional Crafts

    From lustrous Thai silk to intricate Benjarong porcelain, Thailand's handicrafts represent centuries of artistic mastery. Discover authentic souvenirs and support local artisans.

    20+ craft traditions
    Regional specialties
    Traditional Thai silk weaving

    1000+

    Years of Tradition

    All Thai Crafts

    20 crafts to explore. Each piece represents generations of artistic tradition.

    Thai Silk
    Textiles & Silk
    ฿500 - ฿50,000+

    Thai Silk

    ผ้าไหมไทย

    World-renowned hand-woven silk with distinctive sheen and vibrant colors, revived by Jim Thompson.

    Northeastern Thailand (Isaan)
    Jim Thompson House (Bangkok)Chatuchak Market+1 more

    Real Thai silk has a distinctive smell when burned and feels slightly rough to touch

    Mudmee (Ikat) Silk
    Textiles & Silk
    ฿1,000 - ฿20,000

    Mudmee (Ikat) Silk

    ผ้ามัดหมี่

    Traditional tie-dye silk from Isaan with intricate geometric patterns passed down through generations.

    Isaan (Khon Kaen, Roi Et)
    Khon Kaen silk villagesRoi Et markets+1 more

    Visit Chonnabot district in Khon Kaen for the best selection and workshops

    Hand-Woven Cotton
    Textiles & Silk
    ฿200 - ฿5,000

    Hand-Woven Cotton

    ผ้าฝ้ายทอมือ

    Natural cotton textiles from Northern Thailand featuring traditional Lanna patterns and natural dyes.

    Northern Thailand
    San Kamphaeng (Chiang Mai)Pasang (Lamphun)+1 more

    Look for OTOP 5-star ratings for quality assurance

    Benjarong Porcelain
    Ceramics
    ฿300 - ฿30,000+

    Benjarong Porcelain

    เบญจรงค์

    Exquisite five-color porcelain with intricate hand-painted designs, originally made for Thai royalty.

    Samut Sakhon (near Bangkok)
    Amphawa Benjarong villageChatuchak Market+2 more

    Visit Don Kai Dee village to see artisans at work and buy direct

    Celadon Pottery
    Ceramics
    ฿200 - ฿10,000

    Celadon Pottery

    เซลาดอน

    Elegant green-glazed stoneware with distinctive crackle finish, a Northern Thai specialty.

    Chiang Mai
    Siam Celadon (Chiang Mai)Baan Celadon+1 more

    Authentic celadon has a distinctive ring when tapped

    Sangkhalok Ceramics
    Ceramics
    ฿100 - ฿5,000

    Sangkhalok Ceramics

    สังคโลก

    Ancient Sukhothai-era pottery with distinctive designs, revived using traditional techniques.

    Sukhothai & Si Satchanalai
    Si Satchanalai pottery villagesSukhothai Historic Park shops

    Visit the ancient kiln sites at Si Satchanalai Historical Park

    Teak Wood Carving
    Woodwork
    ฿500 - ฿500,000+

    Teak Wood Carving

    งานแกะสลักไม้

    Intricate hand-carved teak furniture, panels, and sculptures showcasing Northern Thai artistry.

    Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai)
    Ban Tawai Handicraft VillageChiang Mai Night Bazaar+1 more

    Ban Tawai has hundreds of shops and can arrange international shipping

    Spirit Houses
    Woodwork
    ฿2,000 - ฿100,000+

    Spirit Houses

    ศาลพระภูมิ

    Ornate miniature temples crafted as homes for protective spirits, found throughout Thailand.

    Throughout Thailand
    Specialty spirit house shopsChatuchak Market+1 more

    Spirit houses are typically installed with a ceremony by a Brahmin priest

    Nielloware (Kruang Tom)
    Metalwork
    ฿500 - ฿50,000+

    Nielloware (Kruang Tom)

    เครื่องถม

    Southern Thai silver inlay art with black alloy designs, a 400-year-old craft from Nakhon.

    Nakhon Si Thammarat (Southern Thailand)
    Nakhon Si Thammarat shopsNarayana Phand (Bangkok)+1 more

    Look for the "Royal Nielloware" certification for authentic pieces

    Hill Tribe Silver
    Jewelry
    ฿200 - ฿10,000

    Hill Tribe Silver

    เครื่องเงินชาวเขา

    Handcrafted silver jewelry by Karen and Hmong artisans featuring unique tribal designs.

    Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai)
    Night Bazaar (Chiang Mai)Wualai Walking Street+1 more

    Pure hill tribe silver bends easily - this is normal and indicates authenticity

    Bronze Buddha Statues
    Metalwork
    ฿1,000 - ฿500,000+

    Bronze Buddha Statues

    พระพุทธรูปสำริด

    Sacred bronze statues cast using ancient lost-wax technique by master craftsmen.

    Bangkok, Phitsanulok
    Bamrung Muang Road (Bangkok)Amulet markets+1 more

    Buddha images should be placed respectfully and never below waist level

    Lacquerware
    Lacquerware
    ฿300 - ฿30,000

    Lacquerware

    เครื่องเขิน

    Black and red lacquered items decorated with gold leaf, a signature Chiang Mai craft.

    Chiang Mai
    Chiang Mai Night BazaarSan Kamphaeng Road+1 more

    Quality lacquerware has many layers and won't crack or peel

    Sa Paper (Mulberry Paper)
    Paper & Parasols
    ฿50 - ฿2,000

    Sa Paper (Mulberry Paper)

    กระดาษสา

    Handmade paper from mulberry bark used for lanterns, fans, and decorative items.

    Northern Thailand
    San KamphaengBo Sang Village+1 more

    Watch artisans make paper at Sa Paper & Umbrella Handicraft Center

    Borsang Parasols
    Paper & Parasols
    ฿100 - ฿3,000

    Borsang Parasols

    ร่มบ่อสร้าง

    Hand-painted paper umbrellas from Bo Sang village, each a unique work of art.

    Bo Sang, Chiang Mai
    Bo Sang Umbrella VillageChiang Mai markets

    Visit in January for the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival

    Bamboo & Rattan Weaving
    Other Crafts
    ฿100 - ฿10,000

    Bamboo & Rattan Weaving

    จักสาน

    Traditional woven baskets, furniture, and household items using sustainable materials.

    Throughout Thailand
    Local marketsOTOP shops+1 more

    Water hyacinth items are eco-friendly and help control invasive plants

    Fruit & Vegetable Carving
    Other Crafts
    Classes: ฿500 - ฿2,000

    Fruit & Vegetable Carving

    การแกะสลักผักผลไม้

    Intricate carving art transforming fruits and vegetables into stunning edible sculptures.

    Throughout Thailand
    Cooking schools offer classesHotel displays+1 more

    Take a fruit carving class - it's a unique Thai experience!

    Khon Masks
    Other Crafts
    ฿1,000 - ฿50,000+

    Khon Masks

    หัวโขน

    Elaborate papier-mâché masks used in classical Khon dance performances.

    Bangkok, Central Thailand
    Khon mask workshopsNarayana Phand+1 more

    Authentic masks are made by certified artisans - look for certification

    Yan Lipao (Fern Weaving)
    Other Crafts
    ฿500 - ฿15,000

    Yan Lipao (Fern Weaving)

    ย่านลิเภา

    Southern Thai craft weaving glossy fern vines into beautiful handbags and accessories.

    Nakhon Si Thammarat
    Nakhon Si Thammarat marketsOTOP shops+1 more

    Authentic yan lipao has a natural sheen and tight, even weave

    Mulberry Silk Scarves
    Textiles & Silk
    ฿200 - ฿5,000

    Mulberry Silk Scarves

    ผ้าพันคอไหม

    Luxurious hand-dyed silk scarves in vibrant colors, perfect souvenirs.

    Throughout Thailand
    Jim ThompsonNight markets+2 more

    Check the burn test - real silk smells like burning hair

    Dan Kwian Pottery
    Ceramics
    ฿100 - ฿20,000

    Dan Kwian Pottery

    เครื่องปั้นดินเผาด่านเกวียน

    Rustic terracotta pottery from Korat known for its distinctive rust-red color.

    Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)
    Dan Kwian villageKorat markets+1 more

    The village has dozens of shops - compare prices and quality

    Shopping Guide

    Where to Buy Authentic Crafts

    Find genuine Thai handicrafts at these recommended destinations. Always look for OTOP certification for quality assurance.

    Chatuchak Weekend Market

    Bangkok

    World's largest weekend market with thousands of stalls selling crafts, antiques, and souvenirs.

    Best for: Everything - overwhelming selection at great prices

    Ban Tawai Handicraft Village

    Chiang Mai

    Massive craft village with hundreds of shops specializing in wood carvings and furniture.

    Best for: Woodcarvings, furniture, home decor

    Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

    Chiang Mai

    Daily night market with extensive handicraft selection and good bargaining opportunities.

    Best for: Hill tribe crafts, textiles, souvenirs

    Jim Thompson House & Shop

    Bangkok

    Premium Thai silk and home accessories with guaranteed quality.

    Best for: High-quality silk, gifts

    OTOP Stores

    Nationwide

    Government-certified local products from every province, ensuring authenticity.

    Best for: Authentic regional crafts with quality guarantee

    Bo Sang Umbrella Village

    Chiang Mai

    Famous village dedicated to hand-painted parasols and sa paper products.

    Best for: Parasols, paper products, fans

    Smart Shopping Tips

    🏷️

    Look for OTOP

    OTOP certification guarantees authentic local products with quality standards.

    🔥

    Test Thai Silk

    Real silk smells like burning hair when tested with flame - ask for a thread test.

    💬

    Bargain Politely

    At markets, bargaining is expected. Start at 50-60% and negotiate with a smile.

    📦

    Shipping Available

    Major craft villages like Ban Tawai offer international shipping for large items.