Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
forest conservation. A similar homestay set-up is
Baan Chom Nok Chom Mai
( 08 9559 9371; r
600B)
. You can arrange tours of the village through
Khun Sukanya
( 08 1951 4797)
.
The narrow road through the village summits the hill and winds down into
Chae Son Na-
tional Park
, where you'll find waterfalls and hot springs.
If you visit Mae Kampong as a day trip from Chiang Mai, stop in at the restaurant of
Tharnthong Lodge, south of Ban Mae Kampong, for a bite to eat and wander around its
photo-op garden.
Mae Kampong is 48km east of Chiang Mai and can be reached by following Rte 1317
towards San Kamphaeng. At the T-junction at Ban Huay Kaew, turn right towards the
signs for Ban Mae Kampong. There is no public transport to the village but it can be
reached via motorcycle or car.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Hang Dong & Ban Thawai
Of Chiang Mai's two handicraft centres, the area south of the city still retains its reputa-
tion as a 'furniture highway' where stores and workshops specialise in decorative arts,
woodcarving, antiques and contemporary furniture. The area is 15km south of Chiang Mai
accessible by private transport via Rte 108.
The greatest concentration of shops can be found on Th Thakhilek, the first left turn
after Talat Hang Dong. A cluster of stores near the intersection sells antique reproductions
using new wood; in times past they used salvaged teak but most of that is now gone. Fur-
ther down the road is
Chili Antiques & Arts
( 08 9952 7898;
www.chiliantiques.com
;
125 Th Thakhilek)
,
a massive showroom of bronze and wooden Buddhas, sculptures, woodcarvings and fine
decor. Across the street is
Piak Antiques
( 0 5344 1157;
www.piakantique.com
;
Th Thakhilek)
selling
reclaimed, chunky wooden furniture.
Crossroads Asia
( 0 5343 4650; 214/7 Th Thakhilek, Chaiyo
Plaza)
sells ethnic art and textiles from 26 countries, with an international clientele. Better-
than-average souvenirs can be found at
World Port Services
( 0 5343 4200; Th Thakhilek)
with its
quirky collection of folk art, bronze statues and Buddhas. If you're after something for the
kids, pop into
Kala Design
( 08 1034 5495; Th Thakhilek)
. It's a bit more downmarket but there
are some wonderful animal interpretations in wood: the goggle-eyed owls are adorable.
When you need a break from the browsing, call into Pana Botanicals, which has a small
cafe set in a converted wooden house.
