Thai textiles began as a way of life and over time, they have become arts. Handwoven and hand-dyed, these textiles require high level of skills and painstaking attention to detail. They also empower women as they play a key role in handcrafting Thai textiles.

Each kind of textile differs, from pattern designs to weaving and dyeing techniques. To learn more about them, it’s best to go straight to the sources: the weaving villages and groups. This way, you can support the locals and keep these art forms alive. 

9 Weaving Groups and Villages for Thai Textile Lovers

1. Ban Nong Ngueak in Lamphun, Northern Thailand

For over 200 years, the heritage of cotton weaving in Ban Nong Ngueak has been preserved. This is where Yong people (an ethnic group from Myanmar) settled and they have been passing down their weaving techniques for generations.

Apart from high-quality products, which range from modern dresses to pillowcases and curtains, Ban Nong Ngueak has unique looms that can be used by two people at once. These lover looms were used by the husband and the wife in order to produce larger pieces. With lover looms, the husband got to work and stay in the village with his wife. You can still try weaving with lover looms at the village.

2. Pua in Nan, Northern Thailand

In addition to rice, Tai Lue culture thrives in Pua as it’s where they first settled in Nan. One of the most interesting characteristics of Tai Lue culture is that women must learn to weave.

Tai Lue women in Thailand use a special technique called Tapestry Weaving (Lai Nam Lai), using their fingers to interlace the colorful cotton threads and create highly intricate patterns. The results look like water flowing, hence the name Lai Nam Lai, which means literally that. Today you can still admire the art of traditional Tai Lue-style weaving and also buy the handmade products in Pua, especially at Lamduan Textile.

Discover other things to do in Nan, Thailand.

3. Ban Thung Hong in Phrae, Northern Thailand

You might remember Thailand’s classic indigo farmer shirts and pants, but did you know that these traditional clothes or Mo Hom are from Ban Thung Hong? Hom is the name of the plant for Mo Hom indigo dye. From weaving to dyeing, you can learn the whole process of Mo Hom production or even design and make your own costume at this village. The locals at Ban Thung Hong Village are creative and have branched out into other products like Mo Hom bags, umbrellas and etc.

Discover other things to do in Phrae, Thailand.

4. Ban Hat Siew in Sukhothai, Northern Thailand

Known for colorful patterns, Ban Hat Siew textiles are Tai Phuan local wisdom, ethnic people who migrated from Laos. All Tai Phuan women learn to weave before they turn 16, so they create their own patterned sinh (a kind of sarong) for ceremonial use. Ceremonial sinh is called Pha Sinh Teen Chok in Thai.

The difference from other kinds of sinh is that, each Pha Sinh Teen Chok is divided into not three but four parts: the head, the body, the foot and the special part that’s connected to the foot part. This extra part is the most beautiful part of Pha Sinh Teen Chok and the villagers of Ban Hat Siew use porcupine quill in the patterning process.

5. Ban Phon in Kalasin, Northeastern Thailand

Among a variety of silk fabrics in Thailand, Phrae Wa silk of Ban Phon is the Queen of Silk and probably the most famous. A handicraft by Phu Tai women, it’s the same fabrics used for draping Northeastern Thai women’s shoulders. Fusing the khit technique for embossed patterns and the chok technique for colorful patterns, Phrae Wa silk is exceptionally beautiful.

Red was the most common dye for Phrae Wa silk, but now the locals use other colors for more variety. From pink and purple to blue and green, Phrae Wa silk has become more colorful than ever.

6. Wat That Prasit Handicraft Center in Nakhon Phanom, Northeastern Thailand

When the late King Rama IX and the Queen visited the community, they received the local Mudmee ikat silk as a gift and saw its potential. Therefore, Wat That Prasit Handicraft Center was established as a royal initiative to help the locals earn more income outside the agricultural seasons and better their quality of life.

Since then the locals have been developing their Mudmee silk weaving and natural dyeing techniques.  

7. Ban Non Rua in Sakon Nakhon, Northeastern Thailand

Thai textiles have many shades. Even the shades of indigo-dyed fabrics vary. Unlike Mo Hom of Ban Thung Hong in Phrae, indigo of the clothes in Sakon Nakhon comes from the plant kram instead of hom. The village Ban Non Rua is especially famous for their indigo-dyed fabrics, but there are many Sakon Nakhon villages where the kram heritage is alive. Take for example Mae Thita (The movie Troy featured their indigo-dyed clothes) and Ban Tham Tao (The locals plant and produce more kram dye than anywhere in Sakon Nakhon). Each village has its own style and the locals are still developing their techniques even today.

Experience hands-on indigo dyeing with the local gurus. You'll learn the regional art step by step and go home with your very own indigo-dyed piece, a real heart-made and handmade souvenir from Thailand. Read more here.

Sakon Nakhon and its dyeing tradition also has a lot to do with buffaloes, Isaan's signature animal. Our Local Expert also lets you befriend the adorable cattle and discover how they help the locals craft up their tie-dyed products. You will get to make your own tie-dyed t-shirt and taste authentic Isaan food too. Read more here.

Discover other things to do in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand.

8. Ban Tha Sawang in Surin, Northeastern Thailand

Pha Yok Thong is a very special kind of silk. It was chosen as the shirt and shawl material for global leaders who participated in the 2003 APEC in Thailand. This top-notch silk originated at Ban Tha Sawang in Surin.

The beautiful village features not only traditional wooden houses but also a museum that exhibits silk fabrics with ancient Thai patterns. Naga holding Garuda, Thepphanom (temple guardian angels with their hands at the wai position) and so on. 

9. Ban Na Meun Sri in Trang, Southern Thailand

Ban Na Meun Sri women weave their own fabrics for important occasions in their lives: their wedding, their son’s ordination and their funeral. The 200-year-old craftsmanship almost died out due to the lack of material during the World War II and industrialization of weaving.

Fortunately, the elder in the village initiated the preservation of their traditional weaving and their successors have established Ban Na Meun Sri weaving group. Red fabrics with yellow patterns are the most common, but many unique patterns are available. From doll pattern to Constitution Monument pattern. Over 100 beautiful handwoven fabrics are on display at the museum.

Discover other things to do in Trang, Thailand.

Welcome to Amazing Thailand – Open to the New Shades. This is your ultimate Thailand travel guide, off-the-beaten-track edition. Go local and explore Thailand through new perspectives. Open your heart and mind… to the shades of Thailand that you never knew exist!

The post Thai Textiles: Where to Explore the Art of Thai Weaving and Dyeing appeared first on Amazing Thailand.

Phrae, Northern Thailand

A sleepy northern province in the embrace of mountains, Phrae is literally and figuratively a hidden gem. A small town with really big charm. While you probably have never heard of this city before, you might have seen photos of Thai farmers wearing indigo shirts. These traditional shirts are the city's pride and joy and there are many more treasures to discover.

With flights from Bangkok to Phrae Airport, this northern city is actually easily accessible. With its peaceful old town, one-of-a-kind handicraft and intriguing natural landscapes, there’s no reason to skip this northern city.

Check out these top things to do in Phrae, Thailand, and enjoy authentic local experiences before the rest of the world catches on.

Top 8 Things to Do in Phrae, Thailand

1. Take a peek into local lords’ lives inside their teak mansions

With its wealth of teak forests, including private forests planted by the local noblemen, the old town has a good collection of elegant teak houses. They were the residences of the city's local lords and today they are open to the public. Visit the well-preserved teak mansions and get a rare glimpse into bygone days, especially these three:

1) Vongburi House

Vongburi House, or alternatively spelled Wongburi, is a fine example of the Thai take on gingerbread houses. Fusing Lanna architecture with European style and painted in pink, the mansion was repurposed into a museum and the interior is as attractive as the exterior. Vongburi House displays each room, furniture and antique as when the house was still inhabited a hundred years ago.

2) Khum Chao Luang

The mansion of the city's last prince, Chao Piriyathapawong. Like Vongburi House, Khum Chao Luang is a beautiful gingerbread house but painted in cream and green. In addition to the family's artifacts, you can find the portraits of the lord, his wife and other family members inside.

3) Pratubjai House

While Pratubjai House (Impressive House) isn’t a property of the city's ruler, it’s still very fascinating. The owner designed and decorated the house himself and he isn’t an architecture! Using 130 teak pillars, Pratubjai House is the world’s largest teak house. The whole process is entirely legal and in fact, Pratubjai House was built to preserve teakwood. Truly an impressive project.

2. Stroll around and temple hop in the old town

Apart from its collection of teak mansions, the old town is full of beautiful temples and quaint shops and cafés. Walking or biking around the old town area is the best way to enjoy its relaxing vibe.

So many options to choose from, right? To give you some ideas, here are the locals' favorite temples.

1) Wat Phra Bat Ming Muang

It actually comprises two temples: Wat Phra Bat and Wat Ming Muang. Pay respect to the city’s most important Buddha statue, Phra Buddha Kosai Sirichai Maha Shakyamuni. The ancient pagoda Phra Chedi Ming Muang with the replica of Buddha footprint is also in the temple complex.

2) Wat Phong Sunan

At Wat Phong Sunan, you’ll find a lot of distinctive features, such as the enormous red-lipped Reclining Buddha, the pagoda with numerous golden and white spires and walls decorated with glass balls. The definition of a feast for the eyes.

3. Eat your way through Kad Kong Kao

This evening walking street is a Saturday-only affair. While it’s small compared to night markets in other northern cities, Kad Kong Kao is packed with yummy treats. Shop from local uncles and aunties, listen to Lanna-style music by local buskers and admire old wooden houses along Khum Lue Road. It’s going to be a heart-warming evening.

4. Admire the Burmese-style teak temple, Wat Chom Sawan

This northern city isn’t just about teak mansions. Located a short distance from the old town, Wat Chom Sawan is a teak sanctuary by Shan people. The temple is one of the best preserved temples of its kind. Apart from its impressive exterior, Wat Chom Sawan houses a unique gilded Buddha image woven from bamboo called Luang Pho San.

5. Go indie with indigo at Ban Thung Hong Village

At Ban Thung Hong, traditional is pretty indie. Mo Hom, Thailand’s classic indigo farmer shirts and pants, are born here. Hom is the name of the indigo plant used for dyeing. From weaving to dyeing, you can learn the whole process of Mo Hom production or even design and make your own costume! Mo Hom outfits are made from cotton, so they’re perfect for summer or hot days and also durable. The locals at Ban Thung Hong Village are creative and have branched out into other products like Mo Hom bags, umbrellas and etc.

If you want to take a break, there’s Indigo House Café with their famous Indigo Coffee.

6. Be mystified by the city of sandstone, Phae Muang Phi

Phae Muang Phi, which translates to Spirit Grove, is a forest park that looks more like a wilderness carved out of sandstone. Although surrounded by spooky legends, Phae Muang Phi is completely safe to navigate. Let your imagination run wild as you contemplate the strange landscape, including Mushroom Rocks.

7. Pay respect to the city’s signature temple, Wat Phra That Cho Hae

Don’t miss Wat Phra That Cho Hae. Known as the city’s most revered temple, Wat Phra That Cho Hae has a stunning Chiang Saen-style octagonal pagoda that enshrines Buddha relics. Cho Hae is the name of a high-grade satin and as the story goes, the locals tied Cho Hae satin around the pagoda as a sign of reverence. The temple is especially sacred for people born in the Year of the Tiger.

8. Gaze at the Coral Mountain

Venture further along the mountain trail of Doi Pha Klong National Park and you’ll be rewarded by one of Thailand’s most unique sights. Rising high into the sky is Phu Khao Hin Pakarang, a jagged mountain that resembles coral reefs.

Doi Pha Klong National Park has many other highlights, such as strange rocks at Maharaj Rock Garden, the giant Buddha statue and weird rock formations at Erawan Cave and an abundance of rare animals and plants.

That’s it for things to do in Phrae, Thailand, but that’s not all you can do on your journey. Pair your visit to Phrae with a trip to its charming neighbor, Nan. Find out things to do in Nan, Thailand.

Welcome to Amazing Thailand – Open to the New Shades. This is your ultimate Thailand travel guide, off-the-beaten-track edition. Go local and explore Thailand through new perspectives. Open your heart and mind… to the shades of Thailand that you never knew exist!

The post Top Things to Do in Phrae, Thailand: Sandstone City, Indigo Dyeing Village and Coral Mountain appeared first on Amazing Thailand.