So all around the outskirts of Chiang Mai there are compounds dedicated to making handicrafts. Each compound allows tourists to wander around and see how everything is made and then of course has a showroom or equivalent which you are encouraged to buy from. Some of the handicrafts are actually quite impressive.
-handcrafted and painted bamboo and paper umbrellas. They make everything by hand, the paper, the bamboo supports, and they even apply a shellac to make them waterproof.
-silk clothing is an exception in that most of it is done by machines but they did have an exhibit on how the silk worm grows, spins its cocoon and then how the coccoons are harvested and turned into silk thread.
-the celadon ceramic factory was really impressive. The process is quite a long one and the end result is really beautiful.
-There was a teak and rosewood furniture store and some of the designs were extremely labour intensive and artistic. We saw one rosewood dining table (probably 6 feet by 3) where the entire top had been carved into a 3 dimensional village tableau complete with trees, buildings, landscaping, people, animals, carts, and tools. It took a year to carve. We really liked some of the teak dining tables and the rosewood desks. Unfortunately while the prices may be somewhat discounted compared to what you'd pay in Canada they are not exactly in our price range.
-silver and tin smithing was interesting but not nearly as impressive as the wood carving.
All in all it was more shopping than I (Steve) really like but it was great to see the artistry that these industries facilitate.
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