Visiting Chiang Mai through the stories of the locals.

When we think of Thailand, we often immediately think of the bustling city of Bangkok with its throngs of tourists and Michelin-starred restaurants. But you shouldn't miss the growing number of creative spaces in Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand. Here, Achariyar Rojanapirom recently opened Kalm Village, a creative space that sells handicrafts, offers galleries, and serves as a community hub in this peaceful ancient city. As co-founder and creative director, Achariyar Rojanapirom aims to further solidify Chiang Mai's position on the global art map.

Could you share more about your Kalm Village space?

My brother and I grew up surrounded by our mother's rich collections of traditional crafts and heard the incredible stories behind them. Born in Chiang Mai, we wanted to create a space to preserve our ancestors' crafts and pass on the knowledge of previous generations. Kalm Village is a modern space where people from all walks of life can learn about the importance of these cultural aspects. Craftsmen and artisans can also come here to exhibit in rotating exhibitions, and there's a major exhibition of wickerwork, woodworking, textiles, and pottery.

What excites you about creating a creative space in Chiang Mai?

Everything stems from history. The city is part of the 700-year-old Lanna kingdom, with its own culture, dialect, and crafts. These are endless sources of inspiration for creativity. The community of artisans and emerging artists will draw upon classic techniques to create their own new works of art. I realize that more people need to work hard to preserve these values. There is so much hidden talent here – long-time master craftsmen, as well as a new generation keeping the indigenous crafts alive. In addition, the surrounding mountains provide abundant resources. Not just material resources, but also a wonderful space to live and work.

Which local artisans should tourists visit when coming to Chiang Mai?

Moonler is a brand that makes furniture from raintree wood, a type of wood abundant in northern Thailand. The brand has collaborated with local and international designers to create stunning, high-quality collections. Additionally, my friend Robert Sukrachand has been working with artisans across the country to create exceptional pieces. He recently completed a project with bronze bell makers in Bản Pa Ao, eastern Thailand, using the traditional wax-rolling technique of Chiang Mai. Finally, Arnan Ratchawang-inn, a long-time family friend and renowned artist, has developed a unique contemporary art style, full of Buddhist symbolism, expressing faith, peace, purity, and light. He lives and works in a peaceful studio in the city's Doi Saket district, where visitors can tour and stay overnight.

So where can tourists go shopping for local handicrafts?

I always tell people to visit Charoen Rajd Road in the Wat Ket Karam area. There are many local handicraft shops there, and the shops themselves are some of the most interesting architectural highlights in Chiang Mai. Sop Moei Arts, Nussara, and Fai Sor Kam are also places I frequent. If you arrive before noon, be sure to try the dumplings, and make time for the delicious coconut cream cake at Baan Piemsuk cafe.

Describe your perfect day in Chiang Mai.

I like to start my day with a cup of coffee at Kalm Village. It's a special style of coffee originating from Tokyo – lots of cream but still rich in flavor. If the weather is nice, I'll go to the Mae Kuang Dam for a picnic and admire the river. You can also spend the whole day there just to watch the sunset and the beautiful stars. But if I go back to the city center for lunch, I usually cycle to Nam Ngiew Loong Pong to eat.khanom jeen(Rice noodles) Northern style. This eatery is run by an elderly couple who have been cooking this dish for 30 years. They only make two pots a day, so you have to get there before 1 PM.

For dinner, my favorite restaurant is Khum Vieng Yong, which serves food in a really cozy atmosphere. Try the dishes!khua hed thob(Stir-fried local mushrooms) are seasonal. Afterwards, I'll head to Sudsanan Bar to enjoy some local beers and wines and listen to live music. Or maybe Sanmai Bar to enjoy cocktails and the great atmosphere.

If you were to leave the city for the day, where would you most like to go?

I always try to make time to visit my family's home in the Pong Khrai mountains, where my family has been part of the local community for decades. The nature here is unspoiled and the people are so friendly. The community is known for its efforts to conserve rare wild orchids. It's a great place to slow down and experience mountain life. Come in winter when it's cooler and you can wake up early to watch the mist rise from the mountain peaks at sunrise. For accommodation, you can find the cozy Baan Suan Klang Doi guesthouse. It's a bed and breakfast only and is run by a friendly local family.

April