When we think of Thailand, we often think of bustling Bangkok with its crowds of tourists and Michelin-starred restaurants. But you should also not miss the growing creative scene in Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand. Here, Achariyar Rojanapirom has just opened Kalm Village, a craft shop, gallery and community space in the peaceful old city. As co-founder and creative director, Achariyar Rojanapirom aims to further cement Chiang Mai’s place on the global art map.
Artist Achariyar Rojanapirom with his brother (Photo: cntraveller)
Can you share more about your Kalm Village space?
My brother and I grew up with our mother’s extensive collection of traditional crafts and heard the amazing stories behind them. Being from 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 over can learn about the importance of these cultures. Craftsmen and artisans can also come here to exhibit in rotating exhibitions, and the grand exhibition of wickerwork, woodwork, textiles and ceramics.
What got you excited about creating a creative space in Chiang Mai?
Everything is rooted in 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 artisan community and new artists will draw on classic techniques to create new works of art of their own. I realized that more people need to work to preserve these values. There is a lot of hidden talent here – old masters, as well as a new generation keeping the indigenous crafts alive. Plus, the surrounding mountains provide a wealth of resources. Not just material, but also a wonderful space to live and work.
Inside Kalm Village space (Photo: Kalm Village))
Which local artisans should visitors to Chiang Mai visit?
Moonler is a brand that makes furniture from raintree wood, a tree abundant in Northern Thailand. The brand has collaborated with local and international designers to create beautiful, high-quality collections. Additionally, my friend Robert Sukrachand has been working with craftsmen across the country to create amazing pieces. He recently completed a project with bronze bell casters in Ban Pa Ao in eastern Thailand, using Chiang Mai’s traditional wax-rolling technique. And finally, Arnan Ratchawang-inn, a long-time family friend and renowned artist, has developed a unique contemporary art style, rich in 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 visit 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 lots of local handicrafts and the shops are some of the most interesting architectural highlights in Chiang Mai. Sop Moei Arts, Nussara, and Fai Sor Kam are also my regular haunts. If you’re here before noon, be sure to try the dumplings, and save room for the best coconut cream cake at Baan Piemsuk Cafe.
Products at Sop Moei Arts (Source: Sop Moei Arts)
Describe your perfect day in Chiang Mai
I like to start my day with a coffee at Kalm Village. It’s a special style of coffee that originated in Tokyo – very creamy but still has a strong taste. If the weather is good, I’ll go to Mae Kuang Dam for a picnic and look out over the river. You can also come here all day just to watch the beautiful sunset and stars. But if I’m back in the city center for lunch, I usually cycle to Nam Ngiew Loong Pong for lunch.khanom jeen(rice noodles) Northern style. An elderly couple's restaurant has been cooking this dish for 30 years. They only make two pots a day, so you have to get there before 1pm.
For dinner, my favorite restaurant is Khum Vieng Yong, which serves great food in a really cozy atmosphere. Try thethe sound of the bell(stir-fried local mushrooms) in season. Then I'll head to Sudsanan Bar for some local beer, wine and live music. Or maybe Sanmai Bar for cocktails and a great atmosphere.
If you were out of town for the day, where would you like to go?
I always try to find time to visit my home on Pong Khrai Mountain, where my family has been part of the local community for decades. The nature here is unspoiled and the people are lovely. The community is famous for their efforts to conserve rare wild orchids. It is a great place to slow down and experience mountain life. Come in the winter when it is cooler and you can wake up early to see the mist rising over the mountain peaks. For accommodation, you can find the cozy Baan Suan Klang Doi, a bed and breakfast run by a friendly local family.
Visitors come to experience Kalm Village (Source: Kalm Village)
