Our day tour starts with an exploration of the Wiang Kum Kam, was a settlement long before King Meng Rai’s capital around 1287- 90. Frequent flooding caused Meng Rai to move, but the place remained important throughout the Lanna period. The site was later buried under mud when the river changed course during the Burmese period. The area was restored as a historical park during the 1980-s. Surrounded by paddy and village houses, the extensive site has a pleasant rural feel, yet it is very close to Chiang Mai. We continue to the Muang Kung (about 45 minutes outside of Chiang Mai), which is one of Thailand's most well-known pottery villages in the north. Muang Kung Village has been the pottery village since their ancestors. The pottery products have a special characteristic because the pottery was burnt at low temperature resulting them to absorb water. This special characteristic was appropriate for making pot and water pot, which was different among the product from another places. Finally – just south of the city centre lies Baan Tawai. Baan Tawai and nearby towns collectively form the largest woodcarving center in Thailand. Situated on both sides of the dusty road are dozens of small workshops and massive factories that produce most of the imitation antiques and immense wooden elephants sold throughout the country. Bargains are plentiful. The larger shops also provide packing and shipping services.
Historic
