Chiang Mai, Thailand.
While bangkok makes noise with its elegant hotel openings and galaxy of Michelin stars, the creative buzz of chiangmai, the cultural capital of Thailand, in the north, it is gradually getting stronger. With the newly opened Kalm Village, a concept store in the old town, which functions as a craft sale, gallery and community space, the co-founder and creative director Achariyar Rojanapirom is further putting Chiang Mai on the art world map.
This interview is part of "The World Made Local", a global project of Condé Nast Traveler in the seven international editions, which gives voice to 100 people in 100 countries to discover why their own territory should be your next destination.
How did your project start?
Growing up, my brother and I we were surrounded by our mother's extensive collection of traditional handicrafts. Since our family is from Chiang Mai, we wanted to create a space here to continue preserving these traditional techniques as they are disappearing. At Kalm, we wanted to bring them into a contemporary context. We highlight certain crafts and designers with rotating exhibits and art installations, but we also have a large permanent collection of basketry, woodwork, textiles, and ceramics on display. A great effort is being made to preserve the artisan communities.
Your favorite craft pieces?
I love this **ikat silk sarong **from 70 years of khon kaen , in northeastern Thailand. The motifs are inspired by chickens and it has the name of the weaver. The technique and creativity are incredible, and the humour, which is often an overlooked part of Thai crafts. The wooden chien mhark collection It's also among my favorites. In northern Thailand, there was a tradition that men would order these boxes from carpenters as gifts for couples. It was a gesture of love.
Who are the designers to keep an eye on?
moonler, a contemporary furniture brand that works with rain tree wood, which is abundant here in northern Thailand. I also love my friend's work Robert Sukrachand , a designer based between Chiang Mai and New York who has just finished a project in the village Ban Pa Ao in northeast Thailand. They have made bronze bells using an ancient community technique. And then there's Arnan Ratchawang-inn, an old family friend and well-known contemporary artist, who has developed a unique form of art steeped in Buddhist symbolism. He lives and works in a quiet studio with his family in doi saket, that you can visit and stay.
Achariyar Rojanapirom
Where would you take us shopping?
I always tell people to visit charoen rajd street in the Wat Ket Karam area. There are so many charming local arts and crafts shops... and some of the most interesting and beautiful examples of architecture in Chiang Mai. I always visit Sop Moei Arts, Nussara Y Fai Sor Kam. In the latter, you have to try the local steamed rice dumplings, right in front of the temple, and save room for the most delicious coconut cream cake you've ever tasted, in Baan Piemsuk.
A perfect day in Chiang Mai?
I would have a Thai coffee in Kalm. I would have a picnic and a nap in Mae Kuang, a dam where you can stay to watch the sunset and look at the stars. I would cycle to lunch Nam Ngiew Loong Pong and buy northern-style kanom jeen noodles. The place is run by an elderly couple that has been cooking them for 30 years – they only make two pots a day, so you better get there before 1pm. Khum Vieng Yong, a home-cooked family-run joint where you must try the seasonal khua hed thob (sautéed local mushroom). Then I would head to Sudsanan Bar & Restaurant to have a few beers, some local liquor and listen to live music, or to Sanmai Bar to have a cocktail and enjoy its atmosphere. Outside of Chiang Mai, I would escape to the Pong Khrai Mountain. You must go during the winter when it is cooler and you can see the mist over the mountains at sunrise. the cozy Baan Suan Klang Doi , a B&B operated by a lovely local family, is the perfect place to stay.
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