Anastasia Smith
Thailand is known for its unique culture and rich heritage. Check out these stunning and unique traditional arts and crafts that reflect the country's diverse roots.
Carved artwork is mainly found in Buddhist temples and palaces in Thailand. Teak, stone, bamboo, ivory, rattan, banana stalk, and mango are mainly used for this process. Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai have some of the most awesome ancient wat structures in the country, made using wood, brick, and plaster. The most popular Thai sculptures are those of the Buddha. The 46 m long reclining golden Buddha statue of Wat Pho is known worldwide.
Since Thailand is a tropical nation, many handicraft products used for household purposes are made from local materials like bamboo and rattan. You can find a range of baskets, bags, lamps, trays, and furniture made using these materials.
Known as a luxurious gift item, handmade soap flowers are popular today because of their long-lasting fragrance and beauty. Each soap has been carefully carved with unique features and colours. These custom items usually come in hand-painted wooden boxes.
Teakwood is popularly used to carve stunning and sturdy products to make alluring interior decorations or useful household items. Miniature sculptures carved out of teak are especially popular among tourists.
Lacquerware is especially popular in the northern part of the nation. These stunning pieces are made from bamboo, wood, metal, or ceramics and are decorated with black and gold designs using the resin from the Lak tree.
Though Chinese and Burmese pottery-making techniques are employed, Thai pottery work has its unique patterns, shades, and shapes. This is a booming industry in the nation as there is a vast demand for Thai pottery and lacquerware.
The process of making handmade paper descends from ancestors who used the bark of mulberry trees to create this sustainable handmade product. This type of material is thick and heavy and hence, lasts longer than normal paper.
Silverware was especially popular during the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods. With techniques originating from Persia, Portugal, China, and India, Thai silverware today boasts some unique pieces reflecting the country's expert craftsmanship.
Among the unique things to do in Thailand, Bangkok is experiencing Thai traditional puppet shows. These traditional, custom, handmade puppets have become souvenirs that appeal to many these days because of their unique features and attires.
Though silk originated in China and was introduced to Thailand some years later, Thai Silk has become a globally renowned product due to its beauty and finesse today. It is often associated with luxury and has a noteworthy attachment to the nation's cultural values. Made from the cocoons of silkworms, the materials fall into two categories: eri silk and mulberry silk. You can purchase these materials in a variety of shades and different designs for reasonable prices if you visit a place like Asiatique The Riverfront, an open-air mall located on Charoen Krung Road. Guests staying at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort can easily access this location because a complimentary resort shuttle boat is available there each evening.
