The Doi Din Dang pottery studio is one of the most recognized contemporary ceramic centers in northern Thailand. Situated about twelve kilometers from the heart of Chiang Rai, it was founded by ceramicist Somluk Pantiboon, trained in Japan. Here you'll observe complete artisanal work, from shaping to glazing, in a calm rural setting.

Why visit Doi Din Dang

The studio is far more than a craft shop. It's a genuine production space where Somluk Pantiboon and his artisans practice a technique they call "High craft", merging Japanese traditions with northern Thai raw materials. This rare dual heritage in Thailand gives the pieces a distinctive character: local clay, understated forms, hand-worked glazes.

The visit will particularly appeal to travelers drawn to craftsmanship, ceramics, or local life away from Chiang Rai's conventional tourist circuits.

The Studio's History

Doi Din Dang was founded in 1991 by Somluk Pantiboon, an artist from Chiang Rai. A graduate of Rajamangala University of Technology, he went on to study ceramics for five years in Japan, where he trained under Japanese masters Iwao Onuma and Taroemon Nakazato. Upon returning to his native province, he established his own studio in the rural highlands of Chiang Rai and developed a distinctive style influenced by the Japanese aesthetic of stoneware and shino, while drawing on local materials.

What to See and Do Here

The Manufacturing Process

Part of the site is open to visitors and allows you to observe the different stages of ceramic work:

• shaping on the wheel or by hand
• drying of pieces before firing
• firing in the studio's kilns
• glazing, the signature step of the house style

All raw materials come from the region: local clay, bamboo, straw used particularly in firing. Depending on the day, you may encounter artisans at work in the open studios.

The Pieces Produced

Doi Din Dang's output is primarily for interior decoration: pots, plates, vases, bowls. Each piece is unique and bears the mark of artisanal work, with no industrial series.

The Shop and Café

The shop lets you take home a piece, from small affordable items to collectible ceramics signed by Somluk Pantiboon. Prices span a wide range, from a few dozen baht for small items to several thousand baht for major pieces.

A small café corner is set up on-site, pleasant for a break after your visit, in a calm setting surrounded by greenery.

Practical Information

• Access: free
• Opening days: open Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday (confirm hours on-site)
• Visit duration: allow 1 to 2 hours to observe the work, browse the shop, and enjoy the café
• Good to know: bring cash—card payments aren't standard in rural studios like this

How to Get There

The studio is located approximately 12 km from central Chiang Rai, on the road toward Banyafu village, in a rural area. Main options:

• Rental car or scooter: the most practical choice, about 20 to 30 minutes from downtown
• Taxi or Grab: possible for arrival; arrange your return in advance as vehicles are scarce in the area
• Guided tour: some Chiang Rai circuits include the studio as part of a half-day crafts experience

What to See Nearby

The studio can fit into a day of discovery around Chiang Rai:

• Wat Huay Pla Kang and its great white Buddha, nearby to the northwest of the city
• The Boon Rawd farm (Singha Park), another essential rural stop in the area
• Ban Tham Pha Tong, to extend your experience off the beaten path

Frequently Asked Questions

To include Doi Din Dang in a broader itinerary across northern Thailand, check our travel ideas in Thailand.