Where to Find Pottery & Ceramic Workshops in Chiang Mai

Baan Kang Wat is Chiang Mai’s indie craft village, a leafy enclave where small studios and makers host rotating workshops most weekends. It’s one of the best places to try pottery if you like a relaxed, community vibe. Expect beginner-friendly hand-building classes, occasional wheel-throwing, and specialty sessions like carving, trimming, or glazing. Class sizes are intimate, so you’ll get plenty of help shaping your first cup, bowl, or incense holder. Many sessions double as casual “sip & clay” socials, with excellent coffee and snacks available from on-site cafés. Firing typically takes 1–3 weeks, and most hosts can arrange pickup later or shipping if you’re traveling. Keep an eye on each studio’s Facebook or Instagram for dates and booking, as schedules change seasonally and popular slots sell out quickly. Pro tip: arrive early to browse the village’s boutiques and grab lunch, then settle in for an unhurried, creative afternoon surrounded by trees and local design.

For a traditional angle, head to San Kamphaeng and learn about Chiang Mai’s most famous ceramic, celadon. At the Chiang Mai Celadon compound you can tour the carving rooms, see the distinctive jade-green glaze, and, with advance booking, join a hands-on session. Activities range from simple hand-building and surface carving to decorating pre-made pieces, making it ideal for families and first-timers who want a cultural deep-dive without the pressure of the wheel. Staff are used to visitors and can explain techniques in English. Sessions usually last 1.5–3 hours, with firing and glazing done on-site. Finished pieces are ready in a few weeks, and the team can help with domestic or international shipping. Combine a workshop with a stop at nearby Bo Sang umbrella village for a full craft day. Dress comfortably and bring design ideas if you want a specific carved pattern or motif inspired by Lanna art.

Nimman’s lifestyle complex, One Nimman, frequently hosts pop-up craft classes, and clay is often on the calendar. Think casual, social sessions led by local ceramicists where you can coil-build a mug, pinch a sake cup, or sculpt a wabi-sabi vase, usually with a drink included. It’s a great pick for groups and solo travelers who want a fun evening plan without trekking far from cafés and bars. Most events are beginner friendly and provide all tools and materials, plus 1–2 fired pieces per person. Bookings typically go through event pages or platforms like Eventpop, and spots can fill fast during weekends and holidays. If you’re new to clay, choose a hand-building class for the quickest, most satisfying results within a single session. Allow 2–4 weeks for firing and glazing, and ask about shipping if you won’t be in town for pickup. Before or after, wander the plaza for live music and food stalls.

Kalm Village brings together Lanna architecture, design boutiques, and hands-on craft programming in a serene complex near Tha Phae. While the schedule rotates across many traditional arts, ceramic sessions often appear as intimate pop-ups hosted by partner studios. Expect thoughtful guidance, small class sizes, and beautifully styled spaces that look great in photos. Most workshops lean toward hand-building and simple surface decoration, perfect for beginners and families. All materials, tools, and kiln firing are typically included, with finished pieces available after a few weeks. Booking is required, and announcements are usually posted on the venue’s social channels. Plan to arrive early to explore the craft galleries and grab a drink at the café, then settle into a slow afternoon of clay play. If your travel window is short, ask about bisque-only options or painting pre-fired pieces so you can take something home right away.