Explore Chiang Mai’s Ancient Terracotta Garden in 2023

Baan Phor Liang Meun

Ancient Terracotta Arts Centre

Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best accommodation in Chiang Mai is Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts.

How To Get There: By Air, Fly into Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). By Bus, take a local bus to Prasing and walk a short distance.

Best tours: Where Sidewalks End

Need more trip-planning tips? Check out our resource list below!

Experience

Early one morning, my good friend Alyse and I went wandering, for nothing more than the purpose of exploring.  We hadn’t been gone 5 minutes when we found ourselves walking down a narrow winding alley. We were only a few hundred meters from the touristy Chiang Mai Gate in the old city centre of Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Fairly engulfed in our conversation, and overwhelmed by the contrast of the life happening in the alley compared to that of the busy nearby gate, our senses were already in overload. We walked a couple hundred meters down the narrow street, when in mid step, Alyse stopped in her track without saying a word. I turned around to see her gazing through the pillars of of the wall surrounding our neighbouring lot. She was looking in to what one could only imagine being a secret garden that had been lost somewhere in time. Inside the garden’s walls lay 100’s if not thousands of ancient terracotta statues strewn across the mossy interlocked stonework.

We worked our way along the brick enclosure until we came across an ornately decorated gate that looked it could be hundreds of years old. We tried tirelessly to figure out how to open the gate, even if just for a peak inside the garden, but to no avail. We snapped a few shots of us standing in front of the doorway, and decided to carry on our journey down the magical alley.

About 15 paces later, we found the “Real” entrance. A smaller, but similarly decorated doorway which was propped open. We stepped inside and began exploring what could only be described as ‘the ancient Thai experience we had both come in search of”. 10’s upon 100’s of ancient terracotta statues, plaques, wall panels and lanterns filled the open air showroom. We carried on, touring around a corner only to discover that this incredible garden was actually only 1/3 of a giant U-shaped area… each with more ancient terracotta treasures just as incredible as the next to explore.

We spent a good 45 mins to an hour examining the seemingly endless rows upon rows of ancient terracotta masterpieces… though some almost seemed to be touched up, or restored, with a few details which just didn’t seem to be as worn as the others. There also seemed to be a few figures which seemed a little out of place, such as some not-so-ancient terracotta kangaroos.

I would definitely recommend this for anyone looking for a piece of ancient Thai culture, a nice walk in a beautiful garden, or maybe looking to buy some really cool and unique souvenirs or gifts! Enjoy!

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SEE – Photos & Videos

Ancient Terracotta Secret Garden Chiang Mai Thailand
Ancient Terracotta Secret Garden
Ancient Terracotta Thai figurines Chiang Mai Thailand
Ancient Terracotta Thai figurines
Ancient Terracotta doorway Chiang Mai Thailand
Ancient Terracotta doorway
Ancient Terracotta Thai figures Chiang Mai Thailand
Ancient Terracotta Thai figures
Ancient Terracotta Thai Buddha head Chiang Mai Thailand
Ancient Terracotta Thai Buddha head
Ancient Terracotta wall plaques Chiang Mai Thailand
Ancient Terracotta wall plaques
Ancient Terracotta statue head Chiang Mai Thailand
Ancient Terracotta statue head
Ancient Terracotta Thai Buddha and plaques Chiang Mai Thailand
Ancient Terracotta Thai Buddha and plaques
Ancient Terracotta Statue Heads Chiang Mai Thailand
Ancient Terracotta Statue Heads
Ancient Terracotta statue Chiang Mai Thailand
Ancient Terracotta statue
Ancient Terracotta mossy statue Chiang Mai Thailand
Ancient Terracotta mossy statue
Ancient Terracotta Showroom in Chiang Mai Thailand
Ancient Terracotta Showroom in Chiang Mai
Ancient Terracotta Thai statue Chiang Mai Thailand
Ancient Terracotta Thai statue

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GO – Getting There

As directions can be a little difficult to give, being down a fairly narrow roadway, it’s best to write down the address AND phone number (in case whomever you’re asking can’t understand your pronunciation).

The address is as follows:

36 Prasing soi 2 Phrapokklao Rd.,
Muang, Chiang Mai 50100

And the phone number:
+66(0)53 00 0222

Explore Chiang Mai's Ancient Terracotta Garden - Map
Explore Chiang Mai’s Ancient Terracotta Garden – Map

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Do – Activities & Attractions

Coming Soon!

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Stay – Accommodation

Phor Liang Meun Terracotta Arts in Chiang Mai offers a comfortable stay with modern amenities and a peaceful setting. Guests enjoy smooth check-in, welcoming staff, and relaxing spaces such as the saltwater pool, sun terrace, and lush garden. The on-site restaurant serves flavorful Thai dishes, creating a perfect spot to unwind after sightseeing. The hotel’s convenient location places it within easy reach of Chiang Mai International Airport as well as popular attractions like Chedi Luang Temple and the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, making it a great choice for both short and extended visits.

Check Rates and Availability here!

Aksara Heritage – SHA Extra Plus in Chiang Mai provides a relaxing stay with a saltwater swimming pool, sun terrace, and a family-friendly restaurant serving Thai, local, and Asian dishes. Guests appreciate the calm atmosphere and the inviting spaces for rest and leisure. The hotel is conveniently located near Chiang Mai International Airport and close to attractions such as the Three Kings Monument and Tha Pae Gate. With its reputation for warm hospitality and excellent service, Aksara Heritage offers both comfort and convenience for travelers exploring the city.

Check Rates and Availability here!

Smile Lanna Hotel in Chiang Mai provides a 5-star experience with a year-round outdoor pool, fitness center, and lush garden. Guests can enjoy the hot tub, relax on the terrace, or listen to live music in the evenings. The on-site restaurant serves Thai, local, and international cuisines, offering both variety and flavor. Conveniently located near Chiang Mai International Airport, the hotel is also within walking distance of Wat Phra Singh and Chedi Luang Temple. With its blend of comfort, entertainment, and accessibility, Smile Lanna Hotel is a welcoming choice for travelers exploring the city.

Check Rates and Availability here!

Pingviman Hotel in Chiang Mai blends traditional Thai design with modern comfort, offering spacious rooms with wood-carved furniture. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool, stay active in the fitness center, or enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant and pool bar. Just a short walk from the weekend markets and Wat Phra Singh, and only 15 minutes from the airport, it’s a great spot to unwind and explore the city.

Check Rates and Availability here!

El Barrio Lanna in Chiang Mai offers a relaxing stay with a pool overlooking scenic views, a fitness center, and both a restaurant and coffee shop on-site. Guests can enjoy private check-in, secure parking, and the assistance of bilingual staff for a smooth experience. The hotel is conveniently located near Chiang Mai International Airport and within walking distance of Chedi Luang Temple, making it an excellent base for exploring the city while enjoying modern comforts and a tranquil setting.

Check Rates and Availability here!

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Eat – Restaurants

Coming Soon!

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Time – Seasonality & Schedules

There are no times listed, though opening times of shops often ranges from 9am-10am around Chiang Mai. It appears to close around 5pm most days.

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Safety – Possible risks

Please Note: Travel inherently comes with an element of risk (just like crossing the road does). You are putting yourself in elements that are unfamiliar and foreign to your usual lifestyle and with that, become more susceptible to fall victim those who try to play off those unfamiliar to their local scams. There are also potential dangers in the environments to which you may not be accustomed to.

Please take extra care in travelling, ensure that you have adequate medical insurance (accidents seem to happen when you least expect them), and have let a trusted colleague, family member or friend know your whereabouts and activities.

Where Sidewalks End travel advises you to travel at your own risk, and to be extra aware of your surroundings (without letting it spoiling your time).

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Pay – How much does it cost?

Being a display gallery, it is free to enter. The only costs you may incur will be a result from your urge to want to buy one of the pieces displayed here!

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Responsible Travel – Best Practices

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Reality Check – Be Aware

Coming Soon!

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JOIN US! WSE Travel Packages

This sounds like quite the adventure, right? We thought so too! Though we realize it can be pretty intimidating to get out there into the world on your own, especially when travelling to some of these off the beaten path locations. We love it when our readers give it a shot and try it for themselves! In fact, please leave us feedback if you do!! If trying something ‘this’ adventurous on your own is just a bit outside of your comfort zone, WSE Travel is here to help!

Follow this link for our ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Tours – packages that are highly personalized and tailored at your request.

Chiang Mai Travel Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Best Flight Deals: Trip.com – Trip is my favorite flight search engine. It is a flight aggregator that provides travelers with the best rates on airline tickets. Its innovative search finds the best option for specific travel dates by comparing airfares offered by all major airlines and agencies. The aggregator displays final prices, without any hidden fees. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Best Hotel Deals: Booking.com – Booking is the best all-around hotel booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates because it compares all the other major hotel booking sites. They have the widest selection of comfortable accommodations. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • Best Tour Deals: Where Sidewalks End (of course) – WSE Travel is a boutique tour operator with specially curated tours, events, and workshops. We have many tour options available in cities in Mexico and worldwide, including cooking classes, walking tours, art workshops, and more!
  • Best Car Rental Deals: Discover Cars – If you want to have mobility freedom, renting a car is an incredible option, but finding the best deal can be a nightmare! Discover Cars scans all the major car rental sites and includes all mandatory fees, taxes, and extras in the quoted price so there won’t be any unpleasant surprises when you arrive at the rental desk.
  • Best Travel Insurance Deals: SafetyWing – SafetyWing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to all your travel needs. They have cheap plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road. They even have subscriptions if you are planning long-term, without having to re-apply for each segment of your trip.
  • Best E-Sim Provider: Airalo – Airalo is one of the most versatile e-sim providers I’ve ever found, offering e-sim in almost every country on earth! No need to take your home phone provider’s sim card out and risk losing it on your trip! As long as your phone has e-sim capabilities, Airalo has you covered at really good rates too, meaning you can be connected at all times on your trip!
  • Best 100% Pick-pocket Proof Clothing Deals: Clever Companion – They make clothing specifically for travel, with hidden pockets to hide your valuables. From hoodies to briefs, they cover all your clothing needs – each with hidden pockets to hide your money, wallet, and anything else you want to keep safe!
  • Best Eco-Safe Travel Products: TreeTribe – This company is just awesome! From water bottles to yoga pants, wallets to bikinis, and everything in between – all their products are great quality, and eco-friendly AND they plant a tree for every purchase!
  • Best Outdoor Travel Product: LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.

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If you’re planning on going to Chiang Mai, be sure to go during a festival! Consider going to Songkran, Thailand’s New Year or Yi Peng, the Floating Lantern Festival.

Have you ever stumbled upon something that was truly magical and entirely by accident? Where was it and how did it make you feel while you explored it’s wonders?

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WSE Travel - Ancient Terracotta mossy statue
Ancient Terracotta mossy statue

12 responses to “Explore Chiang Mai’s Ancient Terracotta Garden in 2023”

  1. nat

    not to make you sad or anything, but those are far from ancient.

    I was there a few years back and saw them being made.

    They make them, then water them for a few years and get them all nice and aged
    and sell them.

    But the good part is they don’t really say they are old, its up to you to think that, its more of a mis-direction.

    Not old.

    But very very pretty.

    1. Hey Nat, thanks for your thoughtful insight! :) Of course, it’s clear in many cases that the statues are not ancient, though the art in which they are created is in fact a very ancient practice, and one that the city has used for many centuries. The art work is beautifully crafted in traditional styles and is a wonder to walk around and explore. It’s unfortunate so much of the original relics were stolen, and destroyed in some of the many battles the old Lanna city has endured over the centuries! Of course.. if they were in deed originals (or ancient).. they wouldn’t be for sale ;)

      Not sad at all, glad you noticed this as well… thank you for your input!

  2. I have recently visited this amazing place. Here are some photos for anyone interested: http://goo.gl/K7kR8K

    1. Peter, your photos are gorgeous!! I’m glad you found this place – it’s website appears to have gone offline, and I was starting to wonder if it was even still around! Thank you :)

  3. Hi just found your post. We would love to visit this place. Is it hard to find? & do you have to pay to get in? We’ve been living in Chiang Mai for 6 months and this is the first i’ve heard of this place! Great pics.

    1. Heya! Sorry for the late reply! If you’re still in CM, it’s not too tricky to find. It is down a pretty narrow street, but it’s tucked right inside the old city walls by Chiang Mai Gate. If you ask a few locals while in that area, I’m sure one of them should know where it is. I just stumbled upon it randomly while exploring the walkways one day :) Hope you enjoy!!

  4. I love the Terracotta Gardens in Chiang Mai – they are so beautiful! I also randomly stumbled upon them on a bike ride through town and I couldn’t get enough of them. Chiang Mai’s best kept secret :)

    1. I agree! One of the best secrets for sure! I’m glad you were able to enjoy them during your time in Chiang Mai too.. it’s funny more people don’t know about them?!

  5. Madaboutravel

    Gorgeous pictures and story! It’s beautiful! ;)

    1. Thanks Madabouttravel! I felt I had to get some extra nice shots of this place to really try and do it justice.. but it’s always best to just go and experience it for yourself.. hehe

  6. What a beautiful find! It’s always the serendipitous adventures that I remember most from my travels…sounds like this is what it was for you!

    1. Thanks Charu! It’s true – the best things you find in travelling are the ones you didn’t expect to find. That’s what I try sharing on this site (and sometimes some of the touristy ones that are really just too good to pass up) :) This is where I can find serenity though.. hopefully you get to experience it one day too :)

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