Huai Sai: Mountains, River and Hemp Craft

Huai Sai is surrounded by mountains, and the Mae Rim River flows through the village. The area is also connected to several local crafts: an agricultural group makes hemp-fibre products, and local groups work with textiles and crochet. This combination makes Huai Sai an interesting place to visit if you want to experience both the landscape and the culture on your trip. When looking for a holiday rental, you can first consider whether you are more drawn to the mountain and river scenery or to the village’s craft heritage.

Mountain Backdrop and River in the Village

The landscape can be described through two specific features: mountains surround Ban Huai Sai, while the Mae Rim River flows through the village. The contrast between the mountain backdrop and the river offers two different perspectives on the local scenery. If nature and landscape are important to your travel plans, you can assess Huai Sai through these two features and decide whether you would like to combine this focus with an interest in local culture.

Hemp Fibre and Local Craft

A local agricultural group in Ban Huai Sai makes products from hemp fibres. There is also a local group producing textiles and crochet items. At Sai Thong Hemp Fiber House, handmade hemp textiles are produced. A 2021 description characterises them as non-itchy, modern in design, varied and suitable for everyday use. These four qualities highlight different aspects: “non-itchy” describes how they feel to wear, “modern in design” their style, “varied” the range, and “suitable for everyday use” their intended use. This means the product description tells you more than just what material the textiles are made from.

Craft as a Place of Learning and Knowledge

In 2019, Ban Huai Sai was selected as a craft-learning community to serve as a learning centre for hemp-fibre craft. A historical handbook also describes an invitation for visitors to learn about the production process and try it out themselves. If you are interested in this kind of experience, check access before your visit. This learning-centre perspective complements the finished textiles with a look at the craft-making process itself.

On 20 and 21 June 2025, an event was held at the site of the Sai Thong community enterprise for hemp-fibre products in Ban Huai Sai as part of a project. The project aimed to pass on community knowledge and develop hemp-fibre products. Alongside the textiles, this specific event date makes knowledge-sharing part of the local craft history.

Travel Planning Tips

A handbook lists สอนศิลป์อีโรติค as a nearby visitor attraction in the area around the Ban Huai Sai craft-learning community. It also mentions Phra Bat Huai Luang in a neighbouring village and describes a connecting route to Phra Bat Si Roi. If you include these places in your plans, check access and road conditions in advance.

For Kad Ban Huai Sai in Ban Huai Sai, Moo 3, an official notice states that it is open every evening. Before visiting, check whether these opening hours are still current.

Discover more destinations: Rim Tai, Pa Lan, San Klang, Thung Ruang Thong, Hang Dong, Ping Khong, Pong Nam Ron, Mueang Len.

For the main travel overview: Chiang Mai.