For ceramics and weaving enthusiasts, Sukhothai is real heaven!! The unique ceramics and weaving arts of the area can be found in many museums across Thailand and throughout the entire world, while here you will find villages that still practice the traditional arts with the knowledge and experience that passed through many generations.

Sukhothai’s unique art of ceramics

The kingdom of Sukhothai (1238-1438) is considered by many to mark the beginning of official Thai history; a time of prosperity in many fields, including the prominent art of Sukhothai ceramics.

Thai pottery consists of several styles, while the most famous is Sukhothai’s which was created those days in Si Satchanalai and Sawankhalok. These places exist to date and offer workshops of unique local ceramics.

The unique style, called Sangkhalok Ceramic Ware, became famous back in those ancient days, and the kingdom of Sukhothai became a thriving ceramics-trade-center, doing business with neighboring countries as China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and more.  Many Sukhothai-styled ceramics were found in sinking trade ships of ancient times.

The unique style featured beautiful motifs and olive-like color called Celadon. The kingdom of Sukhothai hosted many ceramics workshops where various kitchenware was created in a specific style – vases, bowls, teapots, spoons, small ceramics statues, and more.

The knowledge and tradition of ceramics creation passed from one generation to the next, so even today the area features villages and workshops where you can see the artists as they work. ** for those interested, we can include a visit to the ceramics workshop as part of our Sukhothai tours.

♥ For those interested – we can include a visit to one of the ceramics workshops as part of our Sukhothai private luxury tours.

Sukhothai’s unique art of weaving

In the ancient days, the Tai Puan tribe settled in the Sukhothai area after immigrating from neighboring Laos and bringing its unique colorful weaving style.

All the girls in the tribe have learned how to weave in the traditional style even before they turned 16. They weave the same traditional outfit – the Sinh, which is common in Northern Thailand yet serves as an outfit for ceremonies and special occasions across the country.

In Si Satchanalai area in Sukhothai province – on which you can read in a designated article on the website – there are several villages like the one featuring the wonderful art of weaving; you can watch the weavers as they work, and head to local stores to purchase fabrics and outfits made of the woven material.

We cannot discuss local weaving without mentioning one of the most famous institutes around – The Gold Textile Museum – a private museum owned by Mr. Sathon, a fan of Thai arts and history who over the years collected and purchased unique, local-woven fabrics, as well as local vessels, tableware, and arts.

The museum is open to the public offering free admission. It features many interesting exhibits and allows you to see the weavers as they work.

In Conclusion

Sukhothai province and particularly the Si Stachanalai area – which is an hour away from Sukhothai city – is heaven to lovers of local arts as ceramics and weaving; you can see the artists while they work and purchase handicrafts that were created on-site.