CHIANG RAI – The Chiang Rai Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports launched a new Media Fam Trip to promote art tourism in the province. The trip follows Route 4 of the Chiangrai Life Artist Studio for Tourism project, titled “Lanna Art Heritage”, under the wider Life Artists programme that supports creative work for sustainable tourism.

The focus is simple: connect travellers with learning spaces and real artist studios, so they can see a wide mix of local art and get a closer look at artists’ daily lives. The organisers hope the route appeals to people who enjoy culture and want more than standard sightseeing.

Wiphawee Leiphaiboon, Senior Policy and Planning Analyst at the Chiang Rai Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports, said the project is built around experience-led travel. It is designed to help visitors access community-based art in a way that feels personal and easy to understand.

The programme also supports local careers by raising community skills into valued art professions. It aims to add value to local products, build awareness, encourage travel, and increase income flowing through Chiang Rai.

Cafés, community embroidery, and studio visits

The group met at Mu Café, a small, relaxed café in Chiang Rai city. With art touches and a strong coffee aroma, it set a calm tone for the trip and gave everyone time to chat before heading out.

The first stop was the Ban San Kong Community Learning Centre in Mae Rai, Mae Chan. The visit was led by Nitthi Suthamrak, an embroidery artist known for a signature “rice-grain” stitch style. She welcomed the group alongside members of a local older persons group, who demonstrated their needlework. Visitors also learned about the process and the ideas behind the patterns, which reflect community life through careful, detailed designs.

At lunchtime, the group stopped at Panor Coffee House in Mae Chan. The venue has a leafy setting, good food, and plenty of space, with several photo spots and homestay accommodation for travellers. It worked well as a mid-route break for people who like eating out, travelling, and taking photos.

After lunch, the group visited the studio of Sangiam Yarangsee. He guided everyone through his gallery of oil paintings, known for expressive brushwork and strong atmosphere. Many pieces explore light and shadow, with landscapes as a clear highlight. He shared that he has loved nature since childhood, and that connection shows in the way he captures scenery in oils. The studio felt warm and welcoming, a good fit for visitors who want inspiration straight from the artist.

The route then moved on to FRIENDCATION Café, a cosy, warm-toned café that feels like spending time at a friend’s home, with plenty of art details and stylish corners for photos.

Next came Ravee Art Gallery (หอศิลป์ระวี), hosted by Rawee Mano Rueang, a landscape impressionist. His work presents scenery and shifting light through distinctive brush strokes.

The first day finished with the Life Artist Exhibition: Local Artist x Life Artist at the Chiang Rai Contemporary Art Museum. The pre-opening event combined an exhibition with workshops, music, and cultural performances. The welcome remarks were given by Nipon Jainonthi, President of the Khua Silpa Association, with artists, business owners, and residents attending throughout the event.

Contemporary spaces, workshops, and a quiet local gallery

The second day began at Pajuban Art Space (ปัจจุบัน Art Space), run by Amnat Kankhuntod. The group toured nature-themed paintings and joined a simple workshop painting stones.

The space supports both emerging and local artists, showing work across painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art. The setting is plain but full of creative energy, ideal for anyone who wants a fresh view of Chiang Rai’s art scene.

The trip ended at Ban Nai Phromma Art Gallery (หอศิลป์บ้านนายพรหมา), led by Phromma Inyasri. The displayed works include pieces collected since his student years, reflecting everyday life, culture, and beliefs through imagination and personal memory.

The gallery brings together Chiang Rai artists’ creative work across painting, sculpture, and contemporary styles. With its quiet, friendly atmosphere, it suits visitors who want a simple, meaningful art experience within a real artist community.