Brand Stories
Chiang Mai, a World-Class City and the Art & Craft Sandals Behind Its Charm
Sep
Chiang Mai is no longer just a beloved destination for Thai travelers it’s earning recognition on the world stage. From international travel media to global quality-of-life databases, the city’s rankings in 2026 tell a compelling story about what makes it so admired. And behind those rankings sits a quieter detail: a thriving community of local artisans making art & craft sandals by hand, one pair at a time.
Chiang Mai on the World Stage: 2026 Rankings That Prove Its Charm
#3 Best City in the World (Travel + Leisure) Chiang Mai was voted one of the top 10 best cities in the world for 2026 by Travel + Leisure magazine, landing at #3 globally, with Bangkok following at #6. The ranking reflects how highly international travelers rate the city’s atmosphere, culture, and everyday lifestyle. (Source: MGR Online)
#1 Safest City in ASEAN (Numbeo) Beyond its charm, Chiang Mai has held the title of ASEAN’s safest city for a second consecutive year in 2026 — a key factor that continues to strengthen the city’s appeal to travelers who want to explore with peace of mind. (Source: Dailynews)
Thailand Ranks #2 Global Tourism Destination On a national level, Thailand climbed to the world’s #2 most popular tourism destination for 2026, with Bangkok named the most-booked city in the world (per the Ticket Collection 2026 rankings) — a wave of momentum that benefits secondary destinations like Chiang Mai as well. (Source: TAT News)
Behind Great Rankings: The Craftsmanship Hidden in Every Step
These rankings don’t happen by accident — they’re built from small, memorable experiences travelers collect along the way: a night market, a roadside café, a piece of local craftsmanship tucked into a quiet alley. One of those details is Chiang Mai’s handmade sandal scene, where a quiet community of artisans has been perfecting art & craft sandals for years.
What Makes CMP Handmade Sandals True Art & Craft Sandals
CMP Handmade Sandals is a hub that brings this craftsmanship together in one place. In fact, it isn’t just a “sandal shop” — it’s a discovery point for genuine art & craft sandals, bringing together local artisans and brands such as CMP Handmade, Milala Handmade, VPADA Sandals, and C.O.X.S. Rather than treating sandals as ordinary fashion items, CMP presents them as wearable art: footwear that’s as much a craft object as it is something you wear every day.
One standout brand within the collection, for example, is KMP Handmade, known for modern, season-proof sandal designs.
In addition, many pairs incorporate more sustainable materials without compromising on comfort. For instance, BIO EVA offers a lightweight, cushioned foam for all-day wearability, while SW Green brings an eco-conscious sole compound built for durability and traction. Together, these materials let CMP’s artisans pair traditional handwork — such as macramé and hand-knotted detailing — with modern, more sustainable material choices.
Even so, every pair still carries the mark of handwork: intricate macramé, hand-braided cord, and finishing details that reflect genuine Thai craftsmanship. Ultimately, it’s this small but meaningful detail that makes Chiang Mai so memorable to visitors.
Where to Find CMP Handmade Sandals in Chiang Mai
White Market — One Nimman:
Friday–Monday, 3:00 PM–10:00 PM (booth location may shift week to week)
Jing Jai Market — Chiang Mai:
Saturday–Sunday, 6:30 AM–3:00 PM, one of the most authentically “Chiang Mai” community markets, with local crafts, handmade goods, and organic products (booth location rotates roughly every 4 months)
𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙞𝙨 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙙’𝙨 𝙡𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙪𝙗 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙨
ABOUT THE CONTENT CREATOR
BUNTHARIK INSIRI
(Content Writer)
Sandals World | Art & Craft Sandals | Sustainable Thai Craft Sandals Tags: handmade sandals, sandals world, foot health,
Thailand sandals, artistic handmade sandals, art & craft sandals, plantar fasciitis, bunion, sustainable sandals and BIO EVA ,SW GREEN
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