Shop the Wat Gate Neighborhood

This bucolic neighborhood of Thai artisans, European architecture and in-the-know international eateries stretches along the Ping River around Wat Gate Khar Rham Temple. Start by stopping in at the Healing Family Foundation. The local charity teaches learning and physically disabled children to express themselves artistically, on seriously cute hand embroidered tees with elephant heads on the front, tails at the back as well as stylish Thai textile table mats. Nearby, Colour Factory sells kaleidoscopic elephant sculptures designed by bold face names like Mark Jacobs and Isaac Mizrahi with 20% of profits donated to support Asian elephants. Do even more good with your credit card at Sop Moei Arts, where profits from these magnificently woven baskets and stunning silk textiles support Pwo Karen villagers outside Chiang Mai. Then nip into Nussara to load up on Missoni-inspired kaleidoscopic cotton scarves, indigo dyed fisherman pants and thick day glow wool variations on traditional Thai monk bags.