The Umbrella Village, colour of Chiang Mai

Bo Sang Umbrella City, Hand made!

Bo Sang near Chiang Mai is renowned for its exquisitely hand-painted umbrellas made from mulberry paper and silk. The dainty parasols are decorated with beautiful floral motifs painted in dazzling colours. The designs are very distinctive and are instantly recognizable. During the festival, brightly decorated craft shops and stores line both sides of the 'high street' transforming Ban Bo Sang into a picturesque village decorated in the Lanna Thai style. Colourful umbrellas and traditional lanterns liven up the handicraft fair. The people of Bo Sang, known to visitors as "the Umbrella Village", celebrate their traditional craft and skills with this annual fair held on the main street, featuring contests, exhibitions, a Miss Bo Sang pageant and, of course, stalls selling umbrellas and other handicrafts. Umbrellas made from brightly coloured Sa paper have traditionally been made in the area around Ban Bo Sang for many years and with the help of the tourist industry, this once-small craft has developed into big business. Almost everyone in this small village near Chiang Mai now derives a livelihood from making these paper umbrellas, which are intricately painted with beautiful floral designs. Different households often specialise in one particular stage of the production process.

Bo Sang parasols are popular decorative and gift items sought after by visitors from all over the world. Its international appeal is confirmed by the fact that the Bo Sang parasol won the "Best Souvenir" prize at the International Tourism Seminar held in Los Angeles, USA.

**Event details can change.

The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel by checking with the organisers that the event is happening.