Borsang handicraft village

Posted by paul on January 7th, 2009 filed in Attractions, Day trips, tourist tips

The locals of Bor Sang, better known to visiting tourists as ‘the Umbrella Village’, celebrate their traditional skilled handicraft during the Umbrella Festival. This lively annual event features exhibitions, demonstrations, contests, a Miss Bor Sang beauty contest and numerous stalls selling hand-painted umbrellas and other unique souvenirs.

The famous umbrellas are made from vividly coloured Sa paper and have been traditionally manufactured in Ban Bor Sang’s surrounding area for many years. The flourishing tourist industry largely contributed to the town’s transformation from a tiny village into big business.

Located within a short drive from Chiang Mai, nearly everyone in this little community makes a living from producing these brightly coloured umbrellas, which are intricately hand-painted with magnificent floral designs. Thai handicrafts make outstanding gifts; the products are wonderfully created, candles, ornaments, soaps, lacquerware, textiles, carvings, jewellery, toys, rattan baskets and originally dressed hill tribe dolls. This year’s festival will be held from 18 to 20 January.

Guide to handicrafts in Bangkok