Each year, the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival in Chiang Mai celebrates the exquisite Thai craftsmanship of Bo Sang Village’s traditional hand-painted paper parasols. Set for the third weekend of January, this festival highlights the village’s rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions, attracting craft enthusiasts from around the world.

         The enchanting craft of saa paper umbrella making in Bo Sang began as a means to supplement villagers’ income during the off-season for farming. Over time, this delicate and intricate art has woven itself into the very fabric of the village’s economy and cultural identity. Bo Sang artisans have honed their skills over generations, mastering every meticulous stage of the umbrella-making process:

1. Crafting the Structure: Bamboo strips are meticulously carved and woven into wooden axles, finished with intricate threadwork.

2. Producing Saa Paper: Mulberry bark is dried, ground into pulp, dyed, and spread thinly on a screen.

3. Attaching the Paper: The paper panels are affixed to the umbrella ribs and embellished with decorative elements.

4. Painting the Umbrella: The panels are primed with white gesso, painted with acrylics, and coated with natural varnish for durability.

          During the magical three-day festival, local artisans bring the ancient craft of umbrella-making to life, demonstrating each intricate step with expert precision. Visitors are invited to join in the enchantment by participating in hands-on workshops, creating their very own Bo Sang parasols to take home as treasured keepsakes. The festival also showcases a dazzling array of handicrafts from neighboring villages in the Sankampaeng District. Discover the delicate handmade paper from Ton Pao Village and the exquisite woodworking from Tawai Village, each piece reflecting the rich cultural heritage and extraordinary skill of its creators. 

The Bo Sang Umbrella Festival is not just a celebration of handicrafts; it showcases a vibrant blend of traditional and modern performances, offering something for everyone. Highlights of the festival include:

• A parade with Bo Sang beauty pageant contestants riding bicycles and carrying iconic parasols.
• Traditional northern Thai Fon Lep dance performances.
• Cultural shows, exhibitions, and an opening ceremony.

          Even outside the festival, Bo Sang enchants visitors as a must-visit destination, located just 16 kilometers from Chiang Mai city. Dubbed the “umbrella village” over a century ago, Bo Sang’s charm is deeply rooted in its rich history. The village owes its iconic status to a local monk, Phra Inthaa, who, during a pilgrimage to Burma, discovered the captivating art of crafting ornate paper parasols. He brought this exquisite knowledge back to his community, forever transforming its cultural landscape. Today, visitors can pay homage to Phra Inthaa at a revered statue, beautifully surrounded by the vibrant Bo Sang umbrellas, each a testament to the village’s enduring legacy and artistic brilliance.

Contact Information

Bo Sang Handicraft Centre

• Address: Bo Sang Handicraft Centre, 111-113 Moo 3, Bo Sang Subdistrict, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Phone: +66 53 338 177

Chiang Mai Tourism Office

• Address: 105/1 Chiang Mai-Lamphun Rd, Nong Hoi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
• Phone: +66 53 248 604