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The Umbrella Village of Bor Sang is situated in Sankampaeng district, within the Chain Mai province. It's main purpose in trade life, is the production of high quality umbrellas and parasols, both for the indigenous Thais and of course, for tourists. If you think that 'tourist trade' = tacky, then you are mistaken. Here at the village, the highest level of quality craftsmanship is to be found.
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Umbrella
production started when just a few of the colourful umbrellas were made
for local monks - enabling them to shelter from both the rain and - even
more important - the sun!
The umbrellas are made from pure silk and
hand painted at the village. It is possible to see the whole production
in Bo Sang from start to finish. You may even be asked to help!
The area was at first dependent upon farm crops, but as the
umbrellas became more fashionable - as a direct result of
the high quality - Bo Sang village gradually turned to
production of the umbrellas and parasols as it's main source
of income. Nowadays, it is a thriving business with the
crafts being handed down throughout generations.
The
artistry now perfected in hand painting umbrellas - is of
course applicable to many other items, so it also possible
to get a hand painted T shirt - or even your trousers!
Prices for some of the painting work, can be as little as
50THB!
Legend has it, that Phra Khru In Tha, who came to
visit the area, saw the possibilities of a new way of life for the
people of Bo Sang, because the umbrellas were so beautiful. The
inhabitants of the village are said to have moved in and settled from
the from precinct U-Nan in China many years ago.
Bo Sang - Boo Sarng - village is only around 9km away from the centre of Chaing Mai city, and easily reachable for tourists. Bor Sang Umbrella Village can be reached on route 1006 from the Windmill resort area, or the Doi Saket road is another way to get there for tourists staying in Chiang Mai.
