Bo Sang Umbrella Village

Bo Sang Umbrella Village, located just east of Chiang Mai city, is famous for producing handmade bamboo umbrellas and parasols. It’s a long-standing tradition in the village and visitors can watch artisans at work at the Umbrella Making Centre, learn about the process and purchase umbrellas in a variety of sizes and designs. The village also offers other traditional handicrafts like paper mulberry umbrellas and other decorative items. Visitors can also find a range of dining options and enjoy the beautiful scenery and learn about the village’s history.

What to Expect

At the village’s umbrella workshops you can watch every stage of production — splitting and assembling the bamboo frame, stretching sa (mulberry paper) or silk over it, and hand-painting the floral and landscape designs Bo Sang is known for. Most workshops are open to visitors and sell directly, and the painters will decorate a phone case, bag or other item on the spot. The craft has been handed down for generations in this Tai Lue community.

Every January, on the third weekend, the village holds the Bo Sang Umbrella & San Kamphaeng Handicrafts Festival — one of Chiang Mai’s most colourful events, with a street parade of dancers and umbrella-carrying cyclists, craft stalls, and a beauty pageant.

Getting There

Bo Sang Umbrella Village is located at Ton Pao, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai 50130. View on Google Maps.

Tips for Visitors

• There’s no entry fee — the main umbrella-making season runs October–February, and the village is busiest during the January festival.

• Always ask permission before photographing people.

• Buy handicrafts directly from the artisans to support the community.

• A local guide helps bridge the language and cultural gap.