San Kamphaeng

San Kamphaeng is a district 13km east of Chiang Mai city centre, known as the handicraft corridor of northern Thailand. The road from Chiang Mai to San Kamphaeng (Route 1006) is lined with workshops, showrooms and factories producing silk, celadon, lacquerware, silverwork and umbrellas — it’s where much of Chiang Mai’s famous handicraft industry is actually based.

What to See & Do

The Bo Sang Umbrella Village is the headline attraction — hand-painted paper parasols in every colour and pattern, made on-site and shipped worldwide. You can watch artisans at work and buy direct. The annual Bo Sang Umbrella Festival (usually January) turns the main street into an outdoor gallery.

San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, 36km further east, is a popular local escape — natural mineral pools in a landscaped park. The water emerges at 100°C and cools into bathing pools. Eggs boiled in the spring water are a must-try snack.

The silk and celadon factories along the handicraft road offer free tours of their production process. Baan Celadon and Siam Celadon are the best-known, producing the distinctive crackle-glazed green ceramics that Chiang Mai is known for.

Getting There

Songthaews from Chiang Mai’s Warorot Market run to San Kamphaeng regularly (30-40 baht). By motorbike or car, take Route 1006 east from the city — the workshops start about 8km out and continue for several kilometres.

Best Time to Visit

November to February is cool and comfortable. January brings the Umbrella Festival. The handicraft shops operate year-round regardless of weather.

Insider Tip: Negotiate at the factory showrooms — prices are flexible, especially for bulk purchases. The further from Chiang Mai you go along the handicraft road, the better the prices get.