Bor Sang Umbrella Village Location: Chiang Mai-San Kampaeng Highway (Route 1006), 9 km from Chiang Mai Old City

It is a famous place in Chiang Mai Province in Thailand and a go-to for most tourists.  It is a small village in the district of Sankamphaeng popular for what is now called the Bor Sang umbrella. Umbrellas are part of Thai ceremonies and the people’s daily life and protection from rain and the sun.

History of Chiang Mai’s Umbrellas

According to history, a Buddhist monk by the name of Pra Khru In-Tha went to a pilgrimage to a village near the Burmese border. In this village, he observed the people’s lifestyle, who were Thai-Lue descendants from China.  It was in this village where he learned about umbrella making. This was Pra Khru In-Tha’s personal interest. And so he observed and studied the whole process intently, and shared it with the villagers in Borsang.  He provided them with the needed materials for them to practice.  Initially, Borsang umbrellas were made to be offered to monks and used of their domestic convenience.

Bor Sang umbrellas, due to its beauty and uniqueness have gained so much popularity that Borsang villagers developed methods to improve its quality for mass production.  Since then Borsang umbrellas have been sold and are still one of Chiang Mai’s trademark souvenir.

As a result, Bor Sang umbrella making has become a livelihood by some villagers especially during post-harvest season.

Fast-forward to the present

Currently, Bor Sang umbrellas are at a salable condition designed not only to protect one from rain or from the scorching heat of the sun, but also for decorations in homes and other establishments as well as religious, royal, and political ceremonies.

These beautiful hand-made umbrellas are patiently made with care that takes several processes.  If you want to learn how to make these please head to hand-made umbrellas of Chiang Mai.

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