When Chiang Mai people think of Borsang they are most likely to simultaneously visualise one or more brightly coloured paper umbrellas. Umbrellas are inextricably associated with Borsang where villagers have been engaged in their manufacture for at least 200 years. This small town is home to artists and craftsmen who produce exquisite parasols, flowers, fans, lanterns and other handicrafts made from hand-painted saa paper (manufactured from the bark of the mulberry tree) silk, cotton and bamboo. All materials are produced or found locally. If you happen to be in Chiang Mai around the 20th of January you can catch the annual Borsang festival. During which locals parade their most beautiful creations for all to see. Visitors to Borsang will see literally hundreds of styles and sizes of umbrellas ranging from the miniature to the gigantic, decorated with traditional northern scripture to more funky modern tie-dyed designs.
Baan Tawai