Borsang umbrella and Thai handicraft village
The brightly coloured umbrellas of Chiang Mai are a distinctive Thai icon and have made the little village of Borsang, 10kms east of the city, famous. These parasols are delicately crafted from bamboo or cane and exquisitely decorated with colourful pictures or patterns on glazed rice paper covers. They are one of many fine Thai handicrafts.
Borsang is little more than a cluster of shop-houses along the area where Doi Saket road meets San Kamphaeng road. It enjoys a steady stream of tourists daily as they come to witness the making of these fine items and other Thai handicrafts and to stock up on traditional souvenirs from northern Thailand.
The pace out here is far more laid-back than Chiang Mai and the prices more agreeable. By approaching the manufacturers directly, you can bypass the haggling Night Market vendors. Along the way, you pass along the road to San Kamphaeng which is lined with small factories where many of the handicrafts are made. Many export agents have set themselves up here and it attracts buyers from all over the world.
Thai handicrafts make excellent gifts; they are beautifully made, cheap and unique. Choose from brightly dressed hill tribe dolls, ceramics, soaps and candles, ornaments, carvings, textiles, jewellery, lacquerware, rattan baskets and bags, toys and much more.
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