Papercrafts in Thailand: Bo Sang

Back home I make my own cards, so on my travels I will search out paper craft supplies to incorporate into these. In Thailand I found and abundance of paper handicrafts and one of the best was Bo Sang papercraft, in the North, close to Chiang Mai.

Plan a visit

Bo Sang is a must do whilst in Chiang Mai, particularly if you are a keen crafter like myself or if you are looking for good quality handicrafts for souvenirs.

Most people head out to the handicraft centre on a tour, combining a visit to the silk, silverware and gem factories.

However, it is easy enough to get to independently, by bus, taxi or even Songtaew (a little more complex). We took a motorbike.

Take a tour

I didn’t entirely know what to expect, anticipating something very touristy and people pushing to sell their wares.

There is a well laid out ‘tour’ of the ‘factory’ where the paper umbrellas and parasols are made by hand. Each worker is responsible for a different stage of the process of whatever item they are making that particular day.

After wandering round the production area, there’s an area with local artists who are offering numerous choices of hand painted designs. These can be painted right there in front of you in minutes, onto items you have purchased in the shop or whatever you have with you: mobile phones, clothing, bags. Someone even had a design painted onto their shoulder.

I wasn’t prepared for this opportunity, or the price. It’s also very cheap. Particularly when you realise that these designs will make a lovely unique hand painted gift for absolutely anyone.

After much deliberation, and consideration of my attire for the day, which really would have been a waste of a good painting. I settled on getting my bag decorated.

The result was absolutely lovely, and I have been sporting my bag with pride every where I venture, ever since.

I urge you to visit this place, just for this! Bring items to be painted with you. Take home a personalised souvenir for that special someone.

Getting there

Head South East, out along San Kamphaeng Road, from Chiang Mai city. Bo Sang is 8km, but you can’t really miss it amidst the silk, gem and other showrooms in the area.

If you go there around the third weekend in January they hold the Bo Sang Umbrella & San Kamphaeng Handicrafts Fair each year, where all the local artisans compete to see who can make and decorate the best products.