The Art of Making Lanna Umbrellas
Bo Sang Umbrella Village is a renowned craft community located in Chiang Mai. Famous for its centuries-old tradition of handmade umbrellas, the village is home to many local artisans whose works are some of the best examples of the creativity and ingenuity of Thai people.
To preserve this ancient heritage craft and provide further support to local artisans, Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel invites guests to discover the art of making Lanna umbrellas through a practical experience led by local craftsmen. In the first part of the experience, guests are able to learn about the cultural significance of Lanna umbrellas in northern Thai ceremonies and daily life, as well as the use of natural, sustainable materials such as bamboo and Saa (mulberry bark) paper. Then, after a live demonstration of the umbrella-making process by artisans, guests may purchase an umbrella of their choice before proceeding to the hands-on session where they can paint and decorate it with traditional Lanna motifs or personal designs under the guidance of skilled craftsmen. Guests are welcome to take home their hand-painted umbrella—a personal keepsake and a symbol of Chiang Mai’s living traditions.
For the local community, this experience provides sustainable livelihoods for local artisans and supports the wider supply chain of biodegradable, renewable materials in the traditional umbrella-making process, such as bamboo, Saa paper, and natural pigments.