Bo Sang village has produced hand-painted sa paper umbrellas for generations, and the craft tradition is still very much alive. Workshops line the main street and most welcome visitors to watch artisans at work, painting delicate floral and wildlife designs onto stretched paper frames using techniques passed down through families over centuries.

Custom painting is available at most stalls: choose an existing design or bring your own reference to be painted onto an umbrella, fan, or loose paper. The third weekend of January transforms the whole village with a festival that draws painters and craft enthusiasts from across northern Thailand, but the craft itself is worth the 9km trip from Chiang Mai on any ordinary day.