Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts Festival is a 3-day festival celebrated on the third weekend in January each year to honour the efforts of local artisans.
Bo Sang may not be one of the first towns that come to mind when discussing tourism in Northern Thailand, but it is home to one of the world’s most spectacular and colourful festivals.
Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts Festival 2025, Chiang Mai
Bo Sang is home to skilled craftspeople whose products range from fantastic fans to colourful lanterns and parasols. Look out for the magnificent umbrellas designed of mulberry bark paper, which is then hand-painted; this is Bo Sang’s trademark style. Other materials used for these works of art include silk and cotton.
Come to the festival in the afternoon. This way, you can enjoy the fantastic artwork in the light of day and stay for the illuminated umbrellas at night. Many of the umbrellas are lit like lanterns, showing a completely different side to these works of art.
Other fun events during the festival include an opening ceremony, a parade, cultural shows, a traditional market, a beauty pageant, live music, dancing, exhibitions and carnival games.
Every January, the Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts Festival brings Chiang Mai to life! Held in Bo Sang, just 8kms southeast of Chiang Mai.
You get a programm opposite to the umbrella factory, next to 7 eleven
When do the parades happen please? Are they at specific times, on specific days? I don’t want to miss them.
Thank you for your help
Hi Imelda,
Thai people don’t typically publish a schedule for events, so you just need to head to San Kamphaeng in the morning and follow the crowds. The last time I was at the Bo Sang Umbrella festival, the parade was held in the evening, so not sure if its the same for this year.
I would ask the locals for some guidance or a hotel concierge, who may have more up to date information about specific times.
Best regards,
Jess
Last year there was a opening parade in the early afternoon 1pm or 2pm when the candidates for miss umbrella festival bicycle down the main street. but the large parade happens around dusk with floats and dignitaries. Like many Thai events it then moves into a formal stage with dignitaries and local politicians thanking everyone involved. That is followed by the awarding miss umbrella festival and then some really beautiful and impressive traditional entertainment… Last year the location was a bit small for the crowd creating quite a crunch to view, I’m hoping perhaps for a change to that. It’s a great event but bring your patience. Lots of street food, music etc. If you’re interested there is a dance party that goes late. My times are approximate and as you may have heard things can change quickly…. See you there