Chapter 22. HANDICRAFT IN CHIANGMAI

After touching down in Chiangmai, we only had about 4-5 hours to tour the city before we head for our Khantoke Dinner, a traditional northern dinner.

So we trusted our precious time with Mr. Korn, our appointed driver/guide. His services include transportation from airport-hotel, and sight-seeing around town for 5 hours, all for only 1000Baht.

After a few recommendations we decided to pay a visit to San Kamphaeng and Bo Sang, the handicraft capital of Chiangmai.

1st stop - Silver Factory

Try to design your own silver. Don't think of small jewellery pieces, all are big items.

I did this piece. haha

Nothing interesting about the silver factory. Just a bunch of workers hitting and shaping the silver pieces. Much like a pewter factory.

Next stop - Silk Village

At the entrance

Once we arrived there, a lady decked in silk approached us and presented each of us a tiny flower made of silk as a token of appreciation.

Cocoons

Silk Worms

Silk

The silk village was definitely an eye opener. We managed to witness the entire process of silk processing from the worms all the way to the fabrics.

The silk worms were quite an unappetizing sight, not to be seen before meals. But it was amazing to see the products of worms being transformed into damn expensive fabric. Just a plain silk shirt will set you back 800-1000 Baht.

Check out this video to see how they obtain the silk from the worms.

After the silk is obtained, it is then woven into fabrics of different patterns and colors to produce textile and clothe.

Check out the outstanding skills of the weaver, please pay attention to that small wooden peck that swings from left to right at high speeds.

Gift Shop

The thing I like about these souvenir and handicraft shops is that most of them do not cater to tourist groups. Therefore once you step in, you're not bombarded by persistent sales people who keep persuading you to buy.

Maybe there are just 3 of us and they don't see much business opportunity with us. haha But we moved about most of these factories quite leisurely, while taking our own sweet time to see things that are of interest to us.

Polishing

Grinding

Shaping

Few thousand RM jade

Next we moved on to a jade factory. The workers were working on small pieces of jade which was chosen to make different jewelleries ranging from rings, pendants and statues.

The selecting, polishing, grinding and shaping process seems like real tedious work. It's like carving on an expensive piece of stone. One mistake and the entire piece goes to waste. Maybe they get to keep the ones they spoil?

The lady kindly explained to us the different types of jade, which have all been forgotten. ;( I just remember the green translucent type is the most valuable.

Whole array of jade statues

Misc shot

Next we set off to Bo Sang, the umbrella village. Initially when we read about this place, I had pictured a tiny and rural village in the middle of nowhere and the villagers making the umbrellas in their backyards and sell them off for a living.

Welcome to Umbrella Land

As it turns out, the village is just a name and is located at the edge of the city. I'm not sure how many umbrella producing factories there are in that area but the one we visited seems to be one of the largest.

Different types and different colors

According to the web, Bo Sang used to be a tiny umbrella producing village. But the umbrellas became so popular and attracted tons of tourists to visit the village.

So tiny village become city. I think it would had been a more fascinating trip if we had actually visited a village.

100% Handmade - No artificial flavouring

So many different colors

All the umbrellas here are hand made using either silk, cotton or paper. Oh yeah and glue of course. ;p We got the view the entire intricate process.

One of the workers

The factory area

Making the bamboo stand

The factory area is situated outdoors (open air) with a roof. I think the reason is the smell that's emitted from the dye or some chemicals that they're applying. Damn pungent smell eventhough we're outdoors.

Paper with flower design

This is one of my favourite designs, made of paper and flower petals. Apparently even the paper umbrellas can be utilized as an actually umbrella in the rain.

I still remain sceptical on this "fact" and wouldn't be one to buy a paper umbrella just to prove this "fact".

Umbrellas being left out to dry

The colors are really vibrant and the different designs really showcase the villagers' expertise in this department. After all, they have decades of experience.

"Why he want to take photo of me?"

"Eee... I like!!"

Different patterns and designs

Apart from the standard umbrellas, we also had the chance to custom make our own umbrella. Either choose from the many different customized designs or draw one yourself and get them to make it for you. Not sure how long it'll take though.

This one pay quite low, so not so happy. ;p

A closer look at the designs

Another option is to get them to draw and paint the customized emblems on your bag, shirt or even your forehead. They're really an innovative bunch to come out with such a creative idea.

Inside the shop

Red red for good luck

The retail shop is located adjacently to the factory. Inside we found a hugemongous selection of umbrellas. If an umbrella vault ever existed, this has to be it.

Different sizes, different colors, different patterns. You name it, you've got it. However all umbrellas are round in shape. Why didn't they make some triangular or square umbrellas? hehe

Technorati Tags: Bo Sang, San Kamphaeng, Chiangmai, Handicraft