Of all the areas of Chiang Mai these, along with Doi Saket next door, are my favorites. I like the countryside which is rice fields in spots and then goes into the mountains. The air is also cleaner in the summer than most other areas.

Borsang is what I thought Thailand was like before I had ever been. It's a small little community that is growing but also has, for now, all the older buildings that embody thoughts of Thailand. Most tourists end up doing the Umbrella factory bus tour, and it is interesting but buying their goods is very high priced. If you have time you can leave the compound and turn left at the entrance. Half a block down the main road you will find all the same things at about half the price. Thong's, a long Thai flag, at the factory is around 900 Baht and down the road around 300. Some of the road shops also have some great clothing deals.

Umbrella Factory - Borsang

If you drive about 20 kilometers east beyond the small weaving village of San Kamphaeng. There lies San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, a quiet and scenic 40-acre park, beautifully landscaped and containing a range of flowers.

On the premises are a restaurant, ice-cream stand, mineral baths, a camping area and many picnic spots. The most interesting feature here is the hot spring. The water comes from a deep source and is 100 degrees at the surface. You can boil eggs in the water in bamboo baskets. Admission 20 Baht.