20th “Mahatsajan Lanna: Ton Pao Saa Paper Village” Celebrates Heritage and Contemporary Creativity
From the roots of traditional saa paper wisdom to contemporary creations in Ban Ton Pao 2026
The community of Ban Ton Pao invites visitors to experience the charm of “saa paper”—the area’s centuries-old handmade mulberry paper craft—at the 20th edition of “Mahatsajan Lanna: Ton Pao Saa Paper Village.” The annual festival showcases how this treasured local wisdom has been preserved, reinterpreted, and elevated into contemporary art, handicrafts, and creative works, all set against the backdrop of authentic Lanna village life.
The event will take place from 27 February to 1 March 2026 in Ban Ton Pao Village, Ton Pao Subdistrict, San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai, along the stretch of road between Soi 4 and Soi 5.
The official opening ceremony will be held on 27 February 2026 at 6:00 PM, highlighted by a vibrant procession featuring the revered “Phra Chao Saa”—the world’s only Buddha image crafted from saa paper.
Daytime Highlights
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of cultural and creative activities, including:
More than 15 free workshops on traditional saa paper-making and product design, hosted by local entrepreneurs
Ton Pao Community Market, featuring eco-friendly packaging made from saa paper and a curated selection of local food specialties
An exhibition on the origins of saa paper, tracing its journey from past to present, hosted inside an 80-year-old traditional Thai wooden house
Saa Paper Street Art, with five large-scale artworks created by artists directly on handmade saa paper along Ton Pao Road
Opportunities to pay homage to Phra Chao Saa, the community’s sacred symbol, and to observe rare demonstrations of traditional Lanna candle-making techniques
Live performances by international musicians
Lanna folk singers performing traditional northern Thai songs
Evening Festivities
Each evening will feature lively entertainment and cultural celebrations:
27 February 2026: “Little Miss Saa Paper” pageant
28 February – 1 March 2026: Cultural performances and festive activities
The festival promises an immersive experience where visitors can stroll through art-filled streets, learn about enduring local wisdom, and discover the creative spirit of Ban Ton Pao.
Join the celebration and be part of the 20th “Mahatsajan Lanna: Ton Pao Saa Paper Village”—where heritage meets contemporary imagination in the heart of Chiang Mai.
