The Sapphaya Old Police Station Market Community Chai Nat
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY
The Chaophraya River, Central Thailand’s so-called source of life, isn’t just Bangkok’s main river. It also runs through Chainat, a province home to a quaint Chao Phraya riverside settlement known as the Old Police Station Market Community within Sappaya district. The Chao Phraya River is like an artery that feeds life and keeps people together; here, the community’s strength lies in its long-inherited and diverse cultural roots. The community’s new generation, who work in both the public and private sectors, have been recently collaborated to form “Sappaya Old Market Rehabilitation Club” which aims to revive all the community’s attractions and preserve traditions.
The main Sappaya District Police Station building was constructed during the Rama IV period and is now the landmark of the community. It was awarded as the “best architectural preservation project” from the Association of Siamese Architects under the Royal Patronage in 2018. Nowadays, it is used as a community museum – perfect for those who love the rare vintage vibes of an old police station building that’s over a hundred years old.
Every first weekend of the month, the community’s riverside street is closed to traffic and local stalls are set up. Tourists can enjoy various seasonal activities and events, many of which revolve around food! If you happen to be a dessert-lover, try the “Kui lee” sesame snack class. This ancient recipe has been adopted since the Rama VI period.
The senior community master (who will be your instructor while you visit) never tires of telling the story of “Sapya”. Have fun while discovering the origins of the community name. Also, learn to cook floating rice crackers from an ancient recipe. Craft lovers can join the water hyacinth wickerwork class (which isn’t only for old-fashioned folks like many people think it is…)
In addition, the community organizes seasonal activities throughout the year. For example, head out collecting duck eggs in the morning; cruise along Chao Phraya River during sunset and take a ride on a local tractor to have a picnic in the toddy palm field, which said to be one of the most beautiful in Thailand.
CULTURAL AND LOCAL WISDOM HERITAGE
- Sappaya traditional Thai folk musical instruments
The centres and community museums that have been developed as learning centres on local culture include
Wat Sappaya, the centre for acheological sites, artefacts and Buddha’s life
The Old Sappaya Police Station, the centre for the community’s museum
The Sappaya Old Market Community, the centre for the ancient community along the Chao Phraya River
Viharn Noi, or “The Small Chapel”, is located inside Wat Sappaya temple.
Sappaya’s Old Police Station building was constructed during the reign of King Rama V. The building won the 2018 Architectural Art Conservation Award for Buiding from The Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage. It has been regarded as a model building as part of the “Oon Ai Ruk Klai Kwan Nao” Festival at Suepa, Bangkok
ACTIVITIES
- Find out how to collect organic duck eggs from the rice fields without chemical pesticides.
Making traditional desserts from Rama6 era “Nga Guy Lhee” ( Thai Dessert).
Worship Buddha statue.
Explore ancient “RamaV” era of police station.
Learn how to make local products with water hyacinth from waste.
Learn how to make “Khao-Keab” rice crispy snack.
Cruise along the Chaophraya River on a traditional Thai boat as the sun sets.
Ride “E-tak” automotive and have “Pin-to” meal in toddy palm forest.
Program 2 Days 1 Night
|
Day 1 |
|
|
9.00 am |
Arrive at Sappaya’s ancient police station market in Sappaya district, Chainat province in central Thailand. |
|
9.30 am |
Learn how to make the traditional “Kui Lee” – a type of sesame-topped bun, which is a famous souvenir to buy from Sappaya, Chainat, that follows an authentic Teochew recipe. |
|
11.00 am |
Have an early lunch and get ready for the afternoon’s activities. |
|
12.30 pm |
Learn how to transform water hyacinth into beautiful wickerwork products – these are crafted by the ‘Ban Aoi Water Hyacinth Craft Group’ and exported to several countries around the world. |
|
2.00 pm |
Learn how to make ancient floating rice crackers or black sesame soft rice crackers. |
|
3.30 pm |
Learn how to cook local seasonal dishes under the guidance of the community’s expert cooks. |
|
6.00 pm |
Tuck into dinner at the homestay before free time and bed. |
|
Day 2 |
|
|
6.00 am |
Soak up the early-morning atmosphere at the farm and see how eggs are collected from free-range ducks. You’ll then be shown how to make salted eggs, a local delicacy, before returning to the accommodation to enjoy seasonal breakfast. |
|
9.00 am |
Travel to Bang Sarawat in the nearby Po Nang Dam Tok district to see how the toddy palm farmers work and live. |
|
10.30 am |
Visit Sappaya’s ancient police station market. |
|
Marvel at the grandeur of the 117-year-old ancient police station building which dates back to the Rama V period, awarded as Thailand’s the Best Architectural Conservation in 2018.
|
|
|
11.30 am |
Enjoy lunch, try the handmade Teochew noodles at “Auntie Nok’s” (and one of the police station market’s most famous dishes, or try brown rice mixed with fried basil. |
|
1.00 pm |
Arrive safely back at the accommodation before heading onto your next destination of choice. |
The program is subject to change without prior notice, depending on weather conditions and the pickup point, as your safety is our first priority.
