Ban Lao Wiang Cultural Tourism Community Uttaradit

About the Community

While in the 21st-century world country’s borders are clearly defined and territories easily recognizable on a world map, these things haven’t always existed. This partly explains how the Thai-Lao cultures in the northeast were able to seamlessly mix together hundreds of years ago – something which would be almost impossible today.

Migrants from Vientiane first arrived in Thailand during the Rama III period after the Anouvong rebels were suppressed in 1828. This forced migration to a neighboring country was the catalyst for the creation of the unique Lao Vieng cultural community in Had Song Kwai district, Uttaradit.

A visit to Had Song Kwai, Uttaradit offers the chance to experience local beliefs and traditions that have inherited from the migration period over a hundred years ago. Some of the related activities (which you can participate in), including the “Hab Jang Han” morning food offering, as well as tasting Lao Vieng dishes like stuffed chili, vegetable soup, fried dough, fried noodle and fried banana blossom. Listen to stories told in Lao Vieng language from the community masters, which will leave you even more fascinated… and maybe a little confused.

Apart from the well-preserved traditions, the community is also famous for its crafted bags made of hand-embroidered fabric. Shop for some tie-dye clothes as you soak up the mix of both retro and modern community vibes.

Cultural and Local Wisdom Heritage

The local traditions and cultures of the community have long been inherited for generations, namely,
(1) the local dialect that resembles Lao language which has been used for communication, (2) Lao Wiang traditional costumes: colored cloth worn with a white shirt. The traditional food that can only be found here is stuffed chilli (Auo Bak Ped) and a few other dishes. The food carrying tradition (Harb Jung Hun) is a preserved tradition where people carry foods and desserts to temples with local equipment. The local wisdom/skills of the community includes weaving, stiff broom, rattens, net weaving and embroidery and handmade craftwork.

Activities
- Experience the lifestyle of Lao Wiang people.
- Make some snacks from bananas like sweet banana chips.
- Sew and screen patterns on eco-friendly fabric bags.
- Make mud-yom fabrics and design your own patterns.
- Cook up some traditional Lao Wiang dishes with the locals.
- Make rattan carrying racks and recycled brooms.
- Learn how to sing and play Thai ‘long drums’