Thai-Puan Community Nakhon Nayok
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY
Ever imagined what it would be like if you were forced to one day leave your homeland and migrate to another country? Where would you settle and what would you do? The people living in the Chiang Kwang region of Laos were faced with this same predicament some 240 years ago, a time in which borders were hard to define across the Southeast Asian region. Obviously, moving between Thailand and Laos, two neighboring countries, didn’t require passing through immigration, filling in forms or handing over cash. The priority at that time was simply to settle in an area naturally rich in resources. Having a familiar language, cuisine and culture were all a bonus…
From Laos to Thailand, or more specifically, from Chiang Kwang to Nakorn Nayok, the Tai Puan people brought with them their civilization, beliefs, traditional recipes and ancient songs adopted by many generations. All of these things were subsequently integrated into the culture of their new community within central Siam.
Although more than 240 years have now passed, if you happen to visit this same community today, you can still find original Tai Puan dishes such as “Pla doo” (herb-fermented fish, red lotus leaf-wrapped rice), fragrant soups and desserts like “Kao kra ya koo” (coconut milk-cooked ground rice) – all traditionally cooked by the community masters using original recipes that date back to over a century. Apart from their role as skilled Tai Puan chefs, the community masters can also introduce you to some interesting traditional shows and cultural performances. Elsewhere, pick up some ancient Tai Puan woven clothes and learn some local words and phrases to amaze other Thai people who probably wouldn’t understand! local transportation or take it easy on a bicycle as you visit the community masters with the orchard nearby.
CULTURAL AND LOCAL WISDOM HERITAGE
- Puan Dialect
Thai Puan traditional costumes derived from hand weaving skill with local looms. Patterns of the woven fabric reflect the unique ancient local wisdom of Chiang Khwang, Laos, which has since spread to the Puan region in Thailand.
Local, traditional foods of the Thai Puan people
12 month culture and tradition (Heet 12 Kong 14) In order to maintain the culture and tradition of the community which reflects the identity of Thai Puan, deriving from Laos to Thailand, many traditional practices are preserved, such as Thai Puan Bai Sri Su Kwan, Puan’s Ghost festival, Food Offering to Monks (Thevorohana Merit Making), Khao Jee Offering and Listening to sermons (Mahachat)
Folk entertainment of Puan includes Puan folk songs, Tone Dance, Chiang Khwang Dance, Boon Khao Jee Dance, Thai Puan Maun Chuen Dance.
ACTIVITIES
- Lean how to say some of the local Thai Phuan words and phrases.
- Enjoy traditional Thai Phuan performances.
- Have a go at cooking some original Thai Phuan dishes with a local chef.
- Learn about hand-woven ancient patterns Thai-Puan fabrics.
- Take a car or bicycle trip to see the nearby orchards.
- Join in with some cultural exchange activities with students at local schools.
- Enjoy swimming in a waterfall, whitewater rafting and other nearby tourist attractions.
Program 3 Days 2 Nights
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Day 1 |
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9.30 am |
Depart from Bangkok. |
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11.30 am |
Pay for homage for good luck at Nakhon Nayok City Pillar Shrine. Get to know Nakhon Nayok. |
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12.00 pm |
Lunch at one of the most well-known restaurants in the province |
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1.00 pm |
Travel to the “Phuan” community in Pak Pli district, Nakhon Nayok. |
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1.30 pm |
Arrive at the Tai Phuan community gate at Fang Klong Temple, Koh Wai sub-district, Pak Pli district, Nakhon Nayok. |
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Receive a welcome cloth from the community members and meet the community communicator. |
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2.00 pm |
Visit Chalerm Ratchawat Fang Klong Cultural Center and learn about the Tai Phuan community history and culture. |
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Pay respect to Pra Kru Wiriyanuyok, the abbot of Fang Klong Temple, with the five aggregates and pandan leaf rose bouquet. |
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3.00 pm |
Experience an “Ean Kwan Phuan” Baci welcome ceremony that supposedly ‘summons the souls’ of visitors. |
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4.30 pm |
Short break with banana and Fang Klong Temple’s iconic pandan salted eggs |
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5.00 pm |
Store your luggage at the homestay accommodation. |
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6.00 pm |
Dinner at the homestay |
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Practice easy some Phuan words and phrases for daily conversations with the hosts. |
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8.00 pm |
Leisure time |
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Day 2 |
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6.30 am |
Ride on traditional vehicle to visit the market. Enjoy the fresh morning air and experience the community lifestyle. |
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7.30 am |
Breakfast at the homestay |
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9.00 am |
Pay respect to the Buddha’s footprint model with the host at Koh Wai using pandan leaf roses as an offering. |
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9.30 am |
Visit Auntie Tongsri’s ancient house. |
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Learn about the tools used for working with rice, the Tai Phuan and Huen Phuan traditions. |
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10.30 am |
Cook with Kru Lord, get to know the traditional Tai Phuan dishes, food traditions and beliefs. |
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Learn about “Pla doo” herb-fermented fish and help the locals cook traditional Phuan dishes. |
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12.00 pm |
Lunch of fried rice with herb-fermented fish wrapped in red lotus leaf at Kru Lord’s house |
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1.30 pm |
Visit Ta Daeng Temple and its important religious sites. Learn about Thai temples and how Phuan people are devoted to Buddhism. Pay homage to the sacred items that are much respected by the Phuan people of Ta Daeng village. |
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2.30 pm |
Visit Lao Doen mushroom farm. Collect mushrooms for dinner, cooked by the homestay host |
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3.30 pm |
Visit Wang Bon reservoir, and kayak or bike around the beautiful nature. |
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5.00 pm |
Admire the view of Khao Yai National Park at Rawin Home Café. |
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6.30 pm |
Return to the homestay. |
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7.00 pm |
Dinner at the homestay. Help the host prepare the next morning’s merit making packs. |
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8.30 pm |
Leisurely time |
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Day 3 |
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6.30 am |
Make morning merit with the host while wearing a traditional Phuan outfit at the homestay. |
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7.30 am |
Breakfast at the homestay |
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9.00 am |
Arrive at Ban Mai Phuan community, or “Ban Moe” in Phuan. |
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Pay homage to Kusawadee Buddha Relics Stupa at Patummawongsawas (Ban Mai) Temple. |
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10.00 am |
Visit the “Pak Pli Tai Phuan handloom weaving group” at the Center of Local Wisdom, Ban Mai Temple. |
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Learn about the ancient handloom weaving method. |
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10.30 am |
Short break with “Kao krayakoo” rice pudding cooked with coconut milk, a traditional dessert. |
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11.00 am |
Return to the homestay, collect your luggage and say goodbye to the community. |
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12.00 pm |
Lunch at a famous local restaurant, Chaluay Pochana, which sells ancient Phuan suki from the Ban Koh Wai Phuan community. |
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1.00 pm |
Depart from Nakhon Nayok |
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4.00 pm |
Safe arrival in Bangkok |
