Tham Rong Community Phetchaburi

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY

Phetchaburi may be best known for its Thai-style baked custard pies, but in fact, the real “Phetchaburi souvenirs” are the products made from toddy palm, a local plant grown throughout this central seaside province.

A tall tree resistant to drought, heat and flooding, no plant could suit Phetchaburi’s climate better than the toddy palm. It has become an invaluable plant for Phetchaburi locals who use palm sugar in their cooking. The leaves are also converted into wickerwork products, supporting the local economy. As a result, the agricultural sector benefits enormously from Thailand’s largest toddy palm plantation.

Tam Rong (sub-district) is another community with a strong tie to toddy palm trees. Locals here have been cultivating toddy palm for generations, passing recipes from generation to generations — including toddy palm soup, a slightly bitter stew, and toddy palm cake, a deliciously sweet dessert.

If you have time to spare, spend a night in Tam Rong community where you can experience working in a fully-functioning plantation at the community master’s field Learn how to make some easy toddy palm leaf weaving patterns, toddy palm shell figures or even how to make traditional kites. It’s a great opportunity to a break from modern technology (like your phone) and fly your self-made kites (like they used to do for entertainment in the olden days) instead. You may even find it more fun!

CULTURAL AND LOCAL WISDOM HERITAGE

ACTIVITIES

Program 3 Days 2 Nights