Ban Khok Muang Community Buriram
About the Community
Prasat Muang Tam and Prasat Hin Phanom Rung in the Northeast of Thailand offer hugely significant historical and archaeological evidence of the ancient Khmer civilization. Their advanced construction methods, technology and arts have combined to create a distinct cultural heritage in the area inhabited by the Siamese – the present-day Buriram province.
Laos and Cambodia influences have gradually extended across the border into the nearby Buriram area over hundreds of years. As a result, the sizeable Ban Khok Mueang community has been transformed into a melting pot of Thai-Lao-Cambodia culture. A wide range of arts and culture, as well as indigenous knowledge passed along through generations, are all aspect that the new generation can appreciate today.
Whether you’re a history-buff or not, the real highlight here is visiting the spectacular archaeological sites; they offer a chance to see the region’s diverse arts and learn about innovations of the Khmer Empire. Spend a night at a homestay, and don’t forget to set your alarm clock early, ready to explore the community on rented bike in the morning. Along the way, stop off and learn about cotton weaving using local volcano mud as part of a unique dyeing technique. Put your skills to the ultimate test by weaving fern designs with silk, an ancient art form, under the patient instruction from local masters. Die-hard sports fans will be having a blast visiting the nearby Chang International Circuit, and the Chang Arena stadium – an impressive landmark home to Buriram’s pride and joy, the Thunder Castle football team.
Cultural and Local Wisdom Heritage
- Worship ceremonies for gods and sacred spirits of Prasat Mueang Tam
The “Heet sip song kong sip see” monthly festivals
The “Boon Bang Fai” rocket festival
Local activities, including practicing local skills such as how to weave fabric and mats
Activities
- Take a bicycle tour around Prasat Hin Muang Tam.
Try fermenting and weaving fabrics using mud from old reservoir.
Silkworm rearing, silk reeling and dyeing with natural dye.
Experience rice farming and agricultural life.
Learn about the traditional cuisine and way of life of the area.
Program 3 Days 2 Nights
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Day 1: Bangkok – Ban Koke Mueang |
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1.30 pm |
Meet at the designated meeting point (Buriram Airport or hotel) and head to Ban Koke Mueang community. |
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3.30 pm |
Travel to Ban Koke Mueang community, Prakonchai district, which is famous for its volcanic soil rice and hand-woven cotton dyed with Baray soil. |
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4.30 pm |
Arrive at the community. Leave the luggage at the homestay accommodation and enjoy leisure time. |
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5.00 pm |
Cycle through the village, passing by several interesting places such as:
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6.30 pm |
Return to the accommodation with time to relax and freshen up. |
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7.00 pm |
Enjoy a traditional Isaan dinner and a leisurely evening. |
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Day 2: Ban Koke Mueang |
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6.00 am |
Make merit and learn about Buddhist rituals in the early morning at Khao Plai Bad Temple before enjoying breakfast. |
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9.00 am |
Learn about the process of hand-weaving with Baray soil from a master who will teach you using a hands-on approach. |
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11.00 am |
Learn to cook “Pad Kung Jom”, a not-to-miss local dish of the community. |
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12.00 pm |
Have lunch – which includes this self-cooked dish. |
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1.30 pm |
Learn about the process of weaving reed mats from the master, starting from the dyeing process, pattern designing and then actually doing it yourself! |
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3.00 pm |
Learn how to weave silk with ancient patterns, such as the “Pak Kood” pattern inspired by a stone castle. |
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4.00 pm |
Leisurely time |
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6.00 pm |
Dinner at the homestay with the rest of the evening free. |
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Day 3: Ban Koke Mueang – Chang Arena Stadium – Bangkok |
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8.00 am |
Breakfast at the accommodation |
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9.00 am |
Say goodbye to the community and travel to Chang Arena Stadium, Buriram’s modern-day “castle” which is home to Buriram United Football Club, known as the Thunder Castle, and enjoy a tour of this impressive stadium. |
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11.30 am |
Lunch |
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12.15 pm |
Return to the meeting point. |
