Best Things to do in Ban Khok Muang
Take a short bike ride to visit the ancient community around Prasat Muang Tam. Once you’ve ordered a bicycle for each person in your group you can cycle around the community area to feel the morning breeze. Along the way, you will hear the story of the community and get ready to learn and do some community tourism activities. This is one of the best ways to get a feel for the village and you will experience and understand more about the lifestyle of the Ban Khok Muang community.
In addition, why not sit back and enjoy the natural scenery by the ancient pond in Baray, the low city. Baray Muang Tam or Thale Muang Tam is an ancient water reservoir over a thousand years old, built at the same time as Prasat Muang Tam, used for people’s consumption in the past around Baray Muang Tam. There will be paved roads for cycling to enjoy nature; there are many trees and large grassy hills that are suitable for sitting and watching Baray Muang Sub, or you can take pictures - the morning sunlight here is beautiful for capturing a favourite photo.
We recommend that visitors to the area see the grandeur of the ancient Khmer civilization "Low City Castle" and go deeper to the other side of Baray street to see the grandeur of "Prasat Muang Tum" . Become a historian, learn about ancient stone castles and the Khmer art from the Papuan period. The castle is considered to have maintained its integrity as one of the most beautiful castles in the northeast. It is believed that the castle was used as a place of worship in Hinduism, built around the 16th century, about 1,000 years ago. This place is called the "low city" because of the location of the castle.
For visitors who would like to do something practical, we suggest learning to weave Baray silk with the Phak Kut unique pattern by Ban Khok Muang. You can learn how to weave Baray silk from a hand-woven master, observing the weaving process of “Pak Kut Pattern” inspired by the artistic style appearing on the arched columns of Prasat Hin Muang Tam. It is considered to be the only unique pattern invented and developed by the people of the Khok Muang community. The product also meets the 4-star community product standard, suitable for buying as a gift for family members, friends or older relatives - ideal to wear the Thai pattern silk to any important ceremonies.
Another good thing not to be missed is some browsing and shopping where guests can shop for beautiful items at Ban Khok Muang. Specifically, Ban Khok Muang’s "Thousand-year-old Baray Mud Fermented Cloth", which is dyed in the style of Ban Khok Muang, using dyes from bark and natural ingredients.
This is a very special place where colours are made by experimenting and blending together the different traditional dyeing techniques which date back thousands of years. The outstanding colours are ant wing yellow, shrimp paste pink, indigo blue and due to the process and source the dyed clothes last longer and stay fresher for longer.
Another activity which is very popular in Ban Khok Muang is to experience some agricultural tourism by learning to weave reed mats. An interesting craft that has made a name for the Khok Muang community is “Kai Koy Mat'' produced in households of people with disabilities. The group will plant reeds (as demonstration models) so you can see the origin of the reed lines, dye reed sugar then invent creative designs. You will see an interesting design applied to papyrus products which can make very distinctive cosmetic bags. These items are freshly embroidered with minimalistic patterns on a natural reed background to provide a wonderful gift that the owner will love.
Entertainment in Ban Khok Muang
Most of the entertainment is centered around tourist activities and immersing oneself in the culture and activities of the local people. There is plenty to occupy your time for all ages and types of tourists.
Tips for staying in Ban Khok Muang
Visitors are advised to check the appropriate activities to coincide with the period they are visiting in and contact the community in advance so that they can be completely prepared for each activity.
Add a review