The Thai-Yuan (sometimes written “Tai-Yuan”) are an ethnic group which migrated from the Chiang Sean Kingdom, (currently known as Chiang Rai province) in North Thailand during the Burmese war, during the reign of King Rama I, some 200 years ago.
Nowadays, the Thai-Yuan community in Saraburi province can be found in the Amphoe Sao-Hai District. They still speak their original language and their charming culture and traditions have endured to this day.
You will be charmed by the traditional Thai style houses, distinctive clothes and simple way of life of Thai Yuan people.
The fascinating mural paintings at the temples of Wat Chantornburi and Wat Samuha Praditharam in the Sao-Hai District depict the particular lifestyle and dress of the Thai Yuan through the ages.
You will see how these people recorded significant events on a long scroll made of wood-pulp. The scroll describes herbal therapies and magical prophecies, including how to use palm leaves for recording a Buddhist Sermon. You will see records of their annual Buddhist ceremonies depicting their unique performances.
Thai-Yuan Local Cultural Center
The Thai Yuan Local Cultural Centre is located in the Sao-Hai District of Saraburi province. The Centre’s owner and philosopher, Ajarn Songchai Wannakul, is always delighted to welcome visitors and will proudly explain the interesting history of Thai-Yuan people, and of himself, being a direct ancestor of the people from the Lanna Kingdom.
The Thai Yuan House represents a unique style called Ruan Chiang Sean, or Reun Kalae. Its distinctive architecture, resulting the upstairs being larger than the basement gives it the name “big breast, slender waisted house” (Ruan Oke To Eaw Kod).
Baan Khao Kaew is a charming old Thai style house built on high pillars and surrounded by huge lush trees. You will be intoxicated by the sweet aroma of the local Thai flowers and enchanted by the variety of birds singing to each other throughout the day. There is an extensive collection of ancient artifacts on display, including many kinds of local tools and utensils (advance booking required).
The Thai-Yuan Local Cultural Centre is situated on the bank of the Pa-Sak River, just opposite the Baan Khao Kaew. This group of 5 Traditional Thai Yuan houses is approximately 80-100 years old and together offer a variety of impressive artifacts, such as traditional tools, different kinds of carts drawn by buffalo and cows, decorative carts for monks, cradles and fishing tools. Upstairs, there are old watches, animal horns, Thai books and the wooden implements used for traditional Thai massage. There are also bamboo baskets and ancient weapons such as pike, lance, javelin, sword, knives and guns. The kitchen contains cooking utensils and woven bamboo tools such as fish traps, slings and baskets.
The unique Thai Yuan local hand-woven fabrics have made the Baan Ton Tan Weaving Centre famous in the Saraburi province. The Centre is run by some 30 women and you are welcome to see their demonstration and to buy some of the dainty products, such as Pha-Sin (Sarong or Traditional Thai mini-skirt), pillows, shawls and much more.
I was born into a simple farming family, in the village of Phra Putthabat district, Saraburi province.
Thinking back on my childhood, I remember green paddy fields, my pets, and my village friends with whom I played our traditional games. Each day I would ride my bicycle the 2km to school and back in the afternoon to my loving family. The toys we played with were made from everyday materials native to my area, quite often just pieces of bamboo or leaves from the trees. There were no manufactured toys. It was a simple life, but rich with love and friendship.
The cultivation of rice is not easy and the work is demanding. To this day I marvel at the dedication of my parents who worked long and hard to make a living.
In my early years, it never occurred to me to travel overseas, possibly because there was always so much to do on the farm.
As I became older, however, I started to dream about the possibility of one day seeing what lay beyond the distant hills.
Since those days, I have been fortunate in that I have been able to attend a fine University and qualify in a field which has enabled me to fulfill this dream.
Now I have spread my wings and can see further than I ever thought. I have seen amazing things and met wonderful people in a journey that has brought me knowledge and much joy - perhaps most wonderfully, the truth that despite our many differences, how much we are the same. It is an experience that goes on and one, which I hope, will allow me to be a better guide.
I commemorate this site to my family who brought me into this world and have loved and supported me in all things, to my friends who have inspired and strengthened me, and most importantly to the teachings of Lord Buddha which have illuminated my life with truth, purpose and love.
As Saraburi province is my hometown, I am proud to present you this exclusive program which is ideally suited to those travellers who are seeking an escape from the bustle of Bangkok and to experience more intimately the culture and traditions of the local people.
I do hope that it may convey to you some of the wonder and happiness I have been so fortunate to have known.
Day I: Arrival
10 am: You will be driven from your hotel in Bangkok to the Thai-Yuan Local Cultural Centre in Sao-Hai, Saraburi (90 minutes). After check-in, you can relax at the Centre, where you will be greeted by the owner, Ajarn Songchai Wannakul. Later a 30 minute drive will see you to the Wat Phra Putthabat where you can pay respect to the sacred Buddha’s right footprint and have lunch at the local Thai food.
On return, we will visit the sacred “crying pillar” at Wat Sung where I will tell you this mysterious story. In the evening, enjoy our local Thai dinner with special traditional dancing performance by the village’s students.
Day II: Colourful Pa-Sak River
Early in the morning we will increase our blessings by offering food to the local monks followed by breakfast. You may like to paddle a row boat across the river to make merit at the temple on the other side. A motorised long-tailed boat is available for cruising along the “Pa-Sak river” where you can see first hand how the local people live.
Later, we will pay respect to the Golden Buddha image at Wat Pha-Yao and visit Wat Samuha Praditharam, which contains the unique mural painting depicting the Thai-Yuan people over 150 years ago. For lunch, let’s try Kha-Nom Chin, a typical Thai-style rice noodle served with various kinds of savoury spicy curries and fresh vegetables, and don’t miss the desert of refreshing Thai melon served up in coconut cream at Khru Id’s Kha-nom Chin restaurant. (closed Tuesdays).
In the late afternoon we will visit the Baan Ton Tan Community where you may buy their remarkable textile hand weaving and fine handicrafts. It is recently presented for Thailand Tourism Awards 2008 as the Award of the outstanding performance by Tourism Authority of Thailand.
In the evening, why not enjoy dinner at a local restaurant by the Pa-Sak river.
Day III: Amazing Lop Buri
Local breakfast provided by the villager and check-out at 9 am. You will then be taken to visit Lop Buri, the neighbouring province. Firstly, we will visit the Phra Narai Rachaniwet Palace ( Mon & Tue closed ) which King Narai of the Ayutthaya Kingdom built for his second capital. Later, you will also see San Phra Kan, a well known and respected Brahamical Shrine which is inhabited by a colony of very friendly monkeys. We will stop for lunch at one of the local restaurants before going to greater Pa-Sak Cholasith Dam following to the King Bhumiphol 's project. Afterwards, we will depart for Bangkok.
Package rate : 465 USD for 1-2 person.
Includes:
* Specialist English-speaking Thai Guide
* Private air-con car and driver
* 2 nights accommodation at Thai-Yuan Cultural Homestay
* Local Breakfast for 2 days and one local dinner with traditional dance show.
* Entrance fees to the places of interest listed in the tour - unless otherwise stated
* Motorised long-tail boat
Excludes:
* Cost of lunch and drinks
* Other options you may elect to pursue at your own expense
* Tips