THAI-YUAN LOCAL CULTURAL CENTER, SARA BURI
If you want to escape the frantic pace of city life, why not travel to Saraburi where you will discover peace and tranquility less than a two hour drive from Bangkok.
Saraburi literally means “Water City” or “City that is located near the water”. It covers an area of 3,576 sq km and is situated about 108 kilometres north of Bangkok.
Due to its accessibilities and popularity with visitors, Saraburi is considered the gateway to the north and northeast [ E-San ] of Thailand.
The Thai-Yuan of Saraburi (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 comnunity in Saraburi province can be found in the Amphoe Sao-Hai District. They still speak their origin language and their charming clothing and traditions have endures to this day. Here you will find tradtional Thai style houses and you will be charmed by the simple way of life of Thai Yuan people.
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Your tour will begin at 9 AM. After about a 90 minute car drive you will arrive at the Thai-Yuan Local Cultural Centre situated on the bank of the Pa-Sak River. This serene establishment comprises five Traditional Thai Yuan houses approximately 80-100 years old.
Here you will find a variety of historical artifacts, such as traditional tools, different kinds of carts drawn by buffalo and cows, decorative carts for monks, cradles and fishing tools.
Upstairs, you will find 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.
We will then take a motorized long tailed boat cruise along the “Pa-Sak river” where you can see first hand how the local people live. We will also call in at the local temple to visit Wat Samuha Praditharam, which contains the unique mural painting depicting the Thai-Yuan people over 150 years ago.
For lunch you might like to try Kha-Nom Chin, a typical Thai-style rice noodle served with various kinds of savory spicy curries and fresh vegetables … and don’t miss the dessert of refreshing Thai melon served up in coconut cream at Khru Id’s Kha-nom Chin restaurant (closed Tuesdays).
Later, we will visit the sacred “crying pillar” at Wat Sung where I will recount this mysterious story and we will pay respect to the Golden Buddha image at Wat Pha-Yao.
On return, we will visit the Baan Ton Tan Community where you may buy some remarkable hand woven textiles and fine handicrafts. This community was presented Thailand’s Outstanding Performance Tourism Award for 2008 by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The Centre is run by some 30 women and you are welcome to see them demonstrate their crafts and, if you wish, to buy some of the dainty products, such as Pha-Sin (Sarong or Traditional Thai mini-skirt), pillows, shawls and much more.
Also, don’t miss famous Thai food, like Ka-Ri Pap [Curry Puff: a popular Thai snack comprising a small pie consisting of different fillings such as minced chicken, pork and various fruit in a deep-fried pastry shell]. It makes a delicious souvenir from Sara Buri !
Cost : 155 USD for 1-2 person.
Includes:
* Specialist English-speaking Thai Guide
* Private car and driver
* Private motorised long-tail boat
Excludes:
* Cost of lunch and drinks
* Other options you may elect to pursue at your own expense
* Tips