Ban Laem Community,Thailand-3 Days
Everyday life in Ban Laem sub-district is deeply connected with the water, and this dates back to the Rama V period when the former King visited Suphanburi, as described in a poem written by Sunthorn Phu, who accompanied him on his journey. The beauty of Bang Pla Ma and Ban Laem has to be seen with your own eyes to understand why they were featured in Sunthorn Phu’s poem. Some of the best things to do here include boat rides to admire some impressive historical sites while soaking up community life. Another enjoyable activity involves riding on a local tractor through the fields to collect duck eggs in the morning. You can always swap four wheels for four legs… with a ride on a well-trained buffalo over the muddy ground. The well-known “Khwan Kao” spiritual ceremony is also performed here, and this is your chance to see it in real life. Spend time with the community masters who are happy to teach you how to cook traditional dishes and ancient desserts, like boeseman croaker spicy soup, minced fish curry, “Chao Ban Chao Ruean” traditional dessert, banana in coconut milk and black bean in coconut milk, as well as make herbal massage balls and decorative perforated paper.
Bangkok – Tambon Ban Laem Community
7.30 am Assemble at the meeting point.
8.00 am Travel to Tambon Ban Laem Community.
10.00 am Arrive at Tambon Ban Laem Community where you’ll be greeted with a welcome song and presentation about the history of the community.
12.00 pm Enjoy lunch on the boat.
1.00 pm Enjoy activities at Tambon Ban Laem Community:
- Take a boat trip to noteworthy places visited by King Rama V (King Chulalongkorn), as well as some stops visited by the famous royal poet, Sunthorn Phu.
- Explore riverside communities, looking out for the traditional Thai houses built during King Rama V’s reign, as well as old floating houses along the way.
- Take a boat ride to Wat Pa Pruek. Here, you can pay your respects to the replica of Lord Buddha’s Footprint, Luang Phor Si Saeng Buddha statue and chime 88 bells for good luck.
- Visit a museum displaying artifacts dating back to the late Ayutthaya period, such as important manuscripts and replicas of ancient Thai boats.
Evening Dinner and leisure time.
Stay at Phai Ta Phut Homestay or accommodation of a similar quality.
Day 3
Tambon Ban Laem Community – Lifestyle and Spirit of Thai Farmers Learning Center (Nahai Chai) – Sa Pan Khong Floating Market – Bangkok
Morning Have breakfast and prepare to check out.
10.00 am Head to the Lifestyle and Spirit of Thai Farmers Learning Center (‘Nahai Chai’).
10.30 am Arrive at the center, which was founded to show allegiance to King Rama IX, who worked hard for the benefit of Thai people. The objective of this center is to develop high-quality rice to meet the needs of rice farmers and to provide better knowledge about efficient rice farming techniques. A look round, and you’ll soon realize how important rice and farmers are to this region.
12.00 pm Lunch.
1.00 pm Head to Sa Pan Khong Floating Market.
2.00 pm Arrive at Sa Pan Khong Floating Market, one of the newer tourist destinations of Suphan Buri. Shop for goods from boat vendors along the lengthy bamboo bridge. Enjoy stunning scenery at the top of Ban Ton Tan tower.
2.30 pm Head to Bangkok via the highway.
4.30 pm Arrive back in Bangkok to end the trip.
Day 2
Tambon Ban Laem Community
Morning Breakfast.
Enjoy activities at Tambon Ban Laem Community, including learning how to make Ta Phut salted eggs and crafting wicker works from water hyacinth.
12.00 pm Lunch.
Afternoon Enjoy activities at Tambon Ban Laem Community:
- Learn how to make Nam Prik Pao Boran (Thai chili paste) and cook up some Tom Yum Pla Ma (spicy soldier croaker soup).
- Visit Monthathip Farm, an integrated farm based on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy.
Evening Dinner and leisure time.
Stay at Phai Ta Phut Homestay or accommodation of a similar quality.
