Thai-Puan Community,Thailand-3 Days
Ever imagined what it would be like if you were forced to one day leave your homeland and migrate to another country? Where would you settle and what would you do? The people living in the Chiang Kwang region of Laos were faced with this same predicament some 240 years ago, a time in which borders were hard to define across the Southeast Asian region. Obviously, moving between Thailand and Laos, two neighboring countries, didn’t require passing through immigration, filling in forms or handing over cash. The priority at that time was simply to settle in an area naturally rich in resources. Having a familiar language, cuisine and culture were all a bonu. From Laos to Thailand, or more specifically, from Chiang Kwang to Nakorn Nayok, the Tai Puan people brought with them their civilization, beliefs, traditional recipes and ancient songs adopted by many generations. All of these things were subsequently integrated into the culture of their new community within central Siam.
9.30 am Depart from Bangkok.
11.30 am Pay for homage for good luck at Nakhon Nayok City Pillar Shrine. Get to know Nakhon Nayok.
12.00 pm Lunch at one of the most well-known restaurants in the province
1.00 pm Travel to the “Phuan” community in Pak Pli district, Nakhon Nayok.
1.30 pm Arrive at the Tai Phuan community gate at Fang Klong Temple, Koh Wai sub-district, Pak Pli district, Nakhon Nayok.
Receive a welcome cloth from the community members and meet the community communicator.
2.00 pm Visit Chalerm Ratchawat Fang Klong Cultural Center and learn about the Tai Phuan community history and culture.
Pay respect to Pra Kru Wiriyanuyok, the abbot of Fang Klong Temple, with the five aggregates and pandan leaf rose bouquet.
3.00 pm Experience an “Ean Kwan Phuan” Baci welcome ceremony that supposedly ‘summons the souls’ of visitors.
4.30 pm Short break with banana and Fang Klong Temple’s iconic pandan salted eggs
5.00 pm Store your luggage at the homestay accommodation.
6.00 pm Dinner at the homestay
Practice easy some Phuan words and phrases for daily conversations with the hosts.
8.00 pm Leisure time
Day 3
6.30 am Make morning merit with the host while wearing a traditional Phuan outfit at the homestay.
7.30 am Breakfast at the homestay
9.00 am Arrive at Ban Mai Phuan community, or “Ban Moe” in Phuan.
Pay homage to Kusawadee Buddha Relics Stupa at Patummawongsawas (Ban Mai) Temple.
10.00 am Visit the “Pak Pli Tai Phuan handloom weaving group” at the Center of Local Wisdom, Ban Mai Temple.
Learn about the ancient handloom weaving method.
10.30 am Short break with “Kao krayakoo” rice pudding cooked with coconut milk, a traditional dessert.
11.00 am Return to the homestay, collect your luggage and say goodbye to the community.
12.00 pm Lunch at a famous local restaurant, Chaluay Pochana, which sells ancient Phuan suki from the Ban Koh Wai Phuan community.
1.00 pm Depart from Nakhon Nayok
4.00 pm Safe arrival in Bangkok
Day 2
6.30 am Ride on traditional vehicle to visit the market. Enjoy the fresh morning air and experience the community lifestyle.
7.30 am Breakfast at the homestay
9.00 am Pay respect to the Buddha’s footprint model with the host at Koh Wai using pandan leaf roses as an offering.
9.30 am Visit Auntie Tongsri’s ancient house.
Learn about the tools used for working with rice, the Tai Phuan and Huen Phuan traditions.
10.30 am Cook with Kru Lord, get to know the traditional Tai Phuan dishes, food traditions and beliefs.
Learn about “Pla doo” herb-fermented fish and help the locals cook traditional Phuan dishes.
12.00 pm Lunch of fried rice with herb-fermented fish wrapped in red lotus leaf at Kru Lord’s house
1.30 pm Visit Ta Daeng Temple and its important religious sites. Learn about Thai temples and how Phuan people are devoted to Buddhism. Pay homage to the sacred items that are much respected by the Phuan people of Ta Daeng village.
2.30 pm Visit Lao Doen mushroom farm. Collect mushrooms for dinner, cooked by the homestay host
3.30 pm Visit Wang Bon reservoir, and kayak or bike around the beautiful nature.
5.00 pm Admire the view of Khao Yai National Park at Rawin Home Café.
6.30 pm Return to the homestay.
7.00 pm Dinner at the homestay. Help the host prepare the next morning’s merit making packs.
8.30 pm Leisurely time
