Ban Khok Muang Community,Thailand-3 Days

Whether you’re a history-buff or not, the real highlight here is visiting the spectacular archaeological sites; they offer a chance to see the region’s diverse arts and learn about innovations of the Khmer Empire. Spend a night at a homestay, and don’t forget to set your alarm clock early, ready to explore the community on rented bike in the morning. Along the way, stop off and learn about cotton weaving using local volcano mud as part of a unique dyeing technique. Put your skills to the ultimate test by weaving fern designs with silk, an ancient art form, under the patient instruction from local masters. Die-hard sports fans will be having a blast visiting the nearby Chang International Circuit, and the Chang Arena stadium – an impressive landmark home to Buriram’s pride and joy, the Thunder Castle football team.

Day 1

Bangkok – Ban Koke Mueang

1.30 pm         Meet at the designated meeting point (Buriram Airport or hotel) and head to Ban Koke Mueang community.

3.30 pm        Travel to Ban Koke Mueang community, Prakonchai district, which is famous for its volcanic soil rice and hand-woven cotton dyed with Baray soil.

4.30 pm       Arrive at the community. Leave the luggage at the homestay accommodation and enjoy leisure time.

5.00 pm        Cycle through the village, passing by several interesting places such as:

  • The hermit’s house: Built as a hospital for those who traveled to Prasat Mueang Tam to practice ceremonies.
  • Baray Mueang Tam: Built in the same age as Prasat Mueang Tam, Baray Mueang Tam is a huge reservoir located in the northern part of the complex. It was used as a water storage facility for the public.
  • Prasat Mueang Tam: Built according to Hindu beliefs, it is assumed that the castle was constructed as an offering for Lord Shiva. It served as the community’s religious center and was designed in a Cambodian Bapuan style.

6.30 pm        Return to the accommodation with time to relax and freshen up.

7.00 pm       Enjoy a traditional Isaan dinner and a leisurely evening.

Day 3

Ban Koke Mueang – Chang Arena Stadium – Bangkok

8.00 am        Breakfast at the accommodation

9.00 am        Say goodbye to the community and travel to Chang Arena Stadium, Buriram’s modern-day “castle” which is home to Buriram United Football Club, known as the Thunder Castle, and enjoy a tour of this impressive stadium.

11.30 am        Lunch

12.15 pm        Return to the meeting point.

 

Day 2

Ban Koke Mueang

6.00 am        Make merit and learn about Buddhist rituals in the early morning at Khao Plai Bad Temple before enjoying breakfast.

9.00 am        Learn about the process of hand-weaving with Baray soil from a master who will teach you using a hands-on approach.

11.00 am       Learn to cook “Pad Kung Jom”, a not-to-miss local dish of the community.

12.00 pm      Have lunch – which includes this self-cooked dish.

1.30 pm         Learn about the process of weaving reed mats from the master, starting from the dyeing process, pattern designing and then actually doing it yourself!

3.00 pm       Learn how to weave silk with ancient patterns, such as the “Pak Kood” pattern inspired by a stone castle.

4.00 pm       Leisurely time

6.00 pm       Dinner at the homestay with the rest of the evening free.