If you are one of those who are interested in observing a rural way of life, this programme should not be missed. At first glance, Nong Khao, 12 kms. from Kanchanaburi, may not look much different from other Thai villages you come across, but with a closer touch, you will get impressed with the way it has always been. Appreciate a modest lifestyle of those in an agricultural society in which most members still earn their modest living by plating rice, raising cattle and weaving cloths. Enjoy biking through the village, where its members always show signs of welcoming foreign visitors, and a panoramic view of the rice paddy fileds dotted with patches of fan palm trees. Learn how important rice means to Thai people through a cultural practice of the ritual for the Rice Goddess. Observation of their seasonal activities related to rice plantation will enable you to appreciate their simple way of life. Shopping of local products can be a simple way to directly support the local producers at the village level.
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09.00 |
Pick up from Kanchanaburi to Nong Khao Village by local truck. |
09.20 |
Upon arrival, start a village tour (by bicycle or local truck), visitting the village shrine, then a fan palm orchard in the rice paddy field to observe how the locals collect the palm products (though the
palm season is from Dec to June, nowadays the palm products are likely to be available almost all year round). Try some local products and a variety of tropical fruits regarded the best in the world.
Then the demonstration of a ritual to strengthen and comfort the spirit of the Rice Goddess will enhance your understanding of the role the rice plantation has played in Thai farming society. |
10.30 |
Return to the village along the dirt track cutting through the fields. En route, observe some seasonal activities and pleasant sights of cattle, patches of lotus, sugar cane and corn farms. Enjoy learning how to make sticky-rice crisps with the local villagers. Glimpse a cluster of Thai styled houses then earthen pots reflecting the local belief in their ancestral spirit. |
11.30 |
Enjoy coffee served with fan palm cake, then visit the village weaving centre. Hand-woven clothes, bamboo handicrafts and sticky rice or palm clear whisky and wine are available for direct shopping from the local producers. |
12.00 |
Return to the temple and transfer to the town of Kanchanaburi. |
Included:
1. Transfer by local truck between Kanchanaburi town and the village
2. Village tour by bicycle or E-Taen local truck
3. Expenses for all activities prepared by villagers
4. Coffee, tea, tropical fruits and snacks
5. Insurance [1 million Baht per head]
6. Drinking water and cool towels
7. English-speaking guide.
8. Donation to support the Nong Khao Sustainable Tourism Fund for Community Development (mainly support the education of poor children in the village)
