Thai textiles began as a way of life and over time, they have become arts. Handwoven and hand-dyed, these textiles require high level of skills and painstaking attention to detail. They also empower women as they play a key role in handcrafting Thai textiles.

Each kind of textile differs, from pattern designs to weaving and dyeing techniques. To learn more about them, it’s best to go straight to the sources: the weaving villages and groups. This way, you can support the locals and keep these art forms alive. 

9 Weaving Groups and Villages for Thai Textile Lovers

1. Ban Nong Ngueak in Lamphun, Northern Thailand

For over 200 years, the heritage of cotton weaving in Ban Nong Ngueak has been preserved. This is where Yong people (an ethnic group from Myanmar) settled and they have been passing down their weaving techniques for generations.

Apart from high-quality products, which range from modern dresses to pillowcases and curtains, Ban Nong Ngueak has unique looms that can be used by two people at once. These lover looms were used by the husband and the wife in order to produce larger pieces. With lover looms, the husband got to work and stay in the village with his wife. You can still try weaving with lover looms at the village.

2. Pua in Nan, Northern Thailand

In addition to rice, Tai Lue culture thrives in Pua as it’s where they first settled in Nan. One of the most interesting characteristics of Tai Lue culture is that women must learn to weave.

Tai Lue women in Thailand use a special technique called Tapestry Weaving (Lai Nam Lai), using their fingers to interlace the colorful cotton threads and create highly intricate patterns. The results look like water flowing, hence the name Lai Nam Lai, which means literally that. Today you can still admire the art of traditional Tai Lue-style weaving and also buy the handmade products in Pua, especially at Lamduan Textile.

Discover other things to do in Nan, Thailand.

3. Ban Thung Hong in Phrae, Northern Thailand

You might remember Thailand’s classic indigo farmer shirts and pants, but did you know that these traditional clothes or Mo Hom are from Ban Thung Hong? Hom is the name of the plant for Mo Hom indigo dye. From weaving to dyeing, you can learn the whole process of Mo Hom production or even design and make your own costume at this village. The locals at Ban Thung Hong Village are creative and have branched out into other products like Mo Hom bags, umbrellas and etc.

Discover other things to do in Phrae, Thailand.

4. Ban Hat Siew in Sukhothai, Northern Thailand

Known for colorful patterns, Ban Hat Siew textiles are Tai Phuan local wisdom, ethnic people who migrated from Laos. All Tai Phuan women learn to weave before they turn 16, so they create their own patterned sinh (a kind of sarong) for ceremonial use. Ceremonial sinh is called Pha Sinh Teen Chok in Thai.

The difference from other kinds of sinh is that, each Pha Sinh Teen Chok is divided into not three but four parts: the head, the body, the foot and the special part that’s connected to the foot part. This extra part is the most beautiful part of Pha Sinh Teen Chok and the villagers of Ban Hat Siew use porcupine quill in the patterning process.

5. Ban Phon in Kalasin, Northeastern Thailand

Among a variety of silk fabrics in Thailand, Phrae Wa silk of Ban Phon is the Queen of Silk and probably the most famous. A handicraft by Phu Tai women, it’s the same fabrics used for draping Northeastern Thai women’s shoulders. Fusing the khit technique for embossed patterns and the chok technique for colorful patterns, Phrae Wa silk is exceptionally beautiful.

Red was the most common dye for Phrae Wa silk, but now the locals use other colors for more variety. From pink and purple to blue and green, Phrae Wa silk has become more colorful than ever.

6. Wat That Prasit Handicraft Center in Nakhon Phanom, Northeastern Thailand

When the late King Rama IX and the Queen visited the community, they received the local Mudmee ikat silk as a gift and saw its potential. Therefore, Wat That Prasit Handicraft Center was established as a royal initiative to help the locals earn more income outside the agricultural seasons and better their quality of life.

Since then the locals have been developing their Mudmee silk weaving and natural dyeing techniques.  

7. Ban Non Rua in Sakon Nakhon, Northeastern Thailand

Thai textiles have many shades. Even the shades of indigo-dyed fabrics vary. Unlike Mo Hom of Ban Thung Hong in Phrae, indigo of the clothes in Sakon Nakhon comes from the plant kram instead of hom. The village Ban Non Rua is especially famous for their indigo-dyed fabrics, but there are many Sakon Nakhon villages where the kram heritage is alive. Take for example Mae Thita (The movie Troy featured their indigo-dyed clothes) and Ban Tham Tao (The locals plant and produce more kram dye than anywhere in Sakon Nakhon). Each village has its own style and the locals are still developing their techniques even today.

Experience hands-on indigo dyeing with the local gurus. You'll learn the regional art step by step and go home with your very own indigo-dyed piece, a real heart-made and handmade souvenir from Thailand. Read more here.

Sakon Nakhon and its dyeing tradition also has a lot to do with buffaloes, Isaan's signature animal. Our Local Expert also lets you befriend the adorable cattle and discover how they help the locals craft up their tie-dyed products. You will get to make your own tie-dyed t-shirt and taste authentic Isaan food too. Read more here.

Discover other things to do in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand.

8. Ban Tha Sawang in Surin, Northeastern Thailand

Pha Yok Thong is a very special kind of silk. It was chosen as the shirt and shawl material for global leaders who participated in the 2003 APEC in Thailand. This top-notch silk originated at Ban Tha Sawang in Surin.

The beautiful village features not only traditional wooden houses but also a museum that exhibits silk fabrics with ancient Thai patterns. Naga holding Garuda, Thepphanom (temple guardian angels with their hands at the wai position) and so on. 

9. Ban Na Meun Sri in Trang, Southern Thailand

Ban Na Meun Sri women weave their own fabrics for important occasions in their lives: their wedding, their son’s ordination and their funeral. The 200-year-old craftsmanship almost died out due to the lack of material during the World War II and industrialization of weaving.

Fortunately, the elder in the village initiated the preservation of their traditional weaving and their successors have established Ban Na Meun Sri weaving group. Red fabrics with yellow patterns are the most common, but many unique patterns are available. From doll pattern to Constitution Monument pattern. Over 100 beautiful handwoven fabrics are on display at the museum.

Discover other things to do in Trang, Thailand.

Welcome to Amazing Thailand – Open to the New Shades. This is your ultimate Thailand travel guide, off-the-beaten-track edition. Go local and explore Thailand through new perspectives. Open your heart and mind… to the shades of Thailand that you never knew exist!

The post Thai Textiles: Where to Explore the Art of Thai Weaving and Dyeing appeared first on Amazing Thailand.

Sakon Nakhon, Northeastern Thailand

To many visitors, Northeastern Thailand or Isan is the most difficult region to travel around. That, however, is changing. The biggest region in Thailand, Isan has a wealth of attractions and traditions, especially in Sakon Nakhon. Now served by daily flights from Bangkok, you can fly to the upper northeastern city in just about an hour.

Situated in the densely forested Phu Phan mountain range area, Sakon Nakhon has always been an ideal place for those seeking tranquility. The Northeast is the birthplace of the Thai Forest Tradition, a highly disciplined lineage of Theravada Buddhism. In addition to visiting forest temples and learn more about some of Thailand's most prominent monks, you can visit one of the strongest Christian communities. The city also hosts some of the most spectacular Buddhist and Christian festivals in Thailand.

Combining with natural attractions and historic Khmer ruins as well as local ways of life and cuisine, this Isan city can surely cater for all tastes. Check out these top things to do in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand, and enjoy authentic local experiences before the rest of the world catches on.

Top 10 Things to Do in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand

1. Pay respect to the city’s most sacred temple, Wat Phra That Choeng Chum

A great way to start your trip. Wat Phra That Choeng Chum is also the city’s most iconic temple. After admiring the 24 meter-high stupa, pay respect to Luang Pho Ong Saen (the city’s most important Buddha image) and footprints of 4 Buddhas.  

2. Gaze at a parade of wax masterpieces at Wax Castle Festival

Well-known for their strong faith, the local Buddhists celebrate the end of Buddhist Lent (Ok Phansa) grandly. Every year in October, they handcraft Buddhist temples and castle-like structures out of beeswax. These magnificent artworks are homage to Wat Phra That Choeng Chum and paraded around the city.    

3. Walk among lotuses and watch the sunset over Isan’s largest lake

The biggest lotus park in Thailand. A red bridge zigzags around the lake and you can also sit back and relax in one of the many Thai-style pavilions. Love cycling? You’re welcome to rent a bike.

The lotus park is located just across from Nong Han Lake, so make the most of your visit by visiting both. Nong Han Lake is the biggest lake in the Northeast and also the second largest freshwater lake in Thailand. Stunning sunset aside, Nong Han Lake is dotted with islets and you can take a boat to them while observing local fishermen at work.

4. Admire Buddhist arts amid nature at Wat Tham Pha Daen

Situated on Phu Phan mountain and surrounded by beautiful trees and flowers, Wat Tham Pha Daen is a great temple even for those who are feeling templed out. Its golden pagodas gleam on the enormous rocks and Buddhist motifs are carved into the rocks. Thanks to its location, the temple offers sweeping views of the city and Nong Han Lake.

5. Explore the century-old largest Christian community in Thailand at Tha Rae

Tha Rae Village is home to more Christians than anywhere in Thailand and the community has a long history. Over 100 years ago, Catholic Christians from Vietnam took refuge in Thailand and finally settled in Tha Rae. The village has a unique atmosphere with old French-Vietnamese-style buildings and Noah's Ark-like Saint Michael the Archangel Cathedral. Plus you can also try Vietnamese cuisine.

6. Have yourself a Merry Starry Christmas at Christmas Star Festival

Since Tha Rae is a dominantly Christian community, this is one of the few places in Thailand where you can enjoy grand Christmas festivities. What’s more, Christmas Star Festival is arguably one of the most colorful Christmas celebrations in the world. At Christmas time, the village is decked out with star lanterns and when the night falls, everything is illuminated. Be dazzled by more than 200 cars parading the big star lanterns around the village. Watch the story of Jesus unfold in a stage play. Meet Santa Claus, angels and many more Christmas characters.       

7. Glimpse into the world of the Thai Forest Tradition

With the aim of training the mind to enlightenment, the monks Ajarn Sao Kantasilo and Ajarn Mun Bhuridatto retreated into the secluded forests and caves of the Northeast for intense meditation practice and from then on lived a highly ascetic life. A rigorous practice that’s the closest to Buddha’s.

The Thai Forest Tradition has gained a large following. Since Ajarn Mun and his notable students trained and were laid to rest in Sakon Nakhon, you can retrace their footsteps in the city. Take these following places for example:

1) Wat Pa Sutthawat and Ajarn Mun Bhuridatto Museum

Wat Pa Sutthawat is Ajarn Mun’s final resting place and in the temple grounds is a museum and shrine dedicated to his life and work. The highly revered monk’s objects are displayed in the museum along with his bronze statue and his bone shards, which have unexplainably turned into crystals.  

2) Wat Pa Udom Somphon and Ajarn Fan Archaro Museum

Ajarn Fan was one of Ajarn Mun’s students and he went on to become one of Thailand’s most revered monks like his teacher. Wat Pa Udom Somphon was Ajarn Fan’s training place and the beautiful lotus-shaped museum exhibits his history as well as his ashes, tools and life-size statue.

8. Visit the Khmer-style sanctuaries, Phra That Narai Cheng Weng and Phra That Phu Pek

Though both Phra That Phu Pek and Phra That Narai Cheng Went fell into ruin, these historic temples are surrounded by intriguing legends. Phra That Narai Cheng Weng is believed to have been built entirely by women and its Khmer-style stupa still remains.

Constructed by men, Phra That Phu Pek stands at the top of a mountain in Phu Phan mountain range and you have to clamber up 491 steps to reach the temple. The ancient solar calendar, which was indispensable for rituals and agriculture, is still housed inside the temple. You can also enjoy the view from the top, especially of Nong Han Lake.  

9. Wear the locals’ pride and joy, indigo-dyed clothes

The craftsmanship of handwoven, natural-dyed indigo clothes has been passed down for many generations. The village Ban Non Rua is especially famous and the locals are still developing their techniques.

However, you can find these indigo-dyed clothes all over the city. There are a lot of shops and even an indigo walking street near Wat Phra That Choeng Chum on weekend evenings. The clothes have been transformed into fashionable wear as various other items.

10. Indulge with Thailand’s best beef, Pon Yang Kham

You’ve probably heard of Pon Yang Kham beef before since you can taste it at many restaurants in major cities. Guess what, Thailand’s best beef actually originated in Pon Yang Kham Village. Time to treat yourself to premium steak and other mouthwatering dishes.      

That’s it for things to do in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand, but that’s not all you can do on your journey. Combine your visit to Sakon Nakhon with trips to other charming cities in Northeastern Thailand.

Welcome to Amazing Thailand – Open to the New Shades. This is your ultimate Thailand travel guide, off-the-beaten-track edition. Go local and explore Thailand through new perspectives. Open your heart and mind… to the shades of Thailand that you never knew exist!

The post Top Things to Do in Sakon Nakhon, Thailand: Khmer-Style Sanctuaries, Christmas Star Festival and Indigo-Dyed Treasures appeared first on Amazing Thailand.