Thailand Village Academy | Khemarat Nawaeng – Chiad Cultural Tourism Community

This over 200-year-old community might not be on the regular tourist trail in Thailand, but for adventurers who love to travel off the beaten path, the Mekong River Basin is a place not to be missed.

The best time to visit Na Waeng – Chiat community is during the annual Buddhist Lent festival; you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular parade with offerings of candles, molded and hand-carved into elaborated designs, brought to the temple. Also worth visiting is the museum at Phu Tham Phra Sila Thong, the community-run archaeological center with a collection of artifacts (all found in the area) on display in all their glory.

As a visitor, dressing in traditional clothing can enhance your experience by helping you integrate with the community. Don’t miss out on attending a weaving class with the village fabric masters, with other available courses including banana leaf design cutting, herbal soap-making, Mong leaf tea processing and keyring-making. Don’t forget to pick up the most famous souvenir from Na Waeng – Chiat; the humble (but very tasty) dried banana. The process to make these snacks takes 8 rounds of sun-drying to achieve the desired consistency and sweetness.

Immerse yourself in daily life along the Khong River and try weaving dyed fabric and unique “Ikat” fabric together with carving art, banana leaf crafts and making local tea.

The tradition of Buddhist Lent procession involves gathering candles and melting them together to form a gigantic, beautifully-carved candle which will be presented just before the Buddhist Lent day.
Phu Tam Pra Sila Tong Temple Museum, Jiad sub-district is a place well-known for archaeology, with many archaeological and cultural items dug up and donated by the locals.
The meaningful indigo-dyed cotton and the unique Madmee woven cloth represent life, culture and beliefs of Khemarat people.
Sun-dried bananas are a preserved product that involves peeling local bananas and leaving them in the sun.

Stroll along Hat Sai Sung beach.
Wear phasin fabric and ‘make merit’ at Wat Pho.
Make hand-woven fabrics with meaningful patterns.
Explore archaeological finds at Ban Khun Phuri Prasat Museum.
Fruit carving.
Making OTOP product “Sour Pork with Star Gooseberry Leaves”.
Learn how to make sun dried bananas.
Make rag keychains, java plum soaps and Mulberry Green tea leaf.

Program 3 Days 2 Nights
Program 7 Days 6 Nights

Program 3 Days 2 Nights

Day 1
7.50 am	Assemble at the meeting point (Airport/ Hotel in Ubon Ratchathani)
8.00 am	Enjoy a breakfast of Vietnamese rice noodles soup at Mintra Restaurant, a well-known restaurant of the province.
9.00 am	Leave for Sri Ubon Rattanaram Temple to pay respect to the ‘Topaz Buddha’, the long-standing and invaluable Buddha of the province.
9.00 am	Travel to Ubon Ratchathani’s Pillar Shrine before learning about the history of Ubon Ratchathani from antiquities at the National Museum, Ubon Ratchathani.
10.00 am	Depart for Khemarat Community
12.00 pm	Arrive at Khemarat Community and attend welcoming ceremony
12.00 pm	Check-in at the homestay
12.30 pm	Lunch
1.30 pm	Visit Khun Phuree Prasart Museum, housing antiquities of the community.
1.45 pm	Pay respect to Ong-San Buddha image at Wat Pho, the invaluable image of Khemarat
2.00 pm	Leave for the elevated beach by the riverside.
2.30 pm	Admire the beauty of the vast elevated beach by the Mae Khong River
3.00 pm	Arrive at Lad Charoen Community and take an afternoon cruise along the Mae Khong River.
4.00 pm	Return to the homestay
4.30 pm	Leisure time
6.00 pm	Check out the “Baai Sri Su Kwan” welcome ceremony and enjoy dinner.
Day 2
6.00 am	Experience the Buddhist way of life and remember to wear traditional/respectful clothes as you participate in an alms-giving ceremony at Pho Temple.
7.00 am	Breakfast at the homestay
8.00 am	Learn about the traditional food preservation procedures and activities of the community, including: Dried Banana, the most well-known product of the community Gooseberry-leaf sour sausages Fruit carving “Baai Sri” tray-making
12.00 pm	Lunch in the community and enjoy some dried banana for dessert
1.00 pm	Learn about woven fabric and the symbolic meaning of the fabric patterns Cotton seeds removal Spinning Indigo Dyeing
4.00 pm	Take a bike ride along Mae Khong River to explore the local way of life of Khemarat.
4.30 pm	Learn about the local cuisine and people’s way of life
6.00 pm	Enjoy the dinner that you cooked yourself
7.00 pm	Shopping at Khemarat Walking Street (open only on Saturday)
Day 3
7.00 am	Breakfast
8.00 am	Bid Farewell to the community and head to Mueang District, Ubon Ratchathani
10.00 am	Stop off at the impressive Nong Bua Pagoda before the return trip.
11.00 am	Bid farewell to the travelling group at the meeting point (Airport/ Hotel in Ubon Ratchathani).

Program 3 Days 2 Nights

No. of visitors	4-6 persons	7-9 persons
Rate/Person (THB)	11,000	7,500

Instructions

Prepare sun protection, such as sunglasses, sun cream, hat and umbrella.
Wear comfortable clothes and practical footwear like sneakers.
Refrain from carrying valuable items.
Kindly respect and follow the staff’s instructions.

Included in the program:

Meals as stated in the program (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners)
Transportation needed in the community
Activities as stated in the program
Guide or Local Alike staff member
Community communicator
Travel insurance
7% VAT and 3% WHT

Not included in the program:

Personal expenses
Food and drinks not mentioned in the program

Recommended flights

Outbound : Nok Air, flight: DD-9312 DMK-UBP : 06.10 – 07.15
Inbound : Thai Smile, flight: TG2025 UBP-BKK : 14.10-15.15

Notes:

The program may be adjusted to suit the weather and situation. If any outdoor activity cannot be conducted as per the program, Local Alike will arrange a back-up activity indoor to ensure an authentic community tourism experience for our visitors. The satisfaction of our guests and community members is our priority.

Program 7 Days 6 Nights

Day 1
3.00 pm	Assemble at the meeting point(Airport/ Hotel in Ubon Ratchathani/ Attractions in Ubon Ratchathani)
3.10 pm	Arrive at the large Buddha Temple (Ong Tue/ Tai Temple) to pay respect to the Large Buddha image, regarded as the most beautiful in Thailand and in the Northeastern region.
4.30 pm	Arrive at Maha Wanaram/ Pa Yai Temple, one of the oldest temples in the province and pay respect to the great In-Pang Buddha image and Laotian Buddhist art
5.30 pm	Vietnamese Dinner at Indochine-Ubonratchathani
7.00 pm	Check-in at V hotel and leisure time
Day 2
8.00 am	Enjoy a breakfast of Vietnamese rice noodles soup at Mintra Restaurant, a well-known restaurant of the province.
9.00 am	Depart for Sri Ubon Ratanaram
9.05 am	Pay respect to the Topaz Buddha, the long-standing invaluable buddha of the province.
9.05 am	Head to Ubon Ratchathani’s Pillar Shrine then about learn the history of Ubon Ratchathani from antiquities at the National Museum, Ubon Ratchathani
10.30 am	Leave for Chi Tuan Community
11.00 am	Arrive at Chi Tuan Community
11.00 am	Visit an ancient cultural site of the Chi Tuan community Admire Phra That Suan Tan, the replica of Phra That Pranom and appreciate the beauty of the sermon hall and learn about the monumental 300-year dredger at That Suan Tan Temple
12.00 pm	Lunch at the Chi Tuan Community Explore the rice fields and walk along “Khua Noi”, a wooden bridge that is used connect the Chi-Tuan community and Sri That Charoensuk Temple. Coffee break in the relaxing breeze at the café by the rice field Learn about the movable throne on the Sigha-shaped pulpit, an example of Thai and Vietnamese intercultural art.
3.30 pm	Travel to Sirinthornwararam Phu Prao Temple
5.00 pm	Arrive at Sirinthornwararam Phu Prao Temple and appreciate the beauty of the chapel made of glow stones
6.00 pm	Dinner at Araya Restaurant
7.30 pm	Arrive at Torsaeng Khongjiem Resort and leisure time
Day 3
6.30 am	Breakfast at the resort
7.30 am	Check-out and depart from the resort to Pha Taem National Park
8.00 am	Arrive at Pha Taem National Park and observe the pre-historical cave paintings
9.00 am	Depart for Sam Phan Bok, known as ‘The Grand Canyon of Thailand’.
10.00 am	Arrive at Sam Phan Bok and see the 3,000 small basins, create by currents causing land erosion.
11.00 am	Lunch
12.00 pm	Depart for Khemarat Community
1.00 pm	Arrive at Khemarat Community with a traditional loincloth welcome ceremony and then check-in.
3.00 pm	Pay respect to Ong-Saen Buddha, the local invaluable image, at Pho Temple
3.00 pm	Go on a bike tour around the community to experience the way of life of the people living along Mae Khong River
5.00 pm	Leisure time
6.00 pm	Witness a traditional “Baai Sri Suu Kwan” welcoming ceremony before dinner
7.00 pm	Experience the local way of life and enjoy shopping at Khemarat Walking Street
Day 4
8.00 am	Breakfast at the homestay
9.00 am	Learn about traditional food preservation procedures and activities of the community, including: Dried Banana, the most well-known product of the community Gooseberry-leaf sour sausages Fruit carving “Baai Sri” tray-making
12.00 pm	Lunch in the community and enjoy dried banana for the dessert
1.00 pm	Learn about woven fabric and symbolic meaning from the fabric pattern. The process involves: Cotton seeds removal Spinning Indigo Dyeing
4.00 pm	Learn about local culinary and way of life
5.00 pm	Enjoy dinner made by yourself
6.00 pm	Back to the homestay and leisure time
Day 5
8.00 am	Breakfast at the homestay
9.00 am	Visit Khun Puree Prasart Museum, which houses antiquities of Khemarat Community
9.15 am	Transfer to Lad Charoen Community
9.45 am	Arrive at the Lad Charoen Community
10.00 am	Tea leave collecting, tea leaf grounding and learn about Mae Khong’s natural way of life through tea leaves
11.00 am	Experience a panoramic view across the Mae Khong River
12.00 pm	Local dishes for lunch at Lad Charoen Community
1.00 pm	Learn and join the activities of Lad Charoen Community, where you’ll learn how to make: Local plum soap Mulberry Tea Key rings from secondary cloths
2.30 pm	Take a cruise along the Mae Khong River
3.30 pm	Explore the elevated beach, the largest sand beach on the Mae Khong River bank
4.00 pm	Explore folk culture with a traditional Thai dress-themed dinner.
6.00 pm	Return to the homestay
6.30 pm	Arrive at the homestay and leisure time
Day 6
7.00 am	Experience the Buddhist way of life, wearing traditional Thai dress as you take part in an alms-giving ceremony at Pho Temple.
8.00 am	Breakfast at the homestay
9.00 am	Leave for Jied Sub-district
9.40 am	Watch the authentic Tung Wai traditional dance and learn about the history of Jied Sub-district
10.30 am	Learn about the ancient pottery in Jied Sub-district
11.30 am	Local dishes for lunch
12.30 pm	Learn about the traditional bead-making (souvenir)
1.30 pm	Pay respect to the holy Phra ThatPhuKao Ngern
2.30 pm	Visit the museum at Phu Phra Sila Thong Temple, Jied Sub-district
3.30 pm	Go on a bike ride with a stunning sunset view along Mae Khong River and experience the local way of life as you pass by houses.
4.30 pm	Leisure time
6.00 pm	Dinner at the homestay
Day 7
7.00 am	Breakfast
8.00 am	Bid farewell to the community and leave for the city center, Muang District, Ubon Ratchathani
10.00 am	Pay respect to Phra That Nong Bau before your journey back.
11.00 am	Farewell to the travelling group at the meeting point (Airport/ Hotel in Ubon Ratchathani/ Tourist attractions in Ubon Ratchathani)

Program 7 Days 6 Nights

No. of visitors	2-3 persons	4-6 persons	7-9 persons
Rate/Person (THB)	40,000	26,500	20,100

Instructions

Prepare sun protection, such as sunglasses, sun cream, hat and umbrella.
Wear comfortable clothes and practical footwear like sneakers.
Refrain from carrying valuable items.
Kindly respect and follow the staff’s instructions.

Included in the program:

Meals as stated in the program (6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners)
Transportation needed in the community
Activities as stated in the program
Guide or Local Alike staff member
Community communicator
Travel insurance
7% VAT and 3% WHT

Not included in the program:

Personal expenses
Food and drinks not mentioned in the program

Recommended flights

Outbound : Nok Air, flight: DD-9316 DMK-UBP : 13.20-14.25
Inbound : Thai Smile flight: TG2025 UBP-BKK : 14.10-15.15

Notes:

Seasons/ Periods of Visit: All-year-round

Cooking pickled pork sausages with gooseberry leaves
Weaving
Making keyrings from clothes
Fruit carving
Pandan leaf crafts (for the offering ceremony)

Cooking pickled pork sausages with gooseberry leaves
Weaving
Making keyrings from clothes
Fruit carving
Pandan leaf craft (for the offering ceremony)

Cooking pickled pork sausages with gooseberry leaves
Weaving
Making keyrings from clothes
Fruit carving
Pandan leaf craft (for the offering ceremony)

Kaeng Om
Papaya salad

Meaningful hand-woven indigo-dyed cotton

Ms. Nusee Wichaisorn

Coordinator
Master/instructor: Making key rings out of clothes, java plum soap, mulberry leaf tea

Mrs. Tanitta Wongpadsa

Master of weaving

Mrs. Janyong Kongram

Master of fruit carving and pandan leaf craft, master of local food.

Mr. Paitoon Amornsin

View All

Laekong River Resort

Chaiyapoomikaram Temple: Also known as Wat Klang, the temple is located in Khemarat sub-district. This old and respected temple is normally only frequented by Khemarat locals. The main feature is the old wall painting in the pavilion in front of the church. The church itself is simple in design and features a traditional architectural style. The naga sculpture at the front stairs is prominent and differs slightly from more typical naga sculptures.
Pratat Pu Kao Ngoen Temple: Features a Buddha relic on top of the mountain, built in the year 2,000 and inspired by Pratat Ing Hang of Laos. Inside lies the sarira brought from Sri Lanka, India and Chanasongkram Temple.

Isan Wattana train

Isan Wattana train (sleeper) no. 23/24 (Bangkok-Hualampong to Ubon Ratchathani, 20.30 – 06.35)

By plane:

Thai Smile
Nok Ait
AirAsia
Lionair

By car: From Bangkok, leave via Paholyothin road and turn right into Mittrapab road in Saraburi. Stay on Mittrapab road no. 2, pass by Korat and keep going for 60 kilometers. Turn right at Ban Wat junction into 207 until Pratai. Follow 202 through Puttaisong, Payakpoompisai, Kasetwisai, Suwannapoom, Panomprai, Yasotorn, Patiew, Amnatcharoen, Patummaratwongsa until reaching Khemarat.

By bus: A/C bus from Ubon Ratchathani No. 232 Ubon Ratchathani-Amnatcharoen-Khemarat, 2 hours

Chaiair, Bangkok-Khemarat:
1. Bangkok-Khemarat (twice a day) 08.15. and 20.50
2. Khemarat-Bangkok (twice a day) 08.30 and 18.10

Community’s Contact Information

Community tourism coordinator: Ms. Nusee Wichaisorn
Phone: 08-1718-6904
ID LINE: 08-1718-6904
Address: 23 Moo 10, Ban Lad Charoen, Khemarat district, Ubon Ratchathani 34170

Tour Agent Contact Information

Tour operator’s name: Local Alike Co., Ltd.
E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone: 08-1139-5593
Social media: www.facebook.com/LocalAlike, localalike.com www.instagram.com/localalike, twitter.com/localalike

Khemarat Nawaeng – Chiad Cultural Tourism Community

Ubon Ratchathani

About the Community

What will you learn?

Cultural and Local Wisdom Heritage

Activities

Programs

Program 3 Days 2 Nights

Program 3 Days 2 Nights

Program 3 Days 2 Nights

Instructions

Included in the program:

Not included in the program:

Recommended flights

Notes:

Program 7 Days 6 Nights

Program 7 Days 6 Nights

Program 7 Days 6 Nights

Instructions

Included in the program:

Not included in the program:

Recommended flights

Notes:

Seasons/ Periods of Visit: All-year-round

All-year-round activities

Rainy season activities

Winter season activities

Local Foods

Local Products

Home stay

Community homestay

Hosts/Local Masters

Local Master/Instructor

Local Interpretors

Photo/VDO Gallery

Nearby Accommodation

Laekong River Resort

Nearby attractions

How to get there

Community’s Contact Information

Tour Agent Contact Information

Funded by

Supported by

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