Prachin Buri: Following the 6th-century Cultural Trail to Ban Bang Phluang’s Living Heritage

Mar 25, 2026

H
Back to Study Trips

Prachin Buri: Following the 6th-century Cultural Trail to Ban Bang Phluang’s Living Heritage

Prachin Buri, a hidden gem in eastern Thailand, was once a thriving ancient port city. Its network of rivers connected it directly to the Gulf of Thailand, which had made the region flourish as a major hub for trade and cultural exchange during the late prehistoric era. Today, it is best known for Si Mahosot—one of Thailand’s largest and most significant ancient cities. Dating to the Dvaravati period (6th–11th centuries CE), Si Mahosot offers an incredible look into the past. Walking through the site, you can still see archaeological wonders such as ancient religious monuments, intricate reliefs, and ritual artefacts. These discoveries serve as living evidence of how Buddhism and Hinduism shaped the region, sparking the growth of highly advanced ancient urban communities.

Our journey takes us back in time as we visit the mystical Si Mahosot Ancient City and conclude the trail at the captivating Prachin Buri National Museum. Far from a dry history lesson, the museum’s brilliant collection of Dvaravati- and Khmer-period artefacts brings to life the vivid religious, political, and social life of ancient Eastern Thailand. The absolute masterpieces here are the breathtaking stone sculptures of Vishnu and Buddha. Seeing them up close makes it clear why they are celebrated as among the finest examples of early Southeast Asian art.

Moving from the 12th century, the program will take you to the 19th century by visiting some of the finest examples of architecture from the Rattanakosin period, characterised by a blend of Eastern and Western styles within a single building. The first stop is Wat Kaew Phichit, a temple founded during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) that reflects the cosmopolitan character of Siam at the turn of the 20th century through its unique blend of Thai, Khmer, Chinese, and European architectural influences. To admire more detailed styling, visit the Chao Phya Abhaibhubejhr Building, which houses the Thai Herbal Medicine Museum. Established during the late 19th century within the hospital complex, this historic site offers an opportunity to learn about the evolution of Thai Traditional Medicine and its enduring role in Thai society.

The tour will conclude with an enjoyable boat ride along the Prachin Buri River, offering a perspective on the waterways that have long served as vital arteries for communication, trade, and settlement. The excursion ends at the Baan Bang Phluang Reed Mat Weaving Centre, where traditional craftsmanship preserves local knowledge passed down as living heritage through generations.

The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage is delighted to invite members and friends on an extraordinary weekend study trip to Prachin Buri from Saturday, 25 to Sunday, 26 July 2026. Led by Vice President, Mrs Somlak Charoenpot, this curated excursion traces the region’s pivotal role in Thailand’s cultural evolution—from the ancient marvels of the Dvaravati period straight through to the modern era.

When

Saturday, 25 to Sunday, 26 July 2026

Leader

with Mrs Somlak Charoenpot

Second Vice President and Honorary Secretary of The Siam Society

Booking

See information below

Or contact Khun Thun

studytrips@thesiamsociety.org

 

The tentative programme will be as follows:

Saturday, 25 July: Bangkok – Prachin Buri
– Meet at The Siam Society, 131 Asoke Montri Road, Sukhumvit 21, Bangkok.
07:30 Depart from The Siam Society for Si Mahosot District, Prachin Buri Province.
– Visit Si Mahosot Ancient City, an important archaeological site dating back to the Dvaravati Period. The ancient city is oval-shaped and covers approximately 700 rai. Surrounded by moats and earthen ramparts, the site contains more than 100 fascinating archaeological remains and historical landmarks. Most of the artefacts and archaeological evidence discovered here are associated with Hinduism and Buddhism, reflecting the religious and cultural influences that flourished in the region during ancient times.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit Prachin Buri National Museum, home to an outstanding collection of archaeological treasures from the region. Highlights include a superb Dvaravati image of the Buddha seated in meditation, flanked by multi-tiered stupas, as well as several exquisite Khmer sculptures and relief carvings. Among the museum’s most remarkable exhibits are three magnificent images of Vishnu dating from the 7th to 9th centuries, discovered at Si Mahosot, and another dating from the 7th to 8th centuries found at Dong Si Mahaphot. These masterpieces provide valuable insight into the artistic, religious, and cultural developments of the region during the Dvaravati and Khmer periods.
– Visit Wat Kaew Phichit, one of the most distinctive temples in eastern Thailand. Founded in 1879 during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), the temple was established as the first Dhammayut Buddhist temple in Prachin Buri Province and later received royal temple status. The temple is best known for its remarkable ordination hall (ubosot), which reflects a unique blend of Thai, Khmer, Chinese, and European architectural influences. Constructed under the patronage of Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr (Chum Abhaiwongse), the building exemplifies the cosmopolitan spirit of late nineteenth-century Siam, a period when the kingdom was actively engaging with the wider world while preserving its cultural traditions. Roman-style columns, intricate Khmer-inspired ornamentation, Chinese decorative motifs, and a traditional Thai roof are harmoniously combined in a single structure.
– Depart for Si Mahaphot District.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
  Overnight at Tawaravadee Resort.
   
Saturday, 25 July: Parchin Buri – Bangkok
– Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Check out of the hotel and proceed to visit Abhaibhubejhr Thai Herbal Medicine Museum. One of Thailand’s foremost centres for the preservation and promotion of traditional Thai medicine. The building was commissioned in 1909 by Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr (Chum Abhaiwongse). The building is constructed in an elegant European Baroque style, and it is considered one of the finest examples of Western-influenced architecture in eastern Thailand. In recognition of its historical and architectural significance, it was registered as a national historic monument by the Fine Arts Department in 1990 and later converted into the Abhaibhubejhr Thai Traditional Medicine Museum. The museum’s exhibitions trace the development of Thai traditional medicine and local healing practices through a series of galleries devoted to royal physicians, traditional pharmacies, herbal remedies, medical manuscripts, and the history of healthcare in Prachin Buri.
– Take a boat ride along the Prachin Buri River, where we will encounter abundant natural beauty and wildlife. Along the way, we may observe birds patiently hunting for fish along the water’s edge, as well as colonies of bats hanging upside down from the branches of large riverside trees. The journey also offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditional way of life of the communities living along both banks of the Prachin Buri River, providing a unique perspective on the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage.
Noon: Lunch at Baan Bang Phluang Reed Mat Weaving Centre.
– Visit Baan Bang Phluang Reed Mat Weaving Centre, where traditional reed-weaving techniques have been preserved and adapted into a variety of attractive contemporary products. Learn about this local craft and explore a selection of handcrafted mats, bags, baskets, and other items made by skilled community artisans. Following the visit, there will be an opportunity to support the local community by purchasing these unique handmade products from the village shop.
– Depart for Bangkok.
18:00 Arrive at The Siam Society.
   

The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary.

 Important notes:

– The Siam Society may utilise photos taken from study trips, lectures, performances, and other activities as part of its public relations and marketing campaign. These photos, which may sometimes contain image(s) of activity participants, can also be featured on The Society’s website and other online social media channels.

– As part of our effort to address the issue of global warming, The Siam Society strongly supports the reduction of plastic waste. We kindly recommend bringing your own water flask during the trip, if possible.

Booking:

Contribution of THB 11,000 (THB 13,000 for non-members), single room surcharge of THB 950. The contribution will cover transportation, meals as mentioned in the programme, accommodation, gratuities, insurance and other costs incurred to make this trip possible. In addition, basic accident insurance is included. Your reservation will be confirmed as soon as the payment has been made. There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payment to cover bank charges. Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage”. Transfer can also be made to The Siam Society travel account at TMBThanachart Bank (ttb), saving account no. 053-2-18000-7, swift code: TMBKTHBK or by scanning the QR code on your right. Once payment has been made, please fax or e-mail the deposit or transfer docket to us.

For further information and bookings, please contact Khun Thun at 02-661-6470-3 ext 205, or studytrips@thesiamsociety.org.The Society’s office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.

More upcoming study trips