Bang Phra Kru Canal is an ancient waterway in the Bang Kratum area, Bang Pahan District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Its notable feature is the lush riverside vegetation that remains plentiful, densely populated with native riparian trees, creating a pristine and tranquil landscape free from any infrastructural interference. This environment supports a diverse range of living creatures, including aquatic and semi-aquatic animals and various bird species. Along both sides of the canal, high-story Thai-style wooden houses are spaced apart, reflecting local culture and the villagers’ traditional wisdom of living in harmony with the ecosystem, which varies with the seasons. This boat excursion along the canal marks the beginning of the journey to understanding the importance of conserving the aquatic plant community before the ecosystem and culture change irreversibly.

In the afternoon, you will visit three lesser-known ancient temples in Ayutthaya to learn about traditional wisdom in selecting sites resistant to flooding. Wat Mai Prachumphon, situated on the riverside where the Pa Sak River meets the Bang Phra Kru Canal, contains beautiful mural paintings inside the old ordination hall. Wat Talad (now abandoned) lies in the middle of the Bang Pahan field, while Wat Phraya Maen is positioned amidst the Lum Phli field. All are historical sites set within fascinating natural environments.

The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage, through the Siamese Heritage Trust Section, is committed to highlighting the deep interconnections between cultural and natural heritage. We believe that traditional ecological knowledge offers invaluable guidance for adapting to the challenges of a changing climate. For this field study, Assoc Prof Dr Kitichate Sridith, a botanist and former lecturer at the Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkhla University, will lead the excursion and offer insights into how the “hidden codes” embedded in plant communities and in the geomorphological settings of cultural heritage sites can be read and interpreted.

The trip will be conducted primarily in English, and participants are warmly welcome to ask questions in Thai.

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