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From Ancient Salt Well to Diversity of Ethnic Lifestyle, Art and Culture of Hmong, Lua and Thai Lue in the Picturesque Scenery of Nan Province

** This trip is fully booked **

Nan province is geographically situated amidst mountain ranges from north to south, with its eastern side bordering Laos. It is well known for its numerous national parks and natural beauty. Its main river, Nan, originates in the North of the province and flows down to the plain area in the centre of the province.

Nan is a province known for its diverse geography and numerous ethnic groups. The Mien, Hmong, Lua, Thai Lue, Mabri, Htin, and Khamu people are scattered around the province, and their traditions, practices, and lifestyles differ significantly from those in other northern provinces.

The Siam Society is organising a three-day trip to explore Nan province. The trip will be led by Mrs Somlak Charoenpot and will focus on learning about the ancient ways of life of the Nan people, dating back to 800 years ago when salt played a crucial role in the province’s development. Nan is home to a naturally occurring saltwater pond that produces mountain salt, which used to be traded with Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Chiang Tung, Luang Prabang, Sipsongpanna (Xishuangbanna), and southern China. The ancient living site can still be seen in Bo Kluea District, north of Nan City.

We will start our journey at the ancient salt well and then explore the traditional lifestyle of the Hmong and Lua communities in the Maneephruek Village of Thung Chang District. This area was originally inhabited by Hmong refugees from China more than a century ago, and other tribes have since joined them. The communities sustain themselves by farming crops, growing vegetables, and raising livestock for food.

To support the sustainable development of ethnic communities, the Office of the Royal Development Projects Board, under the patronage of His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, has introduced various types of winter plants, including coffee, to enhance their income. The program highlights how the Hmong and Lua communities have collaborated to establish a cooperative coffee roasting plant. Participants will hear firsthand accounts from community members involved in the process and have the opportunity to taste their internationally acclaimed coffee. Additionally, the program will provide insights into the lifestyle of the Hmong and Lua communities and how they are adapting to attract and retain tourism.

After an exploration of Nan’s mountainous environment, the trip will be followed by a visit to various arts and cultural attractions in the plains area. We will have the opportunity to see different styles of architecture and craftsmanship at Buddhist temples belonging to the Thai Lue and Lanna. Finally, we will visit Wat Phumin to see the exceptionally beautiful mural painting, depicting the life story of a typical resident in the mid-late 1800s, created by a Thai Lue artist. Our three-day visit will capture the highlights of Nan’s precious natural and cultural heritage.

When

Friday, 18 to Sunday, 20 October 2024

Leader

with Mrs Somlak Charoenpot

Second Vice President and Honorary Secretary of The Siam Society

Booking

The tentative programme will be as follows:

Friday, 18 October: Bangkok – Nan
9:40 Meet at Don Mueang International Airport, AirAsia check-in counter
11:40 Depart Bangkok for Nan province by AirAsia flight FD3552
12:55 Arrive at Nan Airport
Late lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon: Proceed to Bo Kluea district
Visit Bo Kluea Rock Salt Well
A short stop at Doi Phu Kha Viewpoint
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Sangthong Resort, Chiang Klang
Saturday, 19 October: Nan
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Proceed to Maneephruek Village
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon: Proceed back to Nan city

Visit Wat Rong Ngae

Visit Wat Nong Bua

Evening: Dinner and overnight at Pim Pool Villa, Mueang Nan
Sunday, 20 October: Nan – Bangkok
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Visit Wat Phumin

Visit Nan National Museum

Noon: Lunch at Hong Chao Fong Kham House
Afternoon: Visit Hong Chao Fong Kham House
Visit Wat Phra That Chang Kham Worawihan
Visit Wat Phra That Chae Haeng
Proceed to Nan Airport
19:20 Depart Nan for Bangkok by AirAsia flight FD3559
20:35 Arrive at Don Mueang International Airport

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 communication 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:

The contribution of THB 26,000 (THB 27,500 for non-member), single room surcharge THB 2,400, will cover transportation, air ticket, meals as mentioned in the programme, gratuities and other costs incurred to make this trip possible. In addition, basic travel insurance is included. A photocopy of the identification page on your passport or ID card must accompany the booking. 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”. 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 below. Once payment has been made, please fax or e-mail the deposit or transfer docket to us.

 

Due to the air ticket booking process, we kindly ask you to confirm your reservation before Friday, 27 September 2024

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

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