Rating: 4.3/5 (6 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00

 

Nang Yai Wat Ban Don Museum is one of the most valuable cultural learning sites in Rayong Province. Located within Wat Ban Don, Choeng Noen Subdistrict, Mueang Rayong District, it preserves more than one hundred shadow puppet figures, some of which are over two hundred years old, originally brought from Phatthalung in 1888. In addition to these antique puppets, the museum also houses newly crafted figures still used for live performances. This makes the museum not only a place of preservation but also a living space where the traditional art of Nang Yai continues to thrive.

 

The shadow puppets displayed here reveal the beauty of ancient craftsmanship through meticulously carved cowhide sheets with delicate painted details. Each figure is showcased in illuminated glass cabinets, allowing visitors to admire the intricate patterns clearly. Alongside the antiques, newly created puppets are still used for performances. The shows are distinctive because they are narrated in the Rayong dialect, adding a unique local touch. The atmosphere becomes even more captivating with the accompaniment of the piphat orchestra and drums that bring the stories to life.

 

The museum also exhibits traditional Thai musical instruments, old photographs, and carving tools used in the creation of shadow puppets. Demonstrations of the crafting process are occasionally held, allowing visitors to witness how the puppets are made—from preparing the cowhide, carving the elaborate motifs, to painting in vivid colors. These elements show that Nang Yai is not only a performing art but also a refined craft filled with ancestral wisdom.

 

Nang Yai Wat Ban Don Museum is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00 with no admission fee. Visitors are welcome to explore the exhibits freely. However, those wishing to watch a live Nang Yai performance should contact the museum at least five days in advance, so that the troupe can make proper arrangements. Contact numbers are listed in the summary table below. Within the temple grounds, there is also a group of Thai traditional massage practitioners offering services, adding a cultural wellness experience for visitors.

 

The museum is easy to reach. By private car, travelers can take Highway 36 (Bypass Road) from Rayong city, head towards the Koh Kloi intersection, then turn left for about 500 meters, followed by a right turn for another 500 meters to reach Wat Ban Don. The distance is only about four to five kilometers from the city center, making it very convenient. Visitors can also take songthaews or taxis from downtown Rayong.

 

Nearby attractions worth visiting include the Rayong City Museum, which displays artifacts and the history of the province, Mae Ramphueng Beach with its beautiful coastline, Ban Phe which is famous for seafood and dried goods, and Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon, an ancient temple in Rayong city. These places can be combined into a half-day or full-day trip with Nang Yai Wat Ban Don Museum as the highlight.

 

The museum is also a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage. While Nang Yai performances are less popular among younger generations today, the temple and local artists continue to stage shows and organize educational activities for youth. These efforts aim to spark interest and ensure the art is passed on to future generations. The collaboration between the temple, the community, and local artists has been key in keeping Nang Yai alive in Rayong.

 

For those who love cultural tourism, a visit to Nang Yai Wat Ban Don Museum is an opportunity to explore one of Thailand’s rarest traditional performing arts. Here, visitors not only admire the beauty of ancient puppets but also immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a community that continues to preserve and celebrate this unique heritage.

 

 

A: Yes, it is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00.

 

A: Yes, it is recommended to contact the museum about five days in advance to arrange a performance.

 

A: No, admission is free of charge.

 

A: Performances are arranged according to appointments made with the museum.

 

A: Take Highway 36 to Koh Kloi intersection, turn left 500 meters, then right 500 meters. The distance is around 4–5 kilometers.

 

A: There is parking, exhibition halls, and Thai traditional massage services provided by a preservation group within the temple.

 

A: Normally the narration is in Thai, but visitors can inquire with the temple for additional language assistance.

 

A: Morning until late afternoon is the most suitable, with good lighting and convenient travel conditions.