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Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Approximately 08:00 – 17:00

 

Ban Bang Chao Cha Basketry Village is one of the most famous traditional handicraft communities in Ang Thong Province and is regarded as an important destination for cultural tourism in Central Thailand. The village is located in Moo 8, Ban Yang Thong, Bang Chao Cha Subdistrict, Pho Thong District, Ang Thong Province. It is a community with a long history dating back to the Ayutthaya period and has been recognized as a source of finely crafted bamboo basketry with beauty, refinement, and a distinctive identity that has made its handicrafts well known nationwide.

 

When speaking of basketry in Ang Thong Province, many people first think of the craftsmanship of the people of Pho Thong District. This is because the area has basket weavers in almost every household. Homes are lined along both sides of the Chao Phraya River and the Noi River, forming a large handicraft community that has preserved the wisdom of weaving for generations. These communities have organized themselves into basketry production groups in several areas, such as Ongkharak Subdistrict, Bang Chao Cha Subdistrict, Bang Rakam Subdistrict, Phlap Subdistrict, and Inthapramun Subdistrict. All of these groups play an important role in building the reputation of Ang Thong’s handicrafts.

 

Among all the basketry-producing communities in the province, Ban Bang Chao Cha is considered the most famous. It is the center of high-quality bamboo basketry production. Most villagers in the area have been skilled in weaving since the time of their ancestors, allowing this handicraft expertise to be passed down continuously from generation to generation until it became the main occupation of the community and an important source of income for local families.

 

The history of Ban Bang Chao Cha dates back to the Ayutthaya period. At a time when the country was facing war, the villagers of this area joined in fighting the Burmese army alongside the people of Wiset Chai Chan and Bang Rachan, under the leadership of a man named “Nai Cha.” Nai Cha originally came from Si Bua Thong and was regarded as an important figure in the community during that time.

 

After the war ended, Nai Cha led some of the villagers to settle in an area on the western side of the Noi River, which was fertile and suitable for agriculture as well as long-term settlement. At the beginning, the community consisted of only three houses, which led local people to call the place “Ban Sang Sam Ruean,” or “the village of three houses.”

 

Later, as the population increased and the community expanded, the village was renamed “Bang Chao Cha” in honor of its founder and community leader, Nai Cha. The name has remained in use to this day and reflects the historical significance of the area and its connection to important events in Thailand’s past.

 

The fertility of the riverside area and the abundance of natural resources, especially bamboo, encouraged local people to use bamboo in making household tools and utensils, such as baskets, trays, containers, and agricultural equipment. Over time, their weaving skills became increasingly refined, eventually developing into high-quality handicrafts with great delicacy and detail.

 

The basketry of Ban Bang Chao Cha is distinguished by the precision of its patterns and the strength of its structure. Artisans carefully select high-quality bamboo, trim it, split it into thin strips, and then weave it into different forms according to the desired design. These steps require experience, skill, and patience, because if the bamboo is not prepared properly or the weaving is done incorrectly, the product may lose its shape or durability.

 

As time passed, the people of Bang Chao Cha did not stop at producing traditional household items. They also developed more modern product designs to meet contemporary market demand, such as fashion baskets, woven handbags, home décor items, and souvenirs for tourists. This adaptation allowed Ban Bang Chao Cha basketry to reach international markets and led to the village being praised as a model community for occupational development.

 

Another important moment in the history of Ban Bang Chao Cha came when Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visited the community. During her visit, she advised villagers to plant Si Suk bamboo as a raw material for making basketry. Growing bamboo within the community helped ensure a sufficient supply of materials for production and also supported the preservation of local craftsmanship for future generations.

 

Within Ban Bang Chao Cha, there are also several interesting places for visitors to explore. One of them is the Bamboo Utensils Museum, which displays traditional bamboo household items from the past, such as baskets, trays, woven containers, and agricultural tools. These objects reflect the way of life of villagers in earlier times, showing how they made intelligent use of natural resources and found many uses for bamboo.

 

In addition to admiring basketry, visitors can also take part in various community activities, such as riding an E-Taen farm vehicle around the village, learning the basics of basket weaving, and visiting local fruit orchards, including mango orchards, Marian plum orchards, and santol orchards. These activities allow visitors to experience the villagers’ way of life up close and gain a deeper understanding of the value of local handicrafts.

 

The atmosphere of Ban Bang Chao Cha Basketry Village feels simple and welcoming. Most homes still reflect the character of a peaceful rural community. Visitors can closely observe the work of basket weavers at individual homes and also purchase handicrafts directly from the villagers. This not only gives them unique souvenirs to take home, but also helps support income within the community.

 

With its outstanding historical background, cultural value, and handicraft traditions, Ban Bang Chao Cha Basketry Village has become an important cultural tourism destination in Ang Thong Province. Visitors who come here can learn about local wisdom that has been passed down through many generations while also seeing an example of a community that has managed to preserve its cultural roots in a beautiful and meaningful way.

 

Getting There Visitors can travel to Ban Bang Chao Cha Basketry Village by taking the Ang Thong – Pho Thong route from Ang Thong town for about 9 kilometers. At Yang Mani Irrigation Canal, turn right, then continue driving along the canal for about 5 kilometers. After that, turn right onto the road leading to Wat Yang Thong. The basketry handicraft area is located behind the temple, where visitors can conveniently stop to explore and shop for local handicrafts.

 

 

A: The village is located in Moo 8, Ban Yang Thong, Bang Chao Cha Subdistrict, Pho Thong District, Ang Thong Province.

 

A: It is famous for producing finely crafted bamboo basketry, a local wisdom tradition that has been passed down through many generations.

 

A: Visitors can watch basket weaving, shop for handicraft souvenirs, visit the bamboo museum, and explore the local community way of life.

 

A: It is suitable for travelers interested in Thai culture, handicrafts, and community-based tourism.

 

A: In general, about 1–2 hours is enough to enjoy the basketry displays and explore the community.

 

A: It can easily be combined with visits to Wat Khun Inthapramun, Wat Chaiyo Worawihan, and other attractions in Pho Thong District.