Rating: 3.5/5 (8 votes)

Open Days: Daily (Advance contact recommended for group visits)

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Tan Palm Craft Village (Ban Dong Huai Luang), Ban Lat District, Phetchaburi is a community-based cultural learning destination that clearly reflects the identity of Phetchaburi as the “City of Palmyra Palm.” The palmyra palm is not only an important economic crop but also a provincial symbol deeply rooted in the landscape, way of life, and collective memory of local people. Ban Dong Huai Luang remains a traditional Thai rural community where rice farming, palm cultivation, and long-standing local traditions are still practiced from past to present. The simplicity and authenticity of daily life here create a distinctive charm for visitors who wish to understand the people of Phetchaburi beyond conventional tourism experiences.

 

The unique highlight of this village is the creation of “miniature palmyra palm trees” crafted from real palm materials. These handmade pieces are more than souvenirs; they represent the tangible relationship between the community and the palmyra palm. Each miniature reflects careful craftsmanship, structural understanding, and attention to detail, from the trunk and leaves to overall proportions. Through this art form, visitors gain a deeper appreciation of the palmyra palm as both a cultural symbol and a long-standing community resource.

 

Beyond palm crafts, Ban Dong Huai Luang preserves the traditional wisdom of producing authentic palm sugar. Phetchaburi palm sugar is nationally renowned and registered as a GI (Geographical Indication) product of the province. A key strength of local palm sugar lies in its natural production process: it is neither chemically bleached nor artificially enhanced. Villagers still collect sweet sap from palm inflorescences and simmer it over traditional stoves. Controlling heat intensity and cooking time requires experience and skill. The resulting sugar has a distinctive aroma, natural color, and smooth sweetness that clearly differs from industrial sugar.

 

Walking through the village reveals how closely life is intertwined with the palmyra palm. Beneath tall palm trees are rice fields, agricultural plots, and open spaces used for sugar boiling. The aroma of simmering palm sap blends with the scent of soil and open countryside, capturing the rural atmosphere of Phetchaburi. Visitors can observe and learn about each production stage, including sap collection, filtering, boiling, and molding. Every step demands precision and respect for the natural properties of the raw material.

 

The people of Ban Dong Huai Luang continue to uphold a cooperative and simple way of life. Rice farming and palm cultivation remain primary occupations, alternating according to seasonal cycles. Local merit-making events and traditional ceremonies are still observed in accordance with the community calendar, reflecting close relationships among villagers, temples, farmland, and palm groves. This continuity ensures that the village is not merely a “display venue,” but a living, working community.

 

For visitors, Tan Palm Craft Village is particularly suitable for cultural and agro-tourism. Guests can watch palm sugar demonstrations, purchase local products, and learn how miniature palm trees are crafted. Spending at least half a day allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the community context. For educational tours or group visits, advance coordination is recommended to ensure appropriate arrangements.

 

Getting There Tan Palm Craft Village is located in Ban Dong Huai Luang, Tham Rong Subdistrict, Ban Lat District, Phetchaburi Province. Travelers can use Highway No. 4 (Phetkasem Road) and then enter local roads toward Ban Lat District and Tham Rong Subdistrict. Private vehicles are the most convenient option, especially for families or student groups. For further information, visitors may contact Tham Rong Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) at 032-491467.

 

 

A: It is a community-based cultural learning destination known for miniature palm crafts and authentic palm sugar production.

 

A: It is made from natural palm sap without bleaching or chemical additives, offering a distinctive aroma and smooth sweetness.

 

A: Yes. Advance coordination with the community is recommended to arrange demonstrations.

 

A: Yes. It is ideal for educational visits focusing on local wisdom and rural lifestyles.

 

A: Morning to early afternoon is recommended. Visiting during the palm harvesting season provides clearer insight into production processes.

 

A: Advance contact with the Tham Rong SAO is recommended, especially for group visits.