The San Kamphang Celadon Study and Conservation Center, also known as Tu Rieang Kiln, is located in Ban Ko Noi, Si Satchanalai Subdistrict, Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai Province, approximately 6.5 kilometers north of the old town of Si Satchanalai, along the banks of the Yom River. This location was historically advantageous for transporting raw materials and finished celadon products. The center is an essential learning site for historians, students, and anyone interested in Thai cultural arts, as well as for tourists who enjoy exploring ancient sites and traditional ceramic production centers.

 

Celadon ceramics are a distinctive art form that reflects the flourishing culture and craftsmanship of the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods. These ceramics are characterized by their blue-green glaze, intricate patterns, and elegant shapes, which highlight the refined craftsmanship of Thai artisans. Celadon ware is not only aesthetically pleasing but also demonstrates advanced ancient Thai firing and glazing techniques. Excavations in Ban Ko Noi have revealed more than 500 ancient kilns over a stretch of approximately one kilometer, demonstrating the area’s role as an ancient industrial hub and a significant production center for celadon ceramics.

 

The center comprises two buildings that cover the kilns for research and preservation purposes. Kiln No. 42 is an above-ground kiln, while Kiln No. 61 is an underground kiln. These structures allow visitors to study the production process of celadon ware. Exhibits inside the buildings include artifacts, academic documents, and displays showing the evolution of ancient ceramics—from forming and glazing to firing and distribution—providing visitors with a deep understanding of historical craftsmanship techniques.

 

In addition to the indoor exhibits, the surrounding area is filled with remnants of ancient kilns, which can be seen clearly upon arrival at Ban Ko Noi. These preserved sites create a striking impression for both tourists and students. The conservation of these kilns not only serves educational purposes but also protects a vital part of the nation’s cultural heritage for future generations.

 

Visitors can reach the San Kamphang Celadon Study and Conservation Center from the Si Satchanalai Historical Park, heading north through the Pot Kiln Gate, a distance of about 6.5 kilometers. Alternatively, travelers from Si Satchanalai District can take Highway 1201 for approximately 7 kilometers to Ban Ko Noi, where the center is located on the left side. The journey is convenient and can be combined with visits to the historical park, Wat Chom Chuen, and the conservation sites of kilns No. 42 and No. 61.

 

For those interested in Thai history and culture, the center offers an immersive learning experience. Visitors can explore ancient artifacts, study academic materials, and observe the reconstructed production processes of celadon ceramics. Displays depicting the daily lives of ancient artisans allow visitors to gain insight into the skill, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail required to produce these exquisite wares.

 

The center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with an entrance fee of 20 THB for Thai nationals and 40 THB for a combined ticket, which includes access to the Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Wat Chom Chuen, and the celadon kiln sites. This makes it a highly worthwhile destination not only for general tourists but also for students, scholars, and researchers seeking an in-depth understanding of Thai history and culture.

 

Preservation and management of the center are crucial for passing on Thailand’s cultural heritage to younger generations. By exhibiting artifacts and providing academic information about celadon kilns, visitors can understand the connection between ceramic art and the daily lives of Thai people in the past. Celadon ware was not merely utilitarian or decorative; it reflected creativity, precision, and local knowledge passed down from the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods. Studying the production of celadon ware also provides insight into ancient firing technologies, glazing methods, and the intelligent use of natural materials.

 

In terms of tourism, the center stands out by linking cultural education with the exploration of other historic sites in Si Satchanalai, such as the Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Chom Chuen. Visitors enjoy a comprehensive experience of history, art, and culture. Hands-on learning activities, such as making replica ceramics, learning glazing techniques, and studying ancient kilns, further enhance visitors’ understanding and engagement.

 

The center also emphasizes continuous education and knowledge dissemination. It organizes training sessions, seminars, and academic activities to promote awareness of celadon ware and Thai ceramic arts. These initiatives inspire younger generations to recognize the value of cultural heritage and apply this knowledge in daily life or academic research.

 

Additionally, the center plays a critical role in research and documentation of celadon kilns, covering archaeology, production technology, and the evolution of ceramic art over centuries. These studies shed light on the relationship between local communities and the ancient ceramic industry, highlighting Si Satchanalai’s role as a significant Thai ceramic production center.

 

Visiting the San Kamphang Celadon Study and Conservation Center is not merely a tourist activity; it is a journey back in time, allowing visitors to experience the lives of ancient artisans. Observing both underground and above-ground kilns helps visitors appreciate the different firing techniques and imagine the processes of material preparation, forming, glazing, and firing. These elements were essential to producing celadon ware of high quality, recognized nationally and internationally.

 

The center exemplifies the integration of artifact preservation, academic study, and cultural tourism. Visitors gain diverse experiences, from historical learning and ceramic production observation to exploration of ancient kilns and understanding the artisans’ way of life. Visiting the center not only imparts knowledge and understanding but also inspires the younger generation to value Thai culture and contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.

 

For these reasons, the San Kamphang Celadon Study and Conservation Center is a vital historical and cultural site in Thailand. Whether for tourists, students, researchers, or anyone interested in ceramic arts, it offers profound experiences that enable a full appreciation of the beauty and significance of Thai cultural heritage. A visit to the center is not merely sightseeing; it is active participation in sustaining Thailand’s rich cultural traditions for generations to come.