Ban Khao: Temples, Manora and Wetlands

Ban Khao offers several ways to explore the community: its religious heritage, a local craft that continues to this day, and the wetlands near Thung Nang Riam. There is also the itinerary of a community tour trialled in 2023. The appeal lies in the combination of culture and nature. When looking for a holiday rental, you can already consider which of these themes you would like to shape your stay.

Wetlands and the Ecotourism Idea

The proposed Thung Nang Riam project area is nearby, in Ban Khao Subdistrict. It is considered a wetland with an intact ecosystem and high biological diversity. In 2022, a proposal was made to develop the area as an ecotourism landmark; planned visitor facilities were part of this initiative. This focus on the landscape sets this travel theme apart from temple history and handicrafts.

Temples and Community Culture

Wat Hua Pa is in Village 1 of Ban Khao Subdistrict and close to the destination. Construction began in 1874; the temple was formerly known as Wat Don Phawa. Nearby, Wat Ban Khao and Khlong Nang Raem, also called Thuat Nang Raem, are associated with the religious and faith-related cultural identity of the Ban Khao community in Ranot District. The cultural story therefore extends beyond the history of a single temple.

Manora Beadwork

Manora beadwork is considered a local craft that continues to this day and part of the cultural identity of the Ban Khao community in Ranot District. It complements the religious heritage with a craft tradition, so cultural discoveries here are not limited to the history of temple buildings.

A Trialled Community Tour

One concrete example of combining these interests is the one-day community tour in Ban Khao Subdistrict, trialled on 15 June 2023. It visited Wat Hua Pa, where Phra Khru Phisit Bunson, also known as Luang Pho Plod Punnassaro, was venerated. In Village 6, Ban Hua Pa Tok, an enclosure for water buffalo was a stop; the animals gather there. At a pier, participants boarded a boat for a sightseeing trip along Khlong Kok. They also visited a Manora beadwork centre. The itinerary brought together worship, water buffalo at their gathering place, a boat trip and a craft experience in a single day.

Planning Your Trip Around Your Interests

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Ban Khao, it can help to distinguish between two options: would you like to plan your stay around individual cultural themes, or do you prefer a combined day programme like the trialled tour? The history of Wat Hua Pa and the continuing Manora craft can each be explored as a theme in their own right; the tour combined several stops. As it was trialled in 2023, check in advance whether a similar option is available during your travel dates.

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