Ban Khok Kong Phu Thai

Join us in Ban Khok Kong Phu Thai, for a journey into the heart of Phu Thai territory. With its rich cultural heritage and preserved traditions, it's a must-visit during a trip to northeastern Thailand. You'll have the opportunity to experience traditional dances, ancestral songs, and artisan crafts such as weaving.

A bit of history

The history of Ban Khok Kong Phu Thai dates back to 1889, when residents of Khao Hey, Nong Sung, in Mukdahan province, embarked on a journey eastward. Led by Mr. Upphachai, two families of 19 people settled to the east of the current location of Khok Kong, naming their new home Ban Thung Bok Tao. About two years later, the Kula also joined the region, bringing opium in their wake. Their reputation for danger and criminal activities stirred unrest among the villagers, forcing them to return to Ban Khao Hey for safety. The Kula tribe was eventually dispersed.

In 1906, the residents of Khao Hey reinhabited Thung Bok Tao and renamed it "Ban Khok Kong." However, a mysterious epidemic struck, causing illnesses and unexplained deaths. This prompted the villagers to move north, where they are still located today.

Currently, the inhabitants of Khok Kong are Thai people committed to preserving their local traditions, including their language, clothing, cuisine, customs, and culture.

Ban Khok Kong Phu Thai, the must-visit village in Kalasin

At the foot of Phu Phan Mountain in Kuchinarai, Kalasin Province, the village of Ban Khok Kong Phu Thai warmly welcomes you. With just over 100 households and around 500 residents, most of them are farmers.

You'll be surprised by the glutinous rice culture behind their houses to feed families. Locals also harvest wild plants in the mountains, which are used in many local dishes and are renowned for their medicinal properties.

Discover local culture

In Ban Khok Kong, the traditions of the Phu Tai community mark all aspects of daily life. You'll see residents of all ages and genders elegantly dressed in traditional Phu Tai style. They speak the Phu Tai language.

Here, local craftsmanship thrives. To make their clothes, residents engage in the ancient art of spinning and weaving. Using carefully cultivated cotton, they create unique fabrics adorned with traditional patterns, which then become clothing pieces. It's the village elders who pass down their weaving knowledge. You'll also find another group in the community specializing in making wicker household items.

What to do on site?

In this village, activities abound to entertain you:

• Join the Baisi Su Khwan ceremony to warm the spirits.
• Explore the healing benefits of Yao during an initiation aimed at curing the sick.
• Indulge in Pha Laeng, where a traditional dinner awaits you.
• Marvel at cultural performances
• Go hiking.
• Explore Phu Pha Wua Forest Park.
• Visit the Tad Sung waterfall.
• Discover your musical talents by participating in folk music sessions.
• Brighten your evenings by dancing to the rhythm of the Phu Tai dance.

How to get there?

To get there, start from Kuchinarai and follow Highway No. 2042 for 12 kilometers until you reach Ban Na Khrai. Then, turn left and continue for another 3 kilometers to reach your destination.