Located on the border with Laos, in Thailand’s little-visited Mueang Nan District, lies the village of Bo Suak, a serene and authentic haven. Here, verdant, jungle-draped mountains stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting for travelers seeking tranquility.
Designated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as the Best Tourism Village in 2024 and becoming the first Thai village to receive this recognition, Bo Suak is popular for its remains of ancient pottery kilns and archaeological sites.
This charmingly unconventional destination offers a delightful escape from the energy of Thailand's major cities, providing a tranquil retreat and an opportunity to connect with nature.
In Harmony with Nature
The terraced rice paddies surrounding the village enhance its appeal. These fields transform with the seasons, bursting with vibrant hues of emerald and shimmering with golden light.
Wandering through this peaceful rural setting allows visitors to observe the local way of life, where daily activities seem to move in harmony with nature's rhythms. The sunrises and sunsets, in particular, paint breathtakingly beautiful scenes in this secluded place that are rarely seen by tourists.
Preserving Traditional Handicrafts
Bo Suak is famous for its handicrafts, an age-old tradition passed down through generations. The village’s unique pottery is handcrafted using an ancient technique.
The delicate motifs and elegant shapes in these ceramics are often used for rituals or simply for decorative purposes. Visitors to Bo Suak have the opportunity to observe local artisans in their workshops and even learn about this captivating art firsthand from passionate craftsmen.
Exploring the Historical Bo Suak Kilns
Visitors can explore the site of the ancient royal potteries, a testament to the historical importance of this village during the Nan kingdom, known as the Bo Suak Kilns. These potteries, made in traditional brick kilns, were initially destined for the royal courts.
Discovered in 1999, but the history of the Bo Suak Kilns can be traced back to the reign of Phraya Phonlathep Ruechai in 15 A.D., which was the golden age of Nan. The kilns produced pottery for families, identified by unique arrow and owl patterns. Throughout Northern Thailand, the stunning glazed ceramics have been discovered at all burial sites and archaeological remains.
Exploring Huan Bansuak Saen-Chuen Museum
The beautiful wooden Huan Bansuak Saen-Chuen Museum houses artefacts and ancient pottery fragments discovered at various sites across the village. Inside, visitors can see the household tools, basic appliances, ancient stoves, idols from old temples, and various remnants of bygone eras are displayed here, offering valuable insight into the significant role pottery once played in Bo Suak's history.
The Heartfelt Welcome
In this less-visited part of Thailand, visitors are met with the genuine warmth of the local people. In Bo Suak and the neighboring villages, Thai hospitality truly shines. It's common for visitors to be invited to share meals or participate in local ceremonies, even when communication is limited to gestures due to the locals' limited English.
Food serves as a universal language, with delicious traditional dishes prepared using fresh, local ingredients, such as khao soi, a mild fried noodle curry typical of northern Thailand.
Showcasing Cooking Experience
Deepening its cultural appeal, Bo Suak offers the "Local Chef at Ban Bo Suak," a hands-on cooking experience for tourists. This culinary opportunity allows tourists to learn the traditional method of making herbal northern Thai sausages using Kampuan Munchan’s special recipe.
The activity starts with local chefs mixing pork and herbs, filling sausage casings, and baking them perfectly. Visitors also have the opportunity to taste other regional specialties such as fried chicken with Makhwaen, Sesbania Grandiflora Soup with domestic chicken, Northern Thai Green Chilli Dip (Nam Prik Num Ban Na), and Mueang vermicelli spicy salad.
The Best Time to Visit
Bo Suak is most delightful to visit between June and October. During these months, the surrounding landscape flourishes with vibrant greenery, and the chance of rainfall is quite low. This period offers the finest opportunity to discover the village and enjoy everything it has to offer. So, when you go to Thailand, consider a visit to this remarkable village.
References:
- Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office. Bo Suak: A Cultural Gem in Nan, Thailand – Awarded and Authentic. mekongtourism.org/bo-suak-a-cultural-gem-in-nan-thailand-awarded-and-authentic/
- Travel and Leisure Asia. Explore The Charms Of Rural Thailand With A Visit To Bo Suak 'Tourism Village'. travelandleisureasia.com/global/destinations/southeast-asia/exploring-bo-suak-village-in-thailand-unwto-best-tourism-village-2024/
- EnVols. This village in Thailand has just been voted one of the top tourist destinations. en-vols.com/en/getaways/travel/thailand-best-tourist-destination/
