Creative Tourism: Experience Cultures from Two Regions and Try Hand Weaving Ta Mong Pattern Cloth in Chiang Rai Province
Cloth weaving is an inherited culture in Ta Kan Tong Community, in Ban Saew Subdistrict, Chiang San District in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand.
In the past, many villagers here grew cotton; even though the number of cotton plantations has decreased, and they obtain much of the harvest from other communities instead, they still preserve the weaving of the traditional patterns – mostly the Ta Mong pattern. Tourists who visit the community will get a chance to try hand weaving, which is an activity that deserves a great deal of attention.
Moreover, there are other activities for visitors to do to experience the way of life and the mixture of cultures between Isaan and Lanna, as the Ban Kun Tong community is full of Isaan culture although it is located in the northern region of the country, because their ancestors moved from Isaan, the Northeast, and settled down here. That is the reason people use the Isaan language, wear Isaan traditional costumes, listen to Isaan music, and play the Kaen, which is an Isaan instrument.
Other interesting activities that tourists must try are hand-milling rice, sightseeing in the sacha inchi gardens, taking a tuk-tuk around the village, riding a boat along the Mekong River, making food wrapped in sacha inchi leaves, and enjoying the spa at Ban Ta Kun Tong to improve the circulation of your blood. All in all, a great place to spend your holiday.