Bang Chao Cha Basketry Village

Bang Chao Cha, in Pho Thong district of Ang Thong, is a bamboo-basketry village whose woven baskets have supplied Thailand’s royal ploughing ceremony for more than 20 years. Entry to the village is free, and the community sales centre keeps hours of roughly 8:30am to 4pm daily.

Experience

Weavers split mai si suk bamboo into pale, naturally yellow-toned strips before working them into baskets, fish traps, and — increasingly — modern bags and miniatures designed for younger buyers. At Khru Ot’s home workshop, visitors can watch the process from material selection through smoking and dyeing. The village dates to the Ayutthaya era, and its finest pieces, sold at the community’s own sales centre, now reach both domestic and export markets.

Atmosphere & Timing

An e-taen (motorised cart) tour of the village costs around 300 THB per vehicle, seating up to 15 people, and passes a rubber tree said to be roughly 200 years old and the third-largest of its kind in Thailand. June brings the local pomelo harvest — fruit sells for around 80 THB a kilogram at roadside orchards — and a cooking class teaching a local water-lily curry soup runs for about 120 THB per person. Homestay accommodation is available for an overnight stay.

Practical

The village sits at Moo 8, Bang Chao Cha subdistrict, Pho Thong district. Weaving demonstrations, the cooking class, and homestay bookings are best arranged in advance by phone.

Insider Tip: Time your visit for June if you want the pomelo orchards in fruit — outside that window, the orchard stops drop off the itinerary and it’s just the weaving demonstration and shop.

Watch out: The finer baskets aren’t cheap souvenirs — prices run from a few hundred to several thousand baht depending on size and detail. Bring cash, as smaller stalls in the village won’t take cards.

Getting There

Bang Chao Cha Basketry Village is located at Moo 8. View on Google Maps. Nai Dok Nai Thong Kaeo Monument in neighbouring Wiset Chai Chan district is worth combining into the same day trip.