Thung Kwao brings together the history of a temple in Ban Thung Kwao and cultural themes in the surrounding area. Wat Thung Kwao was built in 1787 and was formerly known as “วัดโต่งกว๋าว”. Ban Na Laem is associated with brickmaking and Kup-Lon hat weaving; Wat Chom Sawan offers another perspective on Shan architecture. These places are not all in the same location. So, when choosing the focus of your stay, you can consider whether you are more interested in temple history, architecture, or hands-on craft experiences.
Wat Thung Kwao: Year Built and Former Name
The year 1787 gives the history of Wat Thung Kwao a specific point of reference. Its former name, “วัดโต่งกว๋าว”, adds an earlier name form. The date and the name are two different points of reference: one identifies when it was built, while the other is an earlier name for the temple. Together, they help place Wat Thung Kwao as a specific historic site in Ban Thung Kwao.
If you are primarily interested in the history of a single temple, these two details provide a clear focus. They are not connected to a current event date, but to the construction and naming history of Wat Thung Kwao. This makes it easy to distinguish this connection from the craft topics in Ban Na Laem and the architectural features of Wat Chom Sawan.
Wat Chom Sawan and Shan Architecture
Nearby is Wat Chom Sawan in Tambon Thung Kwao, not in Ban Thung Kwao itself. The temple was built by Tai Yai during the reign of Rama V and is distinguished by its Shan-style architecture. The building is made entirely of teak; the interiors are also in the Shan style. Its tiered roof is decorated with carved wooden and copper elements.
These features offer several specific points of interest for exploring the architecture: the teak, the Shan-style interiors, and the decoration on the tiered roof. Wat Thung Kwao is described in terms of its year of construction and former name, while Wat Chom Sawan is notable for its construction and design. This distinction is useful if you would like to consider temples not only as individual stops, but also in terms of their different historical and architectural themes.
Handicrafts in Ban Na Laem
At the brick kiln in Ban Na Laem, Tambon Thung Kwao, demonstrations and hands-on instruction in brickmaking cover preparing and kneading the clay, pressing it into molds, and drying and firing the bricks. This gives you a sense of the process as a whole, from preparing the material to the finished brick. Local young people and community members are at the center of the demonstrations and hands-on instruction. If you would like to take part as a guest, check in advance whether participation is possible for you.
Another craft in the same location is Kup-Lon hat weaving. Visitors can learn about its history and try weaving themselves. This distinguishes it from brickmaking: here, a weaving tradition is combined with hands-on practice, while the brick kiln focuses on the individual stages of production. If you would like to plan a specific activity, it is advisable to check dates and the possibility of taking part in advance.
Cultural Context of Tambon Thung Kwao
A 2023 report mentions community-based and agritourism visits in Tambon Thung Kwao, insights into cultural ways of life, local folk music performances, and hands-on activities for visitors. This perspective expands the focus from individual temples and craft processes to cultural activities throughout the tambon. As the report dates from 2023, check dates and availability in advance for a specific performance or activity.
History, Architecture, or Handicrafts?
The themes can be distinguished by their focus: Wat Thung Kwao offers a historical connection through its year of construction and former name; Wat Chom Sawan represents Shan architecture and specific design features; Ban Na Laem is associated with brickmaking and hat weaving. This can help you consider which kind of cultural experience is most interesting for your stay, while keeping the locations of each in mind.
For the broader travel overview: Amphoe Mueang Phrae.
