Ban Mangkon, Thailand
Region: Chiang Rai
Geographic Coordinates: 13.613800, 100.610000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Population: 102291
Language: Thai
Ban Mangkon is a small village located in the province of Suphan Buri, Thailand. The village is situated on the banks of the Tha Chin River and has a population of approximately 2, 000 people. Ban Mangkon is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life. The village has a long history dating back to the Ayutthaya period when it was an important trading center due to its location on the river. Today, Ban Mangkon still relies heavily on fishing and agriculture as its main sources of income.
The villagers are skilled farmers who grow rice, Vegetables, Fruits and other crops. One of the most unique features of Ban Mangkon is its traditional houses that are built on stilts above water. These houses are made from teak wood and have intricate carvings that depict scenes from Thai mythology. Visitors can take a boat ride along the river to see these beautiful houses up close. Another popular attraction in Ban Mangkon is Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat temple which dates back to 1325 AD during the reign of King U-Thong.
The temple features a large golden Buddha statue as well as beautiful murals depicting scenes from Buddhist legends. The villagers in Ban Mangkon are known for their warm hospitality towards visitors and often invite them into their homes for traditional Thai meals or to participate in cultural activities such as making handicrafts or learning how to fish using local techniques. In addition to its rich cultural heritage, Ban Mangkon also boasts natural beauty with lush green forests surrounding the village providing opportunities for hiking or bird watching tours.
Visitors can also enjoy water sports such as kayaking or canoeing along Tha Chin River while taking in stunning views of rural Thailand. Overall, Ban Mangkon offers visitors a unique glimpse into traditional Thai life with its historic temples, Stilted houses over waterways, Friendly locals and stunning natural scenery making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic cultural experience.
Attractions in Ban Mangkon, Thailand
Ban Mangkon, Thailand is a small village located in the province of Nakhon Ratchasima. It is not considered a major tourist destination and has limited attractions or landmarks for tourists to visit. The primary activities in the area are related to agriculture. However, there are some nearby attractions worth visiting within the Nakhon Ratchasima province:
- Khao Yai National Park
- Prasat Hin Phimai historical park
- Wat Theppitak Punaram temple
- Thao Suranari Monument
- Ban Mangkon is a district in Bangkok, Thailand with a rich history. The area has a significant Chinese population and has been home to many Chinese immigrants over the years.
- Yaowarat Road is one of the most famous streets in Ban Mangkon and is known for its street food, markets, and traditional Chinese shops.
- One of the largest Buddhist temples in Bangkok, Wat Mangkon Kamalawat was built by Chinese immigrants in 1871.
- King Rama V visited Ban Mangkon during his reign to pay respects to the local community.
- During World War II, Japanese forces occupied Ban Mangkon as part of their invasion of Thailand.
- Thaksin Shinawatra, former Prime Minister of Thailand was born in Ban Manngon back in 1949.
- Every year on Yaowarat Road there’s a vibrant festival that takes place to celebrate Thai-Chinese culture and traditions called Chinatown Festival.
- The Chao Phraya River runs alongside Ban Mangkon and has played an important role as a trading hub for goods from China and beyond throughout history.
- Lastly, every year on full moon day in November, locals gather around Chao Phraya river banks to celebrate Loy Krathong Festival which marks the end of the rainy season. This festival involves floating small baskets made out of leaves with candles or flowers into rivers or lakes.
Festivals
- Chinese New Year: This festival is one of the biggest celebrations in Ban Mangkon, featuring colorful parades, lion dances, dragon dances, fireworks and traditional food.
- Vegetarian Festival: This festival takes place during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar and involves abstaining from meat and other animal products for nine days to purify the body and mind.
- Ghost Festival: Also known as Hungry Ghost Festival, it’s celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month to honor ancestors and appease hungry ghosts.
- Loy Krathong: A Thai festival that takes place during November where people release floating lanterns into rivers or lakes as a symbol of letting go of negativity.
- Songkran: The Thai New Year celebration held in April where people splash water on each other to cleanse their sins from the past year.
- Mid-Autumn Festival or Mooncake Festival: Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month with mooncakes, lanterns, dragon dance, etc.
- Por Tor Hungry Ghost Festival: Celebrated by the Chinese Thai community on the 7th lunar month.
- Kuay Teow Reua (Boat Noodle) – a famous noodle dish served in small bowls at street food stalls.
- Khao Mok Gai (Thai Chicken Biryani) – a fragrant rice dish with chicken and spices.
- Pla Pao (Grilled Fish) – fresh fish grilled over charcoal and served with dipping sauces.
- Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup) – a hot and sour soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, chili peppers, and other herbs.
- Krua Apsorn Restaurant – known for its traditional Thai dishes such as stir-fried crab meat with curry powder and steamed sea bass in lime sauce.
- Jay Fai Restaurant – famous for its Michelin-starred street food dishes like crab omelet and drunken noodles.
- Thip Samai Pad Thai Restaurant – one of the oldest pad thai restaurants in Bangkok that serves delicious pad thai noodles cooked over charcoal fire.
- Or Tor Kor Market – a popular food market that sells fresh produce, seafood, meats, snacks, desserts from all over Thailand.
- Lumpini Park – a large public park with jogging paths, playgrounds, and a lake for boating.
- Suan Rot Fai Park – another popular park with cycling tracks, paddle boats, and picnic areas.
- Chatuchak Park – a great place for outdoor exercise with running trails and sports facilities.
- Benjasiri Park – located in the heart of Bangkok’s business district with walking trails and fitness equipment.
- Muay Thai training camps – Ban Mangkon is known for its Muay Thai training camps where you can learn this traditional martial art from expert trainers.
- Cooking classes – there are many cooking schools in Ban Mangkon where you can learn how to cook authentic Thai cuisine.
- Night markets – visit the local night markets to experience the vibrant street food scene of Thailand while enjoying live music performances by local artists.
- Temples – explore the beautiful temples of Ban Mangkon like Wat Phra Kaew or Wat Arun which offer a glimpse into Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.
Note: It is advisable to check if these places/activities are open during COVID-19 pandemic before visiting them as some restrictions may apply due to government regulations or safety measures implemented by individual establishments/locations.
