BAN CHIANG WORLD HERITAGE FESTIVAL

February 16 - 18, 2007 Venue : Nong Prachak Public Park and the Ban Chiang National Museum Tambon Ban Chiang (ie. the township of Ban Chiang), Nong Han District Udon Thani province

The district of Ban Chiang caught the world's attention in 1966 when a rich seam of prehistoric tools and utensils, clay and earthernware pots easily recognized by their distinctive and beautiful design elements, sophisticated bronze objects , old artifacts, and other archaeological treasures were found at the site.

The excavation at Ban Chiang offered evidence of a prehistoric settlement dating back 5,000 years. As one of the world's earliest bronze production centres, Ban Chiang earns its right as the birthplace of Southeast civilization. Extensive Ban Chiang exhibits are on display at the Ban Chiang National Museum, offering a fascinating insight into the way of life of this farming community and their use of technology as it existed during the time.

There are 2 main sections to the museum. The first section consists of the building in which the objects from the excavation site are carefully displayed in a chronological sequence, placing each item in its prehistoric perspective.

The second section consists of an open museum in the compound of Wat Si Nai. The Fine Arts Department has retained the original state of the archaeological excavations to show how the earthenware pots and other items had been buried along with the deceased as part of the funeral rites. This is the first open museum in Thailand.

Contact information:

TAT Northeastern Office - Region 5

Tel: +66 (0) 4232 5406 - 7

Fax: +66 (0) 4232 5408

E-mail: tatudon@tat.or.th

IMPORTANT

Event dates and programme details may be subject to change.Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand's official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.

Contact:

Tourism Authority of Thailand

Email: info@tat.or.th

Website: www.tat.or.th

Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 (120 automatic lines)

Fax: +66 (0) 2250 5511 (two automatic lines)

FOR EVENT INFORMATION,

please call 1672.

Address:

1600 Petchaburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee

Bangkok 10400

Thailand