The Bangsai Arts and Crafts Centre was founded by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit on December 7, 1984, in an effort to preserve the Thai art and cultural heritage and craftsmanship and to enable farmers to earn supplementary income during the period after the annual harvest. The Centre is under the supervision of the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques (SUPPORT) Foundation, established under Royal Patronage on 21 July 1976.

Each year at an annual fair, the unique products produced under this cottage industry project are on display and presents the opportunity for visitors to view exhibitions of local products and enjoy shopping. Folk entertainment creates a lively ambience.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

• The Bangsai Arts and Crafts Village, located within the Bangsai Arts and Crafts Centre, was built and donated by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The Village consists of traditional Thai-style houses representing the country's 4 main regions and serves as a permanent site for the demonstration and display of folk arts and crafts, and other exhibits on Thai culture and the local way of life.

• The Training Centre
  consists of workshops where the visitors are able to observe the skills involved in the making of various forms of Thai crafts.
• The Freshwater Aquarium
  is the largest freshwater aquarium in Thailand featuring a variety of freshwater organisms that live in the Chao Phraya River ecosystem, the main artery of the northern and central plains of the kingdom. Fierce carnivorous freshwater species found in Thailand can also be seen.
• The Bird Park
  consists of two large aviaries with many species of rare birds. A cable bridge enables visitors to view the birds at close range.
• The Royal Lodge
  is a central Thai-style structure, the form and detail of which reflect the simple beauty of the traditional Thai dwelling. This serves as the royal residence of Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the royal family during visits to the Centre. The Royal Lodge is surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens.

The Bangsai Arts and Crafts Village and Bangsai Arts and Crafts Centre is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River - the 'river of kings'. The Centre in the Bangsai District of Ayutthaya Province is within 10 minutes drive from the exit of the Northern Expressway or approximately 50-minutes drive for Bangkok. There is ample parking space at the Centre.

About the Royal Folk Art & Crafts Center at Bangsai

Situated on an area of 285 rai or 14 acres, the Centre is located in Bang Sai Province. Farmers from Ayutthaya as well as other nearby provinces undergo training in folk arts and crafts at the Centre.

The Centre offers a glimpse of the way of life in the 4 regions of Thailand, with special handicraft demonstrations. The Centre is under the supervision of the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques (SUPPORT) Foundation, established under Royal Patronage on 21 July 1976.

An extensive range of products and activities which can be seen here are : various forms of basketry, the production of artificial flowers, hand-woven silk and cotton and silk dyeing, wood carving, miniature hand-made Thai dolls, furniture making, products made from fabrics and much more. All of these products are sold at the Centre and at all branches of the "Chitralada Store", all over Thailand.

The Centre is open everyday except Mondays, from 08:30 to 16:00 hrs.

Contact information:
TAT CENTRAL OFFICE - REGION 6
Tel: +66 3524 6076 - 7
Fax: +66 3524 6078
E-mail: tatyutya@tat.or.th

THE BANGSAI ARTS AND CRAFTS VILLAGE
Ayutthaya, Thailand
Tel: In Bangkok : +66 (0) 2225 - 8165 - 68
Ext. 460 In Ayutthaya: +66 3536 6666-7
Fax : +66 3536 6668