A Living Legacy of Thai Craftsmanship
Travel Like The Wind : Suchart Choolee
The Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre, located in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, is a royal initiative of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother of Thailand. With great compassion for rural farmers, Her Majesty envisioned a way to improve their livelihood by providing vocational training in traditional Thai arts and crafts. Established in 1980, the Centre was designed to serve as both a skills training facility and a cultural preservation hub, ensuring that Thailand’s rich heritage would continue to flourish.
With strong support from government agencies and the private sector, the Centre offers training in various craft techniques such as weaving, basketry, wood carving, pottery, royal Thai dolls, and many more. These programs not only help villagers earn a stable income but also inspire pride in preserving traditional Thai craftsmanship.
Beyond its training programs, the Centre hosts regular exhibitions, product showcases, and sales of handcrafted goods made by members of the royal arts and crafts project. Visitors are welcome to tour the grounds, observe the artisans at work, and learn about the history and value behind each piece. The Centre has also become a learning destination for students, artists, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world.
Over the decades, Bang Sai has empowered thousands of rural individuals, providing them with the skills to succeed and the dignity of meaningful work. At the same time, it has played a vital role in preserving Thailand’s cultural heritage in a way that is dynamic and relevant to today’s world.
Now under the care of the Office of Agricultural Land Reform (ALRO), the Centre continues to evolve while remaining true to its founding mission—supporting sustainable livelihoods through art, and carrying forward the legacy of Thai craftsmanship for future generations
🏛️ Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre
📍 Location
Bang Sai Arts and Crafts Centre is located in Chang Yai Subdistrict, Bang Sai District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, along the Chao Phraya River. It is easily accessible via Highway 3309 from Bang Pa-In or Pathum Thani.
The centre covers a large area of around 285 rai (~113 acres), though some sources state it spans up to 1,000 rai (~395 acres). It serves as a major hub for traditional Thai arts, crafts, and vocational training under royal patronage.
🕒 Opening Hours
Opening times vary slightly by source, but the most common and reliable information is:
Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
Weekdays (Tue–Fri) | 08:30 – 16:30 |
Weekends & Public Holidays | 08:30 – 18:00 |
Monday | Closed or limited access |
📞 Contact Information
Tel: +66 35 366 252–4, +66 35 283 246–9
✅ Tips Before Visiting
Avoid visiting on Mondays, as many buildings such as the bird sanctuary, fish palace, and craft halls may be closed.
Visit in the morning or late morning to enjoy the full experience, including live demonstrations and exhibitions.
Great for educational trips, cultural tours, and family outings.
The centre includes: craft villages, royal craft halls, art galleries, fish and bird parks, and shops selling authentic handmade goods.
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