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Amphoe Non Sung
Ban Prasat Archaeological Site
The site is Thailand’s second archaeological site (the
first was Ban Chiang) to be set up as an outdoor museum. Findings
indicate that the area was once inhabited by a prehistory to early
history community. In addition, there is evidence that a community
of the Dvaravati and Khmer periods thrived here some 1,500 to 3,000
years ago. There are 3 pits that have been landscaped and are open
to the public. Discoveries of human skeletons and many pottery pieces
that were dug up from various levels are evidence of human evolution,
community beliefs and culture.
To get there from the city, take Highway No. 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Khon
Kaen) for 44 kilometers and then turn right and proceed for 1 kilometer.
If going by bus from Bangkok or Nakhon Ratchasima, take a bus bound
for Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, or Kalasin. Get off at the
44-km marker and take a hired motorcycle into the village.
Ban Prasat Home Stay
As there are numerous attractions in the area, home stay
is an alternative for visitors interested in spending more than
one day at Ban Prasat. The program was first initiated in 1996 and
currently serves as the prototype home stay program for other villages
across Thailand. The best time for a visit is between October and
December when the climate is cool.
Ban Prasat villagers, like other villagers in the region, are mostly
farmers. Because rice farming is done once a year, villagers use
their free time to supplement their income by creating handicrafts
such as weaving reed mats and hats, producing shoes and bags, breeding
silkworm, and making Thai stringed musical instruments like So U
and So Duang.
Paddy fields surround the village and a river, Than Prasat, which
is considered a sacred river, divides Ban Prasat Nua and Ban Prasat
Tai. For more information on home stay programs, contact the village
headman Mr. Thiam Laongklang, tel. 0-4436-7075 or Mr. Charan Chomklang,
tel. 0-4436-7062.
Phra Non Sema
Located 4 kilometers from Amphoe None Sung, is a Reclining
Buddha image made of red sand stone which is the most ancient and
largest in Thailand. The image is assumed to be built since 1,200
BE. Various archaeological evidence within the area include bronze
Buddha images, terra-cotta Buddha printing images, glass beads and
inscription stones.
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