Vang Vieng, Lao PDR

Bo Suak: A Cultural Gem in Nan, Thailand – Awarded and Authentic

Bo Suak in Nan, Thailand,
Image courtesy of DASTA

Community-based tourism (CBT) is flourishing in Thailand, offering an authentic and heartfelt experience that contrasts the bustling scenes of Bangkok or Phuket. In the heart of Nan Province, Ban Bo Suak stands as a shining example of CBT, recognized not just for its revenue or visitor numbers, but for its role in community development.

Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) celebrates Bo Suak as a model of cultural tourism. “The leaders at Bo Suak don’t just see tourism as a profit-making venture; they view it as a tool for community development,” says Wanvipa Phanumat, DASTA’s Director of Tourism Strategy Management. This approach has earned Bo Suak the prestigious title of World Tourism Village of the Year in 2021 from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), highlighting its local wisdom and lifestyle.

Bo Suak in Nan, Thailand
Image courtesy of the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA)
Bo Suak’s Pottery
Image courtesy of the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA)

Bo Suak’s rich history as a crafts village is evident in its activities. Tourists are welcomed by all age groups to engage in hands-on experiences, such as pottery and weaving. The village’s pottery, a tradition spanning 700 years, features unique “owl” and “arrow” patterns. Similarly, weaving at Ban Sao Luang showcases cotton-weaving crafts inspired by ancient “Pak Hai” patterns.

Bo Suak’s Weaving
Image courtesy of the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA)

Adding to its cultural tapestry, Bo Suak has introduced the “Local Chef at Ban Bo Suak” activity. This culinary experience allows tourists to learn the traditional way of making herbal northern Thai sausages, following Kampuan Munchan’s recipe. The activity starts with local chefs mixing pork and herbs, stuffing it into casings, and baking it to perfection. Additionally, visitors can savor other local delicacies like fried chicken with Makhwaen, Sesbania Grandiflora Soup with domestic fowl, Nam Prik Num Ban Na (Northern Thai Green Chilli Dip), and Mueang vermicelli spicy salad.

Bo Suak’s Herbal northern Thai sausages 
Image courtesy of The Government Public Relations Department of Thailand

Bo Suak is also a haven for wellness tourism. Visitors can learn to make local herbal compresses, understand the health benefits of unique herbs, and purchase locally-made herbal medicines and cosmetics, including essential massage oils, lotions, creams, and soaps made from natural ingredients.

Bo Suak’s spa products
Image courtesy of The Government Public Relations Department of Thailand
  1. The village’s commitment to preserving its culture and traditions has attracted younger generations back to Bo Suak. They contribute to the community by developing small resorts and producing local products. This resurgence of youth involvement has been instrumental in Bo Suak winning the Best Tourism Villages award by the UN World Tourism Organization.
  2. After a day of immersive cultural experiences, visitors can unwind at the Tong Homestay, surrounded by serene rice fields. Bo Suak’s charm extends to its folk music and dance performances, rice farming, and local cuisine like Miang Kham with herbs in sugarcane juice and Sai Ua sausages.

Just a 15-minute drive from Nan City, Bo Suak offers a glimpse into Thailand’s authentic culture and community spirit. Discover more about Ban Bo Suak and its activities on the DASTA site, and experience a side of Thailand that’s both awarded and authentically enriching.

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