Experience a sustainable & meaningful trip with Pacific Leisure.
A Walk Through Heritage, Craft, and Community
At Pacific Leisure, we believe travel should do more than take you to new places,
It should connect you with the people, culture, and stories that make a destination truly meaningful.
Just 100 km from Bangkok lies Phanat Nikhom, one of Chonburi’s most fascinating and culturally rich districts. A crossroads of Lao-Vieng settlers, Thai locals, and Chinese migrants since the early Rattanakosin era, this small town is a living tapestry of traditions, beliefs, and shared heritage.
Why Visit Phanat Nikhom?
Because every step supports a living community.
Here, sustainable tourism isn’t a concept, it’s a way of life. By choosing to explore Phanat Nikhom with Pacific Leisure, you help preserve local craftsmanship, support small family businesses, and keep centuries-old traditions alive.
Your Community-Based Heritage Walk
1️. Start at Ho Phra Phanat Bodi
A sacred landmark of the town, surrounded by stories of Lao-Vieng ancestry and local faith.
Ho Phra Panas Bodi — a four-gabled pavilion honoring the town’s revered guardian Buddha.
Phra Panas Bodi, the Buddha in the “Descent from Tavatimsa Heaven” posture.
The original 1,300-year-old Dvaravati stone sculpture is registered as a national antiquity and housed at the Bangkok National Museum. The one displayed here is a nearly 100-year-old replica.
2️. Cross to Chue Puai Niao Shrine
An old Chinese shrine reflecting the multicultural roots of the community.
The entrance gate of Chue Puai Niao Shrine.
Chue Puai Niao — known as one of the most compassionate deities in Taoism, regarded as the same divine form as Guan Yin in Mahayana Buddhist belief.
3️. Wander the Old Town Street
Wooden shophouses line both sides, remnants of a once-bustling trade route.
Meet shop owners selling agricultural tools, traditional herbs, and time-honored creations passed down through generations.
The Old Town Street — lined with classic two-story wooden shophouses from a bygone era.
The Bamboo-Weaving Junction — where three roads meet: Muang Kao Road, Inthasa Road, and Ko Kaew Road, leading toward the traditional market and weaving district.
At the junction stands the Kim Leng Tai Xie Jia Shrine, a spiritual landmark for local residents.
Opposite the shrine is a legendary old eatery, once known for rare dishes such as kuey-ba, chai tao hee, and chilled braised pork leg.
4️. Turn into Ko Kaew Road – The Heart of Thailand’s Largest Bamboo Weaving Hub
Phanat Nikhom is believed to host the largest bamboo weaving center in Thailand — some say even the biggest in the world.
Walk past weaving houses, see baskets and bamboo art crafted by elders, and support artisans whose livelihoods rely on these skills.
A section of the “Largest Bamboo Weaving Center in the World” has been transformed into a peaceful garden beside the main exhibition area
A selection of handcrafted products from the world’s largest bamboo weaving center.
5️. Explore Local Markets & Street Life
From fresh produce to handmade bamboo goods, every baht you spend flows directly back into the community.
Saratarang Road — a narrow, historic street leading directly to the fresh market, ending at the Ming Mueang Shrine.
A traditional bamboo goods shop located near the fresh market.
The lively fresh market — the heart of local flavors and daily life.
6️. Visit Ho Phra Ming Mueang
Built by Lao-Vieng settlers in the early Rattanakosin period, the newly restored shrine features Lao-inspired architecture and beautiful mural art — a perfect space for quiet reflection.
Ho Phra Ming Mueang — an important sacred shrine deeply connected with the town’s Lao-Vieng heritage.
The Ming Mueang Buddha — a carved padauk wood sculpture in the Lan Xang style.
Additional Temple Visits
The chedi and ordination hall of Wat Luang Phrommawas — a temple known for its large bat colony.
The bat-filled grove within Wat Luang Phrommawas temple grounds.
Luang Pho To — a highly revered Buddha image enshrined at Wat Bot.
The ancient ordination hall of Wat Bot, believed to date back to the late Ayutthaya period.
The floating scripture hall of Wat Tai Ton Lan — a historic temple established before 1908, situated near an archaeological area where prehistoric human remains and artifacts (approx. 2,200 years old) were discovered.
Travel That Gives Back
By traveling with Pacific Leisure (Thailand), you help:
✔ Support local artisans and family-run weaving shops
✔ Preserve the living heritage of Lao-Vieng and Thai-Chinese culture
✔ Strengthen the local economy through low-impact, high-value travel
✔ Promote respectful, mindful tourism rooted in community connection
A One-Day Trip That Feels Truly Meaningful
Phanat Nikhom is close, easy to explore, and rich with culture — the perfect destination for travelers who want depth, authenticity, and community impact.
Travel with Purpose. Travel with Pacific Leisure.
If your organization or small group is looking for community-based cultural trips, sustainable travel programs, or meaningful team outings, Pacific Leisure is here to design the perfect journey.
Contact us to plan your meaningful escape.
Let’s explore Thailand in a way that supports its people, preserves its heritage, and inspires every traveler.
Editor in Chief : Nampetch Siramanon
Editor: Pacific Leisure (Thailand)
Content Creator : Mr. Saroj Na Ayutthaya
