Ban Chiang World Heritage Site

(บ้านเชียง)
An internationally important pre historic archaeological site and museum.

Why Go?

• An excellent National Museum
• Pleasant village with craft shops and places to eat
• Surrounding villages and rice fields give a glimpse of Isan life

Located a few kilometres off route 22 between Udon Thani City and Sakhon Nakhon City, Ban Chiang is regarded as one of the most important pre historic sites in South East Asia. Discovered by accident in the 1960s, the whole village is built on a low mound which contains huge volumes of pottery and other remains (despite being extensively pillaged in the 1970s).

The site is not as old as originally thought (it was said to contain the earliest examples of bronze working in the World), but it is certainly the oldest site in South East Asia to present evidence of farming and the manufacture of metals.

What is really striking is the beautiful red striped pottery, which has become a symbol of Udon Thani. You can buy cheap reproductions or even faithfully made replicas from shops in the village.

The museum is really good, which makes it all the sadder that when I visit I’m normally the only person there! It takes you through the history and the interesting story of the discovery of the site. Most exhibits have English explanations, and the museum is mostly air conditioned (though not always switched on!).

At a temple some 700 meters away called Wat Pho Si Mai you can see an accurate open pit recreation of the excavation, with Ban Chiang Culture artifacts and simulated skeletons displayed as they appeared during excavation.

Next to the museum there is a pleasant park with lakes and fountains. There are occasional festivals here which are worth watching out for.

The village, which is right in front of the museum, is worth a walk around as there are some good souvenir shops, coffee shops, and home stays.

Location & Map

About 45–50 km East of Udon Thani city
Easily reached by car or motorbike via Route 22. Buses between Udon and Sakhon Nakhon stop at Nong Mek from where you can find local transport for the final 6km to the museum.

What to Do There

Activity	Notes
Visit the museum	Genuinely interesting and well laid out.
Explore the village	Friendly people, snacks and coffee, and good souvenir shops.
Explore villages nearby	Rice fields + local life beyond the museum.

Cost & Practical Info

• Best time to visit: Open all year
• Opening Times: 0900 – 1600 Wednesday to Sunday
• Admission: 200 Baht
• Website: https://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/ban-chiang-national-museum
• Time required: 2–3 hours including travel
• Facilities: Parking, food stalls and cafes (in village), toilets

Photo Highlights

Local flavour

Maybe because they have so few visitors, the staff are very friendly. This photo was taken when I visited with my Dad. The security guards and police insisted on taking a photo with us!nd into Nong Khai province. They seem to be a lot smaller, obviously hoping to benefit from the popularity of Kumphawapi. I suspect they only have seasonal boat trips. I will add these locations once I’ve looked into them.