The Siam Society is inviting the public to join a special biocultural heritage study trip to Ayutthaya Province on February 21, offering a rare opportunity to experience how nature, culture, and traditional ways of life remain deeply connected along one of Thailand’s historic waterways.
Led by Associate Professor Kitichate Sridith, a respected botanist and former university lecturer, the journey begins with a peaceful boat excursion along Bang Phra Kru Canal. This ancient canal, located in the Bang Kratum area of Bang Pahan District, provides a living example of why conserving aquatic plant communities is essential before ecological systems — and the cultures tied to them — are permanently altered.
The canal is lined with lush riverside vegetation, where native riparian trees grow densely along the banks. With no modern infrastructure intruding on the scenery, the landscape feels remarkably untouched and serene. This healthy ecosystem supports a wide variety of wildlife, including aquatic and semi-aquatic animals as well as numerous bird species that depend on the canal’s biodiversity.
Scattered along both sides of the waterway are traditional Thai-style wooden houses, typically built on tall stilts and spaced far apart. These homes reflect generations of local knowledge, demonstrating how villagers have adapted their architecture and lifestyle to seasonal changes while living in balance with their natural surroundings.
In the afternoon, participants will visit three lesser-known historic temples, each chosen to highlight traditional wisdom in site selection and flood resilience.
- Wat Mai Prachumphon, located at the meeting point of the Pa Sak River and Bang Phra Kru Canal, features striking mural paintings inside its old ordination hall.
- Wat Talad, now abandoned, sits in the middle of Bang Pahan’s open fields, offering insight into the area’s historical landscape.
- Wat Phraya Maen, set within the Lum Phli field, is another atmospheric site where history and nature intersect.
All three temples are historically significant and set within natural environments that deepen the understanding of Ayutthaya’s cultural geography.
The study trip will be conducted primarily in English. The participation fee is THB 4,800, with a discounted rate of THB 4,000 for members of The Siam Society.
For more information or to register, contact The Siam Society at 02-661-6470–3 ext. 205 or email studytrips@thesiamsociety.org.
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