UNESCO Ban Chiang National Museum and Archaeological Site

 
YES! Another UNESCO unlocked, and it’s in Thailand this time around.

You won’t believe how excited I was when I found out that I will be covering yet another UNESCO site in my ‘kampung’ country. This site or place is not in my radar as I usually hunt sites that are architectural in nature hence it is more than often - ruins. No no no… I am not complaining as ruins gives a very vintage feel much to my liking.

 
This is different as it is more an archeologic site and artifacts.
 
I have no expectation on the place, my readings were confined to artifacts so you can imagine how surprise and impressed I was when I saw the museum. As you know, I visited many indoor museums, open air museums, galleries and UNESCO sites. This is amazing well structured, very detail, and the journey to educate and guide a visitor is splendid. Kid you not.

 

The Background.
The Ban Chiang National Museum and Archaeological Site are situated in Nong Han district of Udon Thani province, this site was awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1992 (almost 2 decades ago) as it covers artifacts such as ancient tools, household items, and the famous pottery items of which are over 4,000 years old.
 
There are 2 parts if I may say so, one is the museums, then not far from here is an open-air site where you can see where the archaeological excavation sites are located.
 
Why Ban Chiang culture is famous world over one may ask, it is because it tells us the ancient community of Ban Chiang was the precursor to all other pre-historic civilizations of the world. The pottery found here in Ban Chiang Archaeological Site is believed to be the oldest in the world.

 
Sections
The museum is split into nine (9) section, narrated in layman that makes one enjoy and able to comprehend the historical content. The building is called Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani Building (need not memorise this as it is the first building on the left upon entering the gate), and this is where the ticket counters, exhibition, book stores, and shops are located.
 
Section 1 : Introduction
It is an introduction of Thailand’s His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Ban Chiang, taking us thru the journey when King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit paid a royal visit to archaeological excavation pits at Ban Chiang back in 20 March 1972.
 
Section 2 : Archaeological Process
Guiding us on the archaeological work and process.

 
Section 3 : Simulation of Archaeological Process
Sharing the environment where the excavation took place such as how the archaeologists segregate tasks and sections, analysing an dating the artifacts, as well as their working tools.
  
Section 4 : Archaeological Excavation Pit
Archaeological pits models and operating process simulation.
 
Section 5 : Artifacts from Wat Pho Sri Nai Archaeological Excavation Pit
Artifacts showcased are in chronological order, together with the pottery tools and ornaments.

 

Section 6 : Prehistoric Ban Chiang Culture
Displaying Ban Chiang culture that includes hunting, agriculture, and pottery.
 
Section 7 : The Lost Bronze Age
The presentation displays of prehistoric archaeological evidence, along with the discovery of Southeast Asia, until the discovery of the Bronze Age in the Ban Chiang culture.

 
Section 8 : UNESCO World Heritage
It was awarded UNESOC World Heritage in 1992, based on the 3rd criterion - to “bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared”.

Section 9 : The Dispersion of Ban Chiang Culture
Aartifacts and study the dispersion of Ban Chiang culture in the northeast, around Sakon Basin.
 
Ban Chiang National Museum and Archaeological Site
The archaeological site can be covered in 20-40mins top, as most of the important info is in the museum itself.

As you can see, you can easily understand the history and journey of Ban Chiang’s findings (basically, tak huru hara penceritaannya).
 
I would highly encourage and stress to you to visit the site if you in Vientiane, Loas (as it takes 30mins to cross the border and another 30mins to arrive at the site, it can be a day trip from Viantiane. After all, Viantiane can be covered in 1-1.5 day.
 
Trust me, if you are a history lover – you won’t regret this.
 
The Ban Chiang National Museum
Operating Hours: Daily from 9am-4pm
Entrance Fee : THB 150 (foreigners)

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