Homestays showcase mon culture
Just a short drive north of Bangkok in Ayutthaya province, a whole new world awaits
- Published: 28/03/2010 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Brunch
Ever since the Sinoy Homestay project was set up a year ago in Ayutthaya's Bang Ban district, the predominantly ethnic Mon enclave hasn't been quite the same. A steady stream of guests drops by to learn about this century-old community's rich history, culture and traditions, which are still followed today.
What makes the encounter all the more unforgettable are the old folks who delight in sharing their local wisdom on traditional cuisine, dance, song and folklore. It was an unusually humid afternoon when we arrived at the home of Mayuree Srinak, who is credited with pioneering the homestay, which gets its name from Sinoy subdistrict where it is located. She had the idea to launch a homestay there while on a trip to survey homestay projects in Ang Thong province.
A gracious host, Ms Mayuree offered us lunch, which consisted largely of fusion Mon/Thai dishes. Over lunch, the bespectacled former school superintendent explained how setting up a homestay in her own home helped to convince her neighbours to become a part of this venture.
"Ethnic Mon communities are close- knit, so I had to show by example that opening one's home to visitors is a good way to preserve and promote our culture and traditions," said the talkative Ms Mayuree. At the same time she was attending to a group of university lecturers who were guests in her home.
"To make it a success, I knew that the entire community had to get involved. However, they needed someone to show them that it was all worth the effort. In the beginning, I had some elderly people give demonstrations on making Thai sweets and basket weaving, while some of the children showcased their traditional Thai boxing and dance skills. Today we have about 10 homes participating in this endeavour. Each home highlights what they do best."
Ms Mayuree and her friends were in seventh heaven when their community project was given an award for being the country's best homestay from the Office of Tourism Development.
On a typical day, visitors offer alms to monks in the morning. This is followed by various activities such as tours to the vegetable and fruit plantations, local markets and temples. There is also a good chance of picking up some traditional Thai dancing steps while getting hands-on experience in cooking traditional dishes.
Luang Pho Yai Buddhist temple - one of the primary historically significant spots to visit during the homestay sojourn - is believed to have been built during the Sukhothai period. The temple's architectural design is typically Mon and the temple grounds, which are encircled by the farming community, enclose a Mon-style chedi. Once a dilapidated religious sanctuary, fresh renovations have given the temple a new look. The Mon community in Sinoy contributed the financial resources for the refurbishment.
When prayer requests are granted, petitioners often dance around the temple, for it is believed this is pleasing to the temple's guardian spirits. During yearly floods in Ayutthaya, this is one of the few temples that isn't affected, and locals believe mystical powers protect the temple from calamity.
Foodies in particular will find this place a haven for its mouth-watering local delights. At the banana plantation of Suwana and Radin Ananat visitors can learn about organic farming and how to grow bananas and various other plants found locally in Ayutthaya. Produce can also be purchased at the farm at reasonable prices.
At an affiliated homestay in the Sinoy area that goes by the name of Ban Song Spain, we met up with a group of elderly ladies preparing sun-dried bananas. The bananas are dried whole and also cut into thin slices with a dash of sesame seed. This homestay is also popular for its peanuts roasted with basil leaf, black sesame seeds and an assortment of herbs. A nearby sesame plantation supplies the black seeds.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Call Khun Mayuree at 081-946-5457 and 035-884-605 for reservations and directions to Sinoy Homestay.
Ban Song Spain can be contacted at 089-239-8966 and 035-244-834.
Call Khun Suwana of Radin Banana Farm at 035-884-588.
About the author
- Writer: Yvonne Bohwongprasert
- Position: Reporter
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