A trip to traditional Drum-Making Village at Ekkarat and Bang sadej

On 1 kilometer long road in moo baan pae,Tambon Ekkarat of Pa mok District in Ang thong Province is situated a village famous for drum making.Ekkarat villagers have made a living by manufacturing drums over a long period of 80 years. Legend has it that a fomer court musician took political refuge in this village and started making drums to earn his living.


A house full of hides and wood with family members busily working on a drum is a common scene in this village. A 26 years old man "Jack" said that he took up a profession from his grandparents generation. Softwood is tha main material for drum making including cow,buffalo and goat hides; each cost about 2,500-3,000 Baht.

The craftsmen at Ekkarat make all types of drums such as the long drum,Timpani,Taphon (2 sided drum with stand) and others used in Thai classical drama and theater. They receive both local and internationa order,selling their products to jatujak market,chaing mai and overseas. Besides the drum making, villagers also offer infomation about the history of drum making to tourists and students or those who are interested.


Our next stop is Baan Bang Sadej, 10 kilometers away from Pa Mok. The village is famous for making courtesan dolls. The courtesan Doll-making demonstration center of Baan Bang sadej is a destination that is worth visiting. It is one of the projects initiated by her Majesty the Queen in 1976 to create career opportunities in the community at Bang sadej of which the quality is guaranteed by Tourism Authority of Thailand. The local people always receive us with warm hospitality and treated us dinner of simple and tasty Thai cuisine.


Simple lifestyle,hospitallity and sincerity are key characteristics of the life involving around this community.Ekkarat village and Baan Bang sadej are the two destinations that we can surely recharge our "battery" and find some peace of mind