Siam Society is holding a one-day trip along Klong Dan and Bang Khunthian canals to explore Thon Buri's orchard communities and historic temples on Sept 5.
Klong Dan and Bang Khunthian form part of an ancient network of waterways that once connected the Chao Phraya River with settlements to the west and the southern coastal regions.
Particularly important from the Ayutthaya period through to the Rattanakosin era, these canals served as vital routes for the movement of people and goods.
Along their banks are numerous traces of historic communities, with Buddhist temples serving as the spiritual and social centres of settlements that have been built, restored and sustained over many generations. Their architecture and artistic features reveal layers of history from different periods, living side by side.
The Bang Khunthian area has long been known as a traditional orchard community, with a history of fruit cultivation dating back at least to the Ayutthaya period. Many of the temples nestled among the orchards were associated with members of the royal family, royal officials, aristocrats and wealthy noble families.
Together, they form part of a little-known side of Bangkok that has remained quietly preserved for centuries.
Led by Assoc Prof Praphat Chuvichean from the Faculty of Archaeology, Silpakorn University, and Navamintr Vitayakul, the trip is a chance to board a solar-powered boat to explore the historic Klong Dan waterways and discover ancient temples that remain living centres of faith and community, surrounded by traditional fruit orchards along the historic canals.
The fee is 6,300 baht (5,500 baht for members). Places are numbered.
Call 02-661-6470--3 ext 205 or email studytrips@thesiamsociety.org.
