7.9 Thai Rice

Rice cultivation is at the heart of Thai culture and cuisine and is grown differently in each of the regions. A paddy field experience can provide visitors with a hands-on perspective of local customs and wisdom. Thai farmers conduct traditional rituals throughout harvest to 'Mae Posop', the rice goddess who blesses each crop and ensures a good harvest. Tourists are able to witness these rituals and learn about rice farming at the following locations:

• Tigerland Rice Farm in Ban HuayKhom, a Karen hill tribe village in Chiang Rai province.
• Ban Ta Kun Tong, a small village in Chian Saen district on the Mekong River.
• NIn Suphan Buri province, Na Here Chai or Brother Chai’s rice field, is a learning centre.
• Ban Kwai, or Buffalo Village in Suphan Buri.
• Na Tip Kaseam in Bang Pa-In district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, is an outdoor learning centre.

The villages of Ban Nong Khao in Kanchanaburi province produce rice and palm sugar, as well as doing traditional arts and crafts like weaving.

ANSWER