Thailand
A hidden gem of Isan, the Ban Chiang site east of Udon Thani bears witness to an agro-pastoral civilization dating back over four thousand years. Discover the compelling reasons to visit.
Ban Chiang Site: A UNESCO cultural monument
Udon Thani leverages its past and scenic integrity to allure visitors. During your next visit, how about delving into Ban Chiang, renowned for its red-patterned pottery? It was by a stroke of luck that young American anthropologist Steve Young stumbled upon these artifacts after tripping over a kapok tree root. According to scholars, Ban Chiang stands as the most precious archaeological find to date on the Indochinese Peninsula. This site offers insights into centuries of social, cultural, and technological evolution, promising an emotionally rich visit. Researchers have uncovered evidence of flooded rice cultivation, livestock domestication, terracotta craftsmanship, and metal casting—a journey through time. An outdoor history lesson featuring copper, iron, and bronze artifacts dating back to the Neolithic era.
History
The famous Ban Chiang ceramics were unearthed in 1966 when student Steve Young stumbled upon a piece of red pottery while tripping over a kapok tree root. The crude finish of the patterns aroused suspicions of an archaeological find, which scientific analyses later confirmed. Royal figures got involved, and Princess Phanthip Chumbote informed the Department of Fine Arts and state officials.
The University of Pennsylvania's verdict was unequivocal: while the initial dating of 4000 BC is too distant, the prehistoric origin of the pottery is undisputed. Radiocarbon dating suggests an age of 2500 years before the Christian era. A permanent settlement is believed to have thrived in the region between 1495 and 900 BC.
Today: An archaeological site of interest
Ban Chiang was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as recently as 1992. According to UNESCO, it "testifies to a cultural evolution spanning several millennia in terms of architectural genius, technological development, artistic achievements, urban planning, and landscape design within a geographical area."
The site's fame has spread worldwide. Media attention was drawn to the Ban Chiang antiquities trafficking case, tried in US courts. Since then, thousands of tourists visit annually to explore this archaeological curiosity.
Tour of Ban Chiang's archaeological treasures
Ban Chiang awaits visitors in the Nan Hang district, east of Udon Thani province. Occasionally signposted as the "Ban Chiang National Museum," the site reveals artifacts dating back to the Bronze and Neolithic ages. Among these are rice phytoliths, suggesting long-standing rice cultivation in Southeast Asia. The ancient Ban Chiang civilization is also characterized by mysterious funeral rites, burying their dead near or below their homes—a practice termed "residential burial" by historians.
The exhibition is split into two sections: one indoors and the other outdoors, both showcasing ancient relics. Red-patterned ceramic jars are the museum's highlights, alongside hunting weapons, axes, spears, lances, bracelets, rings, and other metal artifacts marking the civilization's advancement. Exiting the museum, head to the excavation fields, where experts continue their work. Take note of the burial ruins, including an unusually large necropolis containing countless bones, skulls, and human fossils. Baby skeletons are preserved in clay pots. Ban Chiang is an inexhaustible trove of discoveries that will forever alter your perception of Asia's historical and cultural significance.
Around the mound, antique vendors beckon tourists. While the red-patterned pottery is enticing, ensure authenticity before purchase—exporting antiquities from Thailand is illegal, and authorities take this matter seriously.
Practical information
Opening dates and hours
The site is open daily, except Mondays and Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission fee
Visitors are charged an entrance fee: 30 baht for Thai nationals and 150 baht for foreigners. Children accompanied by adults receive a discounted rate.
Getting there
No public buses serve the location. If you are planning a visit to Ban Chiang, consider renting a private vehicle.
Nearby attractions
Have you enjoyed the Ban Chiang National Museum? Apart from this, other notable attractions include:
- Red Lotus Sea
- Nong Prajak Park
- Udon Sunshine Orchid Farm
