Creating Cultural Tourism Routes of Wat Kamphaeng Bang Chak

Abstract

This research aims 1) to examine the art forms present at the cultural tourism site of Wat Kamphaeng Bang Chak and 2) to develop a cultural tourism route centered around Wat Kamphaeng Bang Chak. This is a qualitative study employing in-depth interviews with 12 interviewees, including temple authorities, local community leaders, and business operators in the vicinity. The participants consist of the abbot, deputy abbot, resident monks with expertise in traditional Thai art and temple history, as well as community leaders and local vendors. The researcher employed purposive sampling and used semi-structured interview protocols as the primary research instrument. The data were analyzed, interpreted, and synthesized accordingly. The findings reveal the following: 1) The art forms at Wat Kamphaeng Bang Chak represent diverse artistic disciplines that are prominently displayed within the temple grounds. These works of art are of great historical and cultural value, reflecting the prosperity of the area from the late Ayutthaya period through the early Rattanakosin era. The artistic heritage that holds potential to enhance tourism appeal includes architecture, mural painting, and sculpture. 2) The proposed cultural tourism route was designed based on principles of meaningful and value-based tourism, encouraging visitors to engage in immersive and culturally rich experiences. Key highlights of the route include paying homage to Luang Pho Bussarakam, viewing traditional Thai fine arts, exploring local life at the Khlong Bang Luang Community Museum, discovering vintage toys at the Toy House, enjoying contemporary art at the Artist’s House, creating personal artworks at Ban Phueng Silpa (Art Creation House), taking a long-tail boat ride to appreciate the canal-side lifestyle, and tasting traditional Thai cuisine.