Ban Nam Chiao

Ban Nam Chiao sits on an estuary between Trat town and Laem Ngop pier, and its population is roughly half Thai Muslim and half Thai Buddhist, living in one community with a mosque and a temple a short distance apart - a coexistence the village is known for and is direct about. The craft it is identified with is the ngob nam chiao, a broad conical hat of woven palm leaf on a bamboo frame, made here for generations and worn by farmers and fishers across the region; the weaving is done by hand in households and demonstrated to visitors. Beyond that the village runs mangrove boardwalk walks, boat trips through the channels, shrimp paste and fish processing, and homestays in family houses under a community tourism scheme that has won national recognition. It is a working fishing and farming village and the schedule follows that; bookings are made in advance rather than by turning up.

What you actually see

• The ngob hat weaving - palm leaf on bamboo, made by hand in households.
• The mixed community - Muslim and Buddhist families with mosque and temple.
• The mangrove boardwalks - walks and boat channels through the estuary.
• The homestays - accommodation in family houses under the village scheme.

When to go

November to April. Arrange homestays and activities in advance through the village scheme. Half a day for a visit, overnight for the full arrangement.

Honest expectations

A working village, not an attraction - activities are arranged rather than available on demand. Homestays are simple. Limited English. It is a mixed religious community and modest dress is appropriate.

Nearby

Laem Ngop pier and the Ko Chang boats are south; Trat town is north.