Maneeya Dhammataree

To enjoy a more vivid experience of life within the Benjarong-producing Don Kai Dee community in Samut Sakhon province, consider spending a night there through the village’s homestay program.

This ecotourism effort allows guests to sample, hands on, some of the techniques used by the community’s artisans to produce the colorful and unique style of ceramics, which was first produced during the reign of King Prasart Thong (1630-1655). 

The homes operating within the program can accommodate up to 100 people. The accommodation is relatively frugal but comfortable, while the company can be priceless. You can get to stay in a traditional Thai-style home or a more basic concrete structure, depending on availability. Book ahead if you prefer one to the other in order to avoid disappointment.

You won’t find air-conditioning here or necessarily a private bathroom so the experience is really for more imaginative souls who are not afraid of “roughing it” a bit. After all, when it comes to homestays, it is fair to say that the experience is one of the major attractions.

The homestay accommodation does feature some nice decorative touches, however, and since this is a community of artisans, the ornaments and other accessories are produced within the village.

Community spirit

The community of Don Kai Dee has been able to contribute significantly to a revival of interest in Benjarong porcelain. During an overnight stay at the village, you will get the opportunity to create and decorate the colorful Benjarong patterns through tuition by one of the village’s expert artisans. You’ll get the chance to create your own piece of Benjarong pottery, which will serve as a perfect memento.

A night at the Don Kai Dee community homestay costs 600 baht (US$18) per person, while there is an additional charge of 250 baht for drawing and painting classes.

For further information, or to make a reservation, contact Tel: +66 (0)81 995 9196.

Transport connections:

Car: Take the Thon Buri-Pak Tho road (Highway 35) and then turn left on to Highway 3091 when signposted. Ban Don Kai Dee is located about two kilometers from the clock tower.

Bus: Buses run regularly from the Southern Bus Terminal on Boromratchonnanee Road between the hours of 4.20 am-9 pm. For reservations or further information call Tel: +66 (0)2 936 2841-8.

Train: Train departs regularly from Wongwian Yai Railway Station for Mahachai in Samut Sakhon province. From Mahachai station you can take a ferry to Mae Klong pier. On arrival, you can take a songthaew to Don Kai Dee. For further information on trains from Wongwian Yai to Mahachai, call Tel: + 66 (0)2 465 2017.