A
settlement of utmost archaeological importance, Ban Chiang marks an
important step in human social and cultural evolution. One of the oldest
archaeological sites in the world, dating back to the bronze age and the
neolithic age, it is the heritage of all mankind. And recognising this, it
was granted the status of a world heritage site in 1992.Synopsis
| Country | Thailand |
| Location | In Udon Thani Province |
| Accessibility | Air, train and bus service to Udon Thani town, then road route to the site |
The Site
Ban Chiang earned great fame for it's attractive red-painted pottery. The first scientific excavation in 1967 unearthed several skeletons which were buried with bronze gifts.Rice fragments excavated here testify that the bronze age settlement was made by the peasants. There were other bronze objects too like rings, wires, spearheads, axes, blades, bracelets, blades, rods, wires and little bells. But the site has even older historic assets, dating from the neolithic age.
One of the excavations has been left uncovered for the tourists, to enable them to see levels at which various objects were discovered. There is also a small museum.
Quotes Unquotes
". . .without question the most important prehistoric settlement so far discovered in south-east Asia."- UNESCO World Heritage Committee
How To Reach
Ban Chiang is a tiny village near Udon. It is 55 km from the provincial capital on Udon Thani-Sakon Nakon Highway. At the 50 km marker, turn left on Highway No. 2225 and move on for 6 km.Capital Bangkok has air, train and bus connections with Udon Thani, which make reaching the place very easy.
