Every day, the voice of the river’s current can be heard, and so can villagers’ laughter.
Whether they are rich or not, it’s not a big issue here in Kireewong village – they have established their own self-sufficient way of life.
Though tourists can be found in this area, villagers have insisted on development and materialism taking a back seat. It’s that attitude that earned them the Thailand Tourism Award in 1998 for sustainable eco-tourism.
Villagers have established different groups within their community, with each group focusing on producing different items from local products such as tie-dye cotton, cosmetics made from herbs, crafts, fruit juice, wine and durian jam.
Making such products has allowed villagers to contribute to the community, as well as creating revenue by selling them to tourists.
Besides an interesting way of life, Kireewong village has a very impressive landscape with evergreen mountains surrounding the village.
There is a river with clear water running through the village, where the young children usually spend their afternoon splashing around in the water.
Though more than 100 houses were damaged during big flood in 1988 which killed around 300 people, many villagers decided to stay in the area, but are now much more aware of natural disasters.
July to September is the best period for visiting the village, as it’s the season of ripe fruits such as mangosteen, rambutan and durian.
Staying in a homestay in Kireewong is the best way to experience local life, as you will have a chance to join a local family working in their fruit plantations, and also get to taste local homemade food.
Tourists are also invited to join in during craft classes offered by the villagers.
GETTING THERE: A minibus leaves from the Phuket bus station every morning. It takes around five hours to reach the bus station at Nakhon Si Thammarat province. From the bus station, hire a motorbike taxi or tuk tuk to Yao Market in downtown Nakhon Si Thammarat. At Yao market there is a minibus to Kireewong village, about 1 hour away.
To book a home stay, contact the OrBorTor Kamlone office who helps manage tourism in the area. Phone 075 533 111 or 075 533 112. Tourists are then placed with a local family.