The Local Museum of Dan Sai, also known as the Folk Museum of Phi Ta Khon, is a cultural center that preserves the stories, customs, and lifestyles of Dan Sai people. Visitors experience the richness of local folk arts and traditions that have been passed down for centuries.

The museum began as a small exhibition on Phi Ta Khon in the Dan Sai public library in 1979 (B.E. 2522). In 2005 (B.E. 2548), it was officially established by renovating the wooden residence of the abbot of Wat Phon Chai, originally built in 1935 (B.E. 2478).

The museum building retains its historic charm and creates an immersive atmosphere. The exhibition is designed to encourage visitors to learn through observation, participation, and interaction. Phi Ta Khon masks, crafted from natural materials such as steamed rice husks, coconut shells, and natural dyes, are central to the collection, reflecting the community’s ingenuity and beliefs.

Exhibition sections include:

• Dan Sai Town and Phra That Si Song Rak Room – Showcasing local history, the relationship between Dan Sai and the kingdoms of Ayutthaya and Lan Chang, the founding of Phra That Si Song Rak, and its role as a symbol of friendship.

• Phi Ta Khon Room – Presenting the history of the Phi Ta Khon festival, Bun Luang, Twelve Lores, Fourteen Rituals, mask-making, and costumes. Visitors can try on the costumes to understand the festival’s practices.

• Video Room – Showing images and videos of the Bun Luang festival and Phi Ta Khon parade to give visitors a realistic view of the celebrations in the community.

The museum is not only a display of objects and masks but also a living archive of the culture and spirit of the Dan Sai people. It allows visitors to understand local beliefs, faith, and lifestyle concepts while preserving folk knowledge and art that cannot be found elsewhere.

The exhibits also emphasize the community’s bond with Wat Phon Chai, the religious and cultural center of Dan Sai. The museum serves as a place for cultural study and promotes learning in anthropology, art, and local traditions for students and tourists alike.

Craft demonstrations allow visitors to learn mask-making techniques, costume creation, and the stories behind the Phi Ta Khon festival firsthand.

The Local Museum of Dan Sai is a cultural hub that brings together beliefs, traditions, and folk arts, giving visitors a sense of the past and the continuity of culture in the present.

• Private car: From Loei town, take Highway 203 (Loei–Dan Sai). Upon reaching Dan Sai district, turn onto Kaew Asa Road (the same route to Phra That Si Song Rak and Wat Nerramit Vipassana). Wat Phon Chai and the museum are in the town center.

• Public transport: Take a bus from Loei to Dan Sai district and continue by local tricycle to Wat Phon Chai.

• The museum is within the Wat Phon Chai compound, so dress respectfully.

• Photography is allowed, but handle exhibits carefully.

Entrance Fee

• Free, donations welcome to support museum activities.

Opening Hours

• Open daily: 08.00 – 17.00