Ban Bang Sadet Court Doll Center is located within the compound of Wat Tha Sutthawat in Mueang District, Ang Thong Province. It is an important center of traditional Thai handicrafts and cultural learning. The center was established under the royal initiative of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, in 1976, with the aim of creating supplementary occupations for local villagers who suffered from recurring floods and economic hardship. Skilled instructors were sent to the community to teach systematic techniques of doll molding and painting, eventually transforming the craft into a distinctive form of handicraft that has gained wide recognition both nationally and internationally.

The most remarkable feature of the Ban Bang Sadet royal dolls is that each piece is entirely handmade using locally sourced clay. Every doll is carefully crafted one by one with great precision and attention to detail. Despite their small size, the dolls vividly portray scenes of traditional Thai life, such as children’s games, traditional Thai music ensembles, old-style markets, seasonal Thai fruits, and important customs and ceremonies. These miniature artworks represent valuable cultural memories that have become increasingly rare in modern times.

Visitors to the Ban Bang Sadet Royal Doll Center can closely observe the artisans at work and experience the authentic atmosphere of the local craft community. Demonstrations cover every step of the process, from preparing and kneading the clay, shaping the figures, to painting and adding delicate final details. Each stage requires patience, concentration, and years of accumulated experience, allowing visitors to gain both knowledge and enjoyment from this immersive cultural experience.

Beyond being a production site, the center also serves as a learning hub for local wisdom and traditional craftsmanship. Visitors are welcome to try making dolls themselves, making it an ideal destination for families who wish to introduce children to Thai culture, as well as for students, educators, and artists seeking inspiration from folk art. A Thai-style pavilion within the center displays a wide variety of completed works, enabling visitors to study the craftsmanship up close.

The Ban Bang Sadet Royal Doll Center is therefore not only a cultural tourist attraction, but also a symbol of royal compassion, community self-reliance, and the preservation of Thai heritage. Visitors are warmly invited to support this local handicraft tradition and to experience the unique charm of these miniature dolls, which are filled with stories, dedication, and the heartfelt smiles of the people of Bang Sadet.

By Private Car:

• Take Highway 309 (Ayutthaya-Ang Thong) to KM 36-37. Follow the signs for Wat Tha Sutthawat; the center is located inside the temple grounds.

By Public Transport:

• Take a Bangkok-Ang Thong van from Mo Chit or Ekkamai bus terminal, get off at Pa Mok district, and take a local taxi or Tuk-Tuk.

Best Time to Visit:

• Accessible all year round. Late morning or afternoon is recommended to see the artisans fully engaged in their work.

Equipment:

• Bring a camera with a macro lens if you want to capture the stunning details of the tiny dolls.

Activity:

• Join a clay sculpting workshop for a hands-on and memorable learning experience.

Souvenirs:

• Purchase a set of court dolls, such as the floating market or Thai games sets, as a meaningful and unique gift.

Planning:

• Combine your visit with a tour of Wat Tha Sutthawat, as they share the same location.

Admission Fee

• Local Visitors: Adult Free, Child Free

• Foreign Visitors: Adult Free, Child Free

Opening Hours

• Open daily from 09:00 – 16:00.