Ban Phraek Museum is a local community museum established through the collective effort and cooperation of the people of Ban Phraek District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Located within the Ban Phraek Subdistrict Municipality Office, the museum was founded with the primary objective of preserving and passing on the cultural heritage, historical legacy, and local wisdom of the area for future generations. It reflects the strong sense of community pride and awareness of the value of local roots, transforming shared memories into a meaningful learning space.

The origins of Ban Phraek Museum are deeply connected to the traditional way of life of the riverside communities along the Lopburi River, an important waterway that has sustained local settlements for generations. The fertile environment supported agriculture, fishing, and a nature-dependent lifestyle. The museum therefore serves as a place that narrates the story of settlement, adaptation, and continuity of the Ban Phraek community from the past to the present.

Inside the museum building, visitors can find exhibitions of rare antique household items and traditional tools once used in everyday life. These include local basketry, ancient fishing equipment, farming tools, household utensils, and old-model typewriters. All displayed objects were donated by members of the local community, making the museum comparable to a large living archive that vividly records social changes and preserves collective memories from past eras to modern times.

One of the most distinctive highlights and symbolic features of Ban Phraek Museum is the preservation and demonstration of “Phuang Mahot,” a traditional folk art of cutting colorful paper into intricate and delicate patterns. These decorative ornaments are traditionally used in auspicious ceremonies and important events. Visitors can observe the step-by-step process and appreciate the refined craftsmanship that has been passed down through many generations. In addition, the museum presents exhibitions on significant local figures and important historical events of Ban Phraek District, systematically enhancing visitors’ understanding of the area’s development.

Ban Phraek Museum is an excellent in-depth learning resource for students, scholars, and artists interested in anthropology, history, and folk art. The natural and unpretentious arrangement of the exhibits creates an inspiring atmosphere, encouraging creative work that reconnects with cultural roots and personal identity.

With its calm, quiet environment and rich storytelling, the museum also serves as a cultural tourism destination and a place of mental relaxation for those seeking to escape the fast pace of urban life. Visitors can experience a Thai-style slow life that is simple, warm, and deeply meaningful.

Ban Phraek Museum is therefore not merely a place for displaying objects from the past, but a space of collective memory and community pride. Everyone is warmly invited to journey back in time and experience the beauty of a simple way of life at Ban Phraek Museum, while supporting the local community in preserving and safeguarding this valuable national cultural heritage for generations to come.

---

How to Get There

Private Car:

• From Ayutthaya city, take Highway 347 towards Ang Thong, then head to Ban Phraek District. The museum is located within the Ban Phraek Subdistrict Municipality Office.

Public Bus:

• Take the Ayutthaya-Ban Phraek bus to Ban Phraek Market, then walk or take a motorbike taxi to the municipality office.

---

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit:

• Accessible all year round, but visiting on weekdays provides a more peaceful and private atmosphere.

Special Activities:

• It is recommended to contact officials in advance if you wish to see a demonstration of Phuang Mahot cutting to get in-depth knowledge from local experts.

Photography:

• Photography of exhibits is allowed, but please be careful not to touch items not enclosed in glass cases to prevent damage.

Planning:

• Ban Phraek District connects with Ang Thong and Lop Buri provinces, allowing for easy day-trip planning with nearby provinces.

---

Admission Fee

• Local visitors: Free

• Foreign visitors: Free

Opening Hours:

• Open Monday - Friday (Official hours) 08:30 – 16:30

• For groups or weekend visits, please coordinate in advance