“A giant Xiangyong tree over 4 centuries old with massive buttress roots requiring 40 people to encircle, set within the lush and peaceful atmosphere of an ancient areca palm forest.”
Giant Tree at Ban Sanam Community is an ancient Lao Khrang village whose way of life has long been closely connected with nature. The community’s most remarkable feature is the giant tree (Siang tree), located on private land whose owner has intentionally preserved it as a shared heritage for the public. Towering over 53 meters tall, the tree’s massive trunk and dramatically spreading roots symbolize the vitality and richness of the land. It has been officially registered as one of Thailand’s “Heritage Trees,” recognizing its exceptional natural value.
Surrounding the giant tree is a lush betel palm forest that villagers have cultivated and cared for continuously for over a hundred years. The dense greenery provides shade and a cool, refreshing atmosphere throughout the day. In the past, this giant tree served as a spiritual center of the community, where rituals and ceremonies were performed to honor ancestors and express gratitude to the natural forces believed to protect and sustain the villagers.
Visiting Ban Sanam offers a calm and simple experience. Travelers can stroll through a small community market selling local products and traditional foods before encountering the overwhelming presence of the giant tree, which makes human figures appear strikingly small by comparison. The scenery is especially beautiful in the early morning, when soft sunlight filters through the palm leaves and illuminates the enormous roots, creating a scene that feels both peaceful and powerful.
For photographers and those seeking tranquility, this location is highly rewarding. The intricate patterns formed by the intertwining roots provide unique and artistic compositions. Visitors can also rent bicycles to explore the Lao Khrang way of life around the village, observing traditional basketry and handwoven textiles that reflect the community’s distinctive cultural identity.
Ban Sanam Community beautifully conveys the meaning of coexistence between people and forests. It is a place where cultural traditions, spiritual beliefs, and nature are seamlessly intertwined, allowing visitors to experience the true value of conservation through a setting that is humble yet profoundly meaningful.
How to Get There
Private Car:
- From Uthai Thani city, take Highway 333 to Ban Rai District. Follow the signs for "Giant Tree" (Ton Mai Yak) into Ban Sanam Village.
Walking:
- After parking at the community lot, take a short walk through the local market to reach the site of the giant tree.
Travel Tips
Best Visiting Season:
- Visit anytime year-round, but May to January offers the most vibrant greenery in the palm grove.
Strict Rule:
- Climbing, scratching, or writing on the roots or bark is strictly prohibited to protect the tree's health.
Photography:
- Morning hours (08:00 - 10:00) are ideal for capturing light beams filtering through the canopy.
Local Culture:
- Support the community by trying local snacks and buying hand-woven fabrics at the community stalls.
Admission Fee
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Local visitors: Adult Free, Child Free
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Foreign visitors: Adult Free, Child Free
Opening Hours
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Open Daily: 06:00 – 18:00
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Saturday - Sunday There is an especially large selection of local products available for sale.