By Nattapong Yokteng
Kiriwong village, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
Let’s take a break from the hustle of the city and head down to the south of Thailand, Kiriwong has the freshest air quality in Thailand. Green mountains, streams that run across the village and local people live a slow-paced life. This is a place for relaxing your body and refreshing your soul.
The first settlers arrived in Kiriwong 200 years ago. Previously it was known as “Ban Khun Nam” because of its location near the river going upstream from the Khao Luang Mountain (The tallest mountain in southern Thailand). Later, they changed the village’s name to “Kiriwong” which means a village surrounded by mountains.
Peace and tranquility are the jewels of Kiriwong. The villagers and nature are living together perfectly. Villagers need nature to live and Nature needs them to retain this synchronicity. It has been like this for centuries that’s why the terrain is so fertile.
Play time
Explore Srithammasokkrarat cave in Kun Talay district. There are incredible stalactites and stalagmites to explore here. The historical site of Nakhon Si Thammarat is an archeological dream, as they have discovered many artifacts here. You can also visit their museum nearby.
Nharn Hin Tha Ha is a canal where you can soak your body during the day. There are also coffee shops and restaurants for you to enhance your happiness by having Thai or local foods.
Visit small communities that gather together to make a sustainable living. There are many small producers in the village. For example, the Look Mai group who create products from seeds and craft Batik items from ancient Tie Dye methods. Tie Dye originated in Indonesia in the 8th Century
Eat time
Kanom Jeen is a must-try local food from Southern Thailand and it is well-known especially in this province. It is a rice noodle served with different kinds of curries (Spicy and non-spicy) and vegetables. You definitely cannot miss this.
Khao Yum is like a rice salad with spicy curry paste and herbs on top with sweet sauce. This Menu and style of cooking is specific to the South of Thailand only. All of the local foods are made for preventing diseases therefore this diet has incredible health benefits.
There are so many delicious foods that you should try, such as the sticky preserved durian, this is how they preserve fruit here, Mangosteen is the queen of fruit and here in Kiriwong, they have the best or sometimes the most expensive mangosteen. So, try it once you are there.
Sleep time
Homestay is a must place to stay and sleep in one of the villagers’ houses. It is a way that you can learn and see how they live and really experience their culture. For example, when they go to the local market to buy their food, when they go to temple to pray the Buddha on special days or when they can take you to local events.
Visit and experience this small village once in your lifetime. To be aware that this place exists, and to see people who are living happily and enjoying life so much is wonderful. There are many places in the world like this place where people and nature live together in a sustainable way. But, remember that wherever you go, please do not leave your footprint on that place.
Roamers 