The Oldest House Around

ianyonok

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If you are up around the Chiang Khong, Wiang Kaen area you may see some signs like this;
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The fairly new signs indicate various tourist sites.
There are a lot of Thai Lue people living around the Bahn Sri Donchai area and they appear to be prolific weavers.
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There seemed to be a loom outside almost every house in the village.
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Not a lot of action in the museums. You probably need to be there at holiday time to see more Thai Lue people and weaving etc.
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The Lue Lai Kham Museum is worth a visit. It is marked on the GT Rider Golden Triangle Map, where the 1020 meets the 1155 at Sri Donchai.

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Actually, the museum was closed, but the coffee shop at the back....... well worth stopping at.
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There is only one old house left in the area; the 100 Year old Huen Euay Kham.
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It doesn't look that special, but still wonderful. The only all wooden house left around, built in the days of only dirt roads. I bet there has been some fascinating history there in the last century.
The gate was closed but people are still living in it, which is great. Hopefully, this house will be preserved, unlike so many that have been replaced by concrete.
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DavidFL

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Thanks for posting this one.

I've been to that closed museum place across the street from Lue Lai Kham, but damned if I can find my photos of it or any report on it.
So it must be time to go back for another look - perhaps after school holidays?
 

DavidFL

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DavidFL

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Ian thank you again, for the original tip-off, finally the Oldest House is open to the public as of Friday 6th of July 2018.

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And yes it is a genuine "Living Museum" as it is still used for regular everyday normal life. A total historical classic.

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The owner is retired female school teacher.

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Some images of the magnificent old house.

The old rice barn, now used an office
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The old pillars under the house. 30+ posts.
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into the house itself.

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The old original kitchen still in use
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The old bedrooms still in use
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An old Buddha image from Laos, that apparently the French wore on their waist for protection.
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(if I understand correctly.)

A spirit guardian for protecting the house
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The house balcony
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Images of the original owners
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the old lady lived to 101 years old!! A fantastic innings.


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The google maps location
Google Maps


Highly recommended if you are in Chiang Khong and want to see a classic 100 year old Tai Lue building, that is still used in every day life.
The owners tell me this is the only 100 year old Tai Lue house with all the pillars intact & still used for everyday life, left like this in North Thailand.
But I wonder about Grandma Saengda's house in Chiangh Kham.
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I did mention this one, but apparently it is not the same.

Chiang Khong rocks for Tai Lue history

Chiang Khong - Khamu New Year - The Tai Lue Lai Kham museum - a CK meander

Ok Phansa - Tod Kathin Festival - 2015 - Sri Dornchai - Chiang Khong.

A Chiang Khong Songkran 2018
 
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ianyonok

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Great stuff, Thank you David, interesting to see inside.
Fantastic that it is still being used as a family house.
 

DavidFL

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Back to Sri Dornchai again - TQ once more Ian.

This time to visit Mae Dokkaew, the master weaver of Sri Dornchai.
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Mae Dokkaew is the #1 weaver & teacher of weaving in the village. A super sprightly sharp woman of 68, still hard at it & enjoying life to the max.
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her work is renowned & sought after from all over the country.
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Her house also has several very old pieces of Lue weaving & artifacts

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the items in the plastic covered display are over 100 years old.

An 80 year old piece
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An old parchment that was used by young Lue men to woo Lue women
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Other older women come to the house to weave as well.
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Beautiful finished items for sale with a collection of Mae Dokkaew's awards.
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Mae Dokkaew's house is directly opposite the 100 year old Tai Lue house Huan Euay Kham.
The location Google Maps

Well worth checking out, Mae Dokkaew is fabulous personality, one hell of a sweet talking woman and you can have a lot of fun with her & the gang.
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Take your time & look around, Chiang Khong has a lot to offer if you want to smell the roses.You don't have to just ride on through.
 
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