Immerse yourself in the captivating world of traditional Thai shadow puppet theater at Nang Yai Wat Ban Don Museum, located in Choeng Noen, Thailand. This museum celebrates the art, history, and significance of Nang Yai, providing visitors with an authentic cultural experience.
The Nang Yai Wat Ban Don Museum is a hidden gem nestled within the serene surroundings of Wat Ban Don Temple in Choeng Noen, Thailand. Famous for its exquisite collection of Nang Yai shadow puppets, this museum showcases the rich tradition of Thai puppet theater, which has been an integral part of Thai culture for centuries. Visitors are greeted by beautifully crafted puppets, intricate backdrops, and detailed narratives that bring the art form to life. The museum not only preserves this unique heritage but also engages visitors with workshops and exhibitions that delve into the techniques and stories behind each puppet. The tranquil setting of the temple enhances the experience, encouraging exploration and appreciation of Thailand’s cultural legacy. From the immersive displays to the tranquil ambiance, a visit to Nang Yai Wat Ban Don Museum promises a profound understanding of an art form that transcends generations. Perfect for culture enthusiasts, families, and tourists alike, this museum invites you to discover and cherish the beauty of traditional Thai art forms.
พิพิธภัณฑ์หนังใหญ่วัดบ้านดอน (เมืองระยอง, ไทย) - รีวิว - ThailandAgoda.com
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Nang Yai Wat Ban Don Museum is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking Moo 4, Wat Ban Don Temple Choeng Noen, 21000, Thailand
Forty five years ago I sat on a wooden stool in a small street in the suburbs of Bangkok and watched a Thai shadow puppet show. I didn’t understand what was going on because all the singing and chanting was in Thai, but I was thoroughly enthralled with the antics of the shadow puppets and the skill with which the puppeteers manipulated them.You would be very lucky to find such an authentic shadow puppet show today, but this ancient Thai theatre form is kept alive and well at several places throughout Thailand.One such is Wat Ban Don in Rayong Province, about 170 km south of Bangkok, which has been performing and preserving the art form for 200 years.Shadow puppets, or Nang Yai in Thai, are carved from a single large piece of buffalo hide and then painted. Backed by soft light, the puppets are moved across a screen to tell the story, accompanied by singing, chanting and music.The art form originated in the 15th century in the southern provinces of Thailand. The ruler of Rayong Province, Phraya Sri Samut Phokhaphai Chokchitsongkhram (Ket Yomchinda for short), heard about the puppets and hired a puppet troupe to come to Rayong to teach the art form and perform shadow puppet plays.Wat Don Ban is now home to more than 100 puppets, some of them authenticated as 200 years old.The shadow play stories are based on the Indian epic Ramakien or Ramayana.You can watch a performance at Wat Ban Don but you must give three days notice.
This school and museum is preserving the old art of shadow puppet theater. It is located next to ban Don temple. Some of the puppets are more than 200 years old. They regularly have shows but you will need to call upfront because the schedule is not posted anywhere. We had a highly educational talk with one of the teachers about the history of shadow puppets.