Bo Lek Nam Phi, located in the serene Tambon Nam Phi, Amphoe Thong Saen Khan, Thailand, is an enchanting destination where visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, tantalizing cuisine, and picturesque landscapes, perfect for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Nestled in the picturesque Ban Nam Phi Mu1, Bo Lek Nam Phi serves as a hidden gem in Amphoe Thong Saen Khan, Thailand. This charming destination is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and experience the tranquility of rural Thai culture. Visitors can explore the mesmerizing landscapes, characterized by lush greenery and serene waterways, perfect for leisurely strolls or adventurous treks. Local cuisine comes alive in this area, with delicious traditional dishes that reflect the heart of Thai culinary artistry. The welcoming atmosphere and friendly locals enhance the overall experience, making it ideal for social gatherings or solitary reflection. Bo Lek Nam Phi also provides various activities, allowing guests to engage with the community and learn about the rich traditions and craftsmanship that thrive here. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Bo Lek Nam Phi promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Thailand’s cultural tapestry.
Bo Lek Nam Phi is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking Ban Nam Phi Mu1, Tambon Nam Phi, Amphoe Thong Saen Khan, Thailand
What a gem of a find and there would be no way I would of known about it never mind find it if not for my Thai friend and she was clearly baffled by the directions. Do not rely on sign posting and I suggest putting in the address on your GPS not the site.This is a folk museum, well presented and filled with information but I would suggest you do a bit of research yourself before visiting or some things might slip by you. All information is in Thai and English and the wax works are well presented, maintained and they are self explanatory, I enjoyed it. The shrine of Bor lek nam phee god was a treat and again it was a myriad of colours. The quarries which at the beginning I had no idea what they were about soon became very interesting. As I watched Thai people with long wooden rods fish in what looked like pits and I soon realized the rods had magnets attached and they were getting pieces of Iron from the pit. To give the basic story there are 2 quarries side by side, one for mining iron ore for knives and the other swords, only the king could have them. There is a museum which shows old buffalo carts, fishing traps, rakes for gathering the rice attached to buffalos and much much more! It is also set in very nice manicured grounds which have many small shrines dedicated to local things. My advice is go out of your way for this one. No entry fee at that time.
Before deciding to visit, it is important to set expectations at the right level. This place is interesting for a history buff but doesn’t provide the information on mining techniques and technologies that I had expected.This is not a mine with mine shafts like in Kanchanaburi. It is not a mine from the 1800s or 1900s as most other Thai mines. This is a location where mining took place around 400-600 years ago. These are basically small pits (bor roughly translates into well or source) dug to extract iron ore. Accessible to the public areonly the two most famous pits where ore was reserved for kings. There is a large large with simple displays along one side and a shrine at the far end.As noted by another reviewer, the road signs are misleading so use your smartphone map application to avoid detours.
This is the best source of Thai top-grade steel called Lek Nam Phi which is super strong and hard to get rusty. First, we visited the two most important ponds, Bor Phra Saeng and Bor Phra Khan, which used to fashion weapons (swords) only for Thai kings in olden times. Here, we enjoyed “steel fishing” by using a long fishing rod and a chunk of magnet as a bait to catch some tiny pieces of Lek Nam Phi (Very fun activity!). It’s believed that the steel is holy. Therefore, nowadays, many people still use Lek Nam Phi to produce amulets. Visitor can purchase these amulets from the nearby souvenir shop (we also bought a Lek Nam Phi magic dagger). We later strolled around the place and paid our respects to 3 guardian angels of steel ponds in the shrine. Finally, we visited Bor Lek Nam Phi folk museum that collects some antique utensils, and swords crafted from Lek Nam Phi steel. Also, there are several wax models showing the old ways of iron smelting and smithing.This place is free entrance. It’s unarguably a must-visit place in Uttaradit province. Highly recommend.