Located 25 miles west of central Bangkok, Ban Don Kai Dee Village is a rewarding destination for anyone interested in Thai culture.

This unpretentious village in Samut Sakhon province is not known to the majority of tourists, but is an excellent example of community tourism in action, with visitors able to enjoy homestay hospitality and discover how the locals live and work. And much of this work at Ban Don Kai Dee is linked to the village’s most famous product, Benjarong porcelain.

History of Benjarong Porcelain

During the 15th century, when Chinese traders arrived in what was then known as Siam (now Thailand), they introduced exquisite white porcelain adorned with intricate blue designs. This occurred during Ayutthaya’s reign as the capital of Siam, a bustling trading hub in Asia.

The Chinese porcelain gained popularity among the Siamese royalty and upper class, prompting local artisans to replicate and modify the Chinese style over time. It was during the reign of King Rama II (1809-1824) that the distinctive geometric designs associated with Benjarong porcelain emerged.

Ban Don Kai Dee Village History

Ban Don Kai Dee, once affected by the closure of a ceramics factory in the 1980s, underwent a remarkable transformation. While most unemployed workers sought other jobs or returned to farming, a small group chose to continue crafting porcelain by hand. However, it was challenging to make a profit due to the time-consuming process.

In 2001, everything changed when the artisans formed a cooperative and began producing Benjarong products. This coincided with the implementation of the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) scheme, which promotes local specialties to boost community economies.

With royal endorsements and numerous awards, Ban Don Kai Dee gained recognition and significantly improved employment and financial independence. Since 2001, hundreds of people have found livelihoods there, generating millions of baht for the local economy.

What to do in Ban Don Kai Dee Village

Here, you can not only purchase authentic Benjarong porcelain directly from the artisans but also witness demonstrations of the production process and even partake in workshops. Additionally, guided tours of the village, nearby orchards, and the coastline can be arranged.

While Ban Don Kai Dee makes for a comfortable day trip from Bangkok, those seeking a deeper immersion in local life can opt for an overnight homestay experience and indulge in cooking local dishes. While the majority of visitors are Thai, everyone is warmly welcomed at Ban Don Kai Dee.

How to get there

Situated in Samut Sakhon province, approximately 25 miles west of Bangkok, Ban Don Kai Dee can be reached conveniently through a day tour or by arranging a taxi if you don’t have your own transportation.

Your hotel in Bangkok can assist you in finding a reliable taxi driver. Opting for a private tour from Bangkok to Ban Don Kai Dee also offers the opportunity to visit two vibrant markets in the neighboring Samut Songkhram province: Maeklong Railway Market (open daily) and Amphawa Floating Market (open Friday to Sunday).

Tourists’ Reviews

Let’s see other travelers are saying about Ban Don Kai Dee Village on TripAdvisor: 

Raintree_Thailand

No bulls in the china shops!
Apr 2022
We’ve spent years in Thailand and never had the opportunity to visit the Don Kai Dee Benjarong Village until recently. We’re very glad we finally made it. The village is tucked off the main street of Krathum Baen and requires a bit of maneuvering down the narrow sois to reach the village shops and artisans. The place is obviously struggling with the lack of tourists due to Covid, but it is meticulously clean and neat.

The people are very friendly and happy to show you around even if you are not buying. There was no pressure or hard-sell to get you to purchase. The benjarong sells itself! Each piece of the traditional porcelain is a work of art, painstakingly hand painted. We ended up buying three high-quality pieces that look fantastic in our curio cabinet.

Poo Lin S

An interesting haven
Jul 2018 • Solo
I had come to the Don Kai Dee village specially to hunt for a present for an important 50th birthday. It was a short train ride from BKK, then a tuktuk hired just outside the Maha Chai train station. I stayed at the Homestay they have in the tiny village, which is actually a small collection of artisanal workshops and retail points.

The homestay was wonderfully quiet and peaceful, and the only thing disturbing my peace of mind was the number of cats in cages!
I found more than I was looking for, and returned heavily laden, with all my spoils.
Definitely worth a visit to see first hand the lengthy and painstaking, delicate painting often done with gold-especially if you love benjarong.