We went to a cultural village, coming back from Chiang Khan. It is maybe around 20 km from Chiang Khan toward Loei city. I read about it in a book and wanted to see what it was like. At first, we saw almost nothing and thought it was a joke. There was just one house in bamboo, obviously built for tourist. My wife said it remembered her where she grew up in Maha Sarakham (she is from Korat but lived there when very young) about 35 years ago. Cool but I was disappointed.n
There are some explanations in Thai and if you are lucky, go in Friday. They have more activities to what we were told.
On google maps, put these numbers in the search for the location of thus place. (17.798697,101.73630).
However, if you wanna see the real thing, you should go back in the village and look for the weaving factory. From memory, the location about at (17.797099,101.741767) on google maps. There is a shop, a weaving factory and a traditional house transformed in museum. It’s free to visit.
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The handicraft are very nice and cheap. We met the people making them and they explained to us a little more. Dom is for “black” the color of the skin. The Tai-Dom were living in Vietnam/Laos. France gave some territory to China and the Tai-Dom moved into Thailand more than a century ago (I read 1905). They built that village, where you can see a lot of their influences in clothes and houses.n
These people had their own alphabet…n
We bought some handicraft and sincerely, there was much more there if you can avoid the “tourist area” and go into the village. The houses remind me the south of China. If you are near Chiang Khai and love architecture, history and handicraft, this place is a hidden gem in Isaan.
More pictures here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/50651722@N03/sets/72157628680083207/
More info here:nhttp://www.tatnews.org/emagazine/5144.aspn
Visitor Tips
Tai Dom Village In Loei Thai Dom
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Located in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), this is one of the many dining options available to visitors and expats in the Isaan region of Thailand. When visiting restaurants in Korat, it is customary to order several dishes to share. Most restaurants in this area serve both Thai and international cuisine, and staff often speak some English.
Getting There
Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) is located approximately 250 km northeast of Bangkok. You can reach Korat by bus from Bangkok’s Mo Chit terminal (about 3.5 hours), by train from Hua Lamphong station, or by minivan from Chatuchak. Tuk-tuks and songthaews (shared trucks) are the most common local transport within the city.
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About Isaan Cuisine
The Isaan region of northeastern Thailand has its own distinct culinary tradition, influenced by Lao and Khmer cultures. Signature dishes include som tam (spicy papaya salad), larb (spiced minced meat salad), sticky rice (khao niao), and grilled chicken (gai yang). Food in Isaan tends to be spicier and more sour than central Thai food, using ingredients like padaek (fermented fish sauce) and fresh herbs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tai Dom Village in Loei?
The Tai Dom (ไทดำ) are an ethnic minority group originally from the Black River (Sông Đà) region of northern Vietnam. Their village in Loei province, northeastern Thailand, preserves their distinctive culture, traditional dress, weaving techniques, and architecture. The Tai Dom settled in Thailand after migrating across the border over generations.
Where is Loei province and how do I get there?
Loei province is in northeastern Thailand bordering Laos along the Mekong River. From Bangkok it’s about 520 km (7–8 hours by bus, or fly to Loei airport). From Korat it’s about 330 km northwest via Highway 201. Loei is famous for its cooler climate — Thailand’s lowest recorded temperatures come from this region in winter.
What is special about Loei for travellers?
Loei is one of Thailand’s most distinctive provinces: Phu Kradueng National Park (a high plateau with pine forests — one of Thailand’s most famous hikes), Phu Rua National Park, the Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Face) festival in Dan Sai district, and the scenic Mekong River border with Laos. The weather is cooler year-round than most of Thailand.
Is the Tai Dom village in Loei open to tourists?
The Tai Dom cultural village in Loei welcomes visitors interested in learning about their culture, traditional silk weaving, and way of life. Like many ethnic minority villages in Thailand, respectful tourism is encouraged — visit with a guide if possible, dress conservatively, and ask permission before photographing people.
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