GUIDELINES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURAL TOURISM ROUTES OF ANCIENT SILK NA DUN DISTRICT, MAHA SARAKHAM PROVINCE

Abstract

This study attempted to define the guideline for the development of the cultural tourism route for ancient Thai silk in Na Dun District, Maha Sarakham Province in which the research method was mixed between a quantitative research, where the data was collected from Thai tourists using the questionnaire, and a qualitative research where the data was derived from the key informants via a semi-structured interview. The data was analyzed to define several statistical values including mean score and standard deviation. The study outcome was found as follows. A group of 126 Thai tourists in Na Dun District consisted of 74 females between 41 – 50 years old and they all are married. They have a bachelor’s degree and work for the governmental organizations and state enterprises where they regularly earn 10,001 – 15,000 Baht a month. Thai tourist in Na Dun District demonstrated their positive attitude toward the tourism elements at a high level and they highly prefer the Amenities. Thai tourist in Na Dun District demonstrated their positive attitude toward the cultural attractions’ quality standard at a high level and regarding the tourism potential, they highly prefer the tourist attraction and the tourism management. In conclusion, this study suggested that we can present the cultural tourism route for ancient Thai silk in Na Dun District, Maha Sarakham through the following models: 1) a one-day trip route (round trip) in which the tourists visit the ancient Thai silk weaver village in Na Dun District to join the local activities including Thai silk weaving, feeding silk worm, silk reeling, Thai silk natural dyeing, trying local foods, experiencing the local culture via local foods, exploring Isan way of life e.g. Isan costumes for men and women, photo shooting; 2) a2Day-1 Night Trip (overnight) at the ancient Thai silk weaver village for the tourists to join the activities including exploring Isan way of life, attending a wrist-binding ceremony (Bai Sri Su Khwan), learning local eating culture, experiencing the culture via local foods, Thai silk weaving, feeding silk worm, silk reeling, natural silk dyeing, homestay, and worshiping Pra That Na Dun.