THE GUIDELINES OF HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL TOURISM IN THOEN DISTRICT, LAMPANG PROVINCE

Abstract

The objective of this research were: 1) To study historical and cultural Tourism in Thoen district, Lampang province; 2) To analyses the relation and tourist route of historical and cultural Tourism in Thoen district, Lampang province; and 3) to present the development ways of historical and cultural Tourism in Thoen district, Lampang province. The study employed a qualitative research approach. The research instruments were conducted by studying documents and in-depth interviews with 24 key informants by specific method and analyze data and content by writing description.

The result of this research found that: The historical and local culture tourism indicates the history and local beliefs that are distinguished by the power to rule the Lanna districts. The beliefs according to the legend of Boddhisattva as Phra Kho Usuparat towards Wat Wiang, Wat Umlong and Wat Doipatan, etc., that contained the relics of the Lord Buddha that was adopted and practiced as a tradition until the present time. The relationship between historical and cultural tourism is due to religious beliefs, history and cultures with various relationships that can be classified into 5 dimensions including: 1) Dimension of belief; 2) historical dimensions; 3) Ritual and religious dimensions; 4) Dimension of art; and 5) Dimensions of local culture and traditions: it has shaped the way of coexistence both in the local language and culture to the identity resulting from the intellectual heritage of the community. The guidelines for the development of historical and cultural tourism include: 1) Preserving local identity and culture; 2) Budget support; 3) Participation; 4) Tourism management for learning and creativity; 5) Community OTOP products; and 6) Advertisement. It can make the most of tourism today.