Ekkarat Drum-Making Village (Mu Ban Tham Klong Tambon Ekkarat)

History & Significance

Located in Tambon Ekkarat, Ang Thong Province, the Ekkarat Drum-Making Village is a historic community where residents have dedicated themselves to the craft of drum making since 1927 (B.E. 2470). Ang Thong itself is situated in the fertile lowlands of the Chao Phraya River basin, a region highly celebrated for its traditional handicrafts, including court dolls, wickerwork, and these exquisite handmade drums. Over generations, the village has become the premier source of high-quality traditional Thai drums, keeping ancient musical heritage alive.

Highlights & What to See

The main highlight of the village is observing the meticulous, step-by-step drum-making process. Artisans primarily use softwood from the Chamcha tree (rain tree) because it is easy to hollow out and shape. Another essential raw material is cowhide, which is stretched tightly to form the drum head. Visitors can watch every stage of production, from the initial turning and carving of the wooden logs to the stretching of the leather and the final pinning of the drum head.

The village produces a wide variety of drums in all sizes, including traditional Thai drums like Klong That, Klong Yao (long drums), Klong San (short drums), and Klong Ramwong, as well as miniature souvenir drums. Additionally, do not miss the village's iconic landmark: a colossal giant drum measuring 36 inches (92 centimeters) in diameter and 7.6 meters in length. Crafted from six joined pieces of Jamjuree wood, this massive drum is displayed in front of the house of the local subdistrict head, Kamnan Hongfa Yodyoy.

Visitor Information

The Ekkarat Drum-Making Village is open to visitors daily from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM. Admission is free of charge. For inquiries, visitors can contact the village at 08 6379 9186, 0 3566 1914, or 0 3566 2201. On-site parking is available for those traveling by private vehicle.

How to Get There

The village is located at Moo 7, Tambon Ekkarat, Ang Thong Province. Ang Thong is situated in the central plains of Thailand, approximately 108 kilometers north of Bangkok via Highway 32 (Bang Pa-in - Phayuha Khiri). Visitors can easily reach the village by car or local transport from the main town of Ang Thong.