Full Day Baan Silapin and Khon Mask Maker

A Thai classical performance, depicting the classical tales of myths, legends and fables of Ramayana, is not complete without the elaborate costumes and Khon masks, worn by its performers. The mask is perhaps the most important characteristic item of the Khon, as it really distinguishes the variety of roles and characters. Mask making is an art form that still is practiced as of today and the used techniques to get to this final product are still done in the same manner as it was years ago. One of the very few that masters this art is found in the House of Art on the Thonburi side; Baan Silapin has gained name and fame as the art house and a particularly worth spending time here to see the masters at work.

At around 09:00 hrs, we will pick you up from your Bangkok hotel with your English-speaking guide brings you to the main boat pier along the Chao Phraya River, the blood line of Bangkok, to take a traditional long-tailed boat to explore Bangkok Yai's canal system, passing through old neighbourhoods’ a chance to see buildings and temples of the past all along the canal. A real escape from the fast-paced metropolis that is Bangkok, hidden away you find the quiet life along its many canals. Here we make a visit to Khlong Bang Luang and stop at a 200-year-old house, called Baan Silapin (Artist’s House). The new owner of Baan Silapin has opened the house to the general public and to the local children or to anyone interested in art to go along and join in the creativity, particularly students in pursuit expressing their passion for art and want to gain guidance from experts.

With lunch included at a local restaurant, the rest of the day is quite a special one. Not only will you meet one of the last traditional Khon Mask makers in the country, the legacy of legendary Thai Puppet Troupe ‘Kam Nai’ continues to thrive here. Not only will the audience watch this graceful performance, but also learn about Thai's way of live costumes, music and language. Different from other western or traditional Thai puppetry, Thai Small Puppets are manipulated by 2 puppeteers simultaneously. The life-like movements are known to be their characteristics. Since the puppeteers themselves are an indispensable integral part of the performance the synchronous moves can only be derived from accomplished Thai classical dancers.

Scenes like these are what earned Bangkok the title of 'Venice of the East' are left behind as you walk back to the nearby Wat (Temple) Kam Phaeng where your chauffeur waits for you to bring you booked hotel at the end of the afternoon.