Ban Chiang

Ban Chiang Review

The chief attraction near Udon Thani is Ban Chiang, about 60 km (37 mi) east of the city. At this Bronze Age settlement, archaeologists have found evidence to suggest a civilization thrived here more than 7,000 years ago. The United Nations declared it a World Heritage Site in 1992. The peculiar pottery—red-on-cream with swirling geometric spirals—indicates that this civilization was ahead of its time in cultural development. Even more intriguing are the copper bells and glass beads found here, many of which are similar to some found in North and Central America. This poses the question: did Asians trade with Americans 7,000 years ago, or even migrate halfway around the world? You can reach Ban Chiang from Udon Thani on the local bus (50 km on the Sakhon Nakhon Road, then 6 km north by motorbike taxi) or take a car and driver for about B800.