The site is Thailand’s second archaeological site (the first was Ban Chiang) to be set up as an outdoor museum. Findings indicate that the area was once inhabited by a prehistory to early history community. In addition, there is evidence that a community of the Dvaravati and Khmer periods thrived here some 1,500 to 3,000 years ago. There are 3 pits that have been landscaped and are open to the public. Discoveries of human skeletons and many pottery pieces that were dug up from various levels are evidence of human evolution, community beliefs and culture. To get there from the city, you take Highway No. 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Khon Kaen) for 44 kilometers and then turn right and proceed for 1 kilometer. If going by bus from Bangkok or Nakhon Ratchasima, take a bus bound for Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, or Kalasin. Get off at the 44-km marker and take a hired motorcycle into the village.
Ban Prasat Home Stay
As there are numerous attractions in the area, home stay is an alternative for visitors interested in spending more than one day at Ban Prasat. The program was first initiated in 1996 and currently serves as the prototype home stay program for other villages across Thailand. The best time for a visit is between October and December when the climate is cool. Ban Prasat villagers, like other villagers in the region, are mostly farmers. Because rice farming is done once a year, villagers use their free time to supplement their income by creating handicrafts such as weaving reed mats and hats, producing shoes and bags, breeding silkworm, and making Thai stringed musical instruments like So U and So Duang. Paddy fields surround the village and a river, Than Prasat, which is considered a sacred river, divides Ban Prasat Nua and Ban Prasat Tai.