Creating Culture Tourism Routes Based on the Cultural Heritage A Case Study Glutinous Rice Communities in Nakhon Phanom

Abstract

Creating tourism routes based on cultural heritage, a case study of a glutinous rice community in Nakhon Phanom, province, aimed to study the potential of glutinous rice communities in Nakhon Phanom province to develop cultural tourism routes linking significant tourist attractions in Nakhon Phanom province. This qualitative research employed participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions to identify glutinous rice-producing communities with potential for cultural tourism. The research aimed to uncover tourism activities that showcased local identity and characteristics. The study resulted in 3 prominent community tourism sites showcasing glutinous rice culture included the Na Thon Subdistrict Cultural Tourism Community, the Ban Na Lom Sweet Rice Community Enterprise, and the Ton Phueng Subdistrict Rice Processing Community Enterprise (Khao Suk). Focus group interviews were conducted to develop tourism routes based on the values of “Belief, Religion, Food, and Cultural Inheritance of Nakhon Phanom People”, which comprised two main paths: “Worshiping Phra That Phanom, Visiting Tribal Culture” and “Wisdom of the Mekong River Naga”.

In order for tourism to enhance the economic potential in the context of the community, the project aimed to enhance the participation of community members, supported the management system of community products and transfered knowledge according to the needs of the areas, generated income from glutinous rice products such as Khao Mao cupcakes, organic brown rice, rice straw-dyed fabric, etc.