Draft:Sapun Village

• Comment: Lacks sourcing that has gone through an editorial process, and reads like an ad. I dream of horses (Hoofprints) (Neigh at me) 01:14, 25 November 2024 (UTC)

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Sapun

Sapun Village is a small village in Bo Kluea District, Nan Province, about 9 kilometers from Bo Kluea Mountain, the village itself is a small, quiet community amidst the mountains. The places has several tourist attractions such as Sapun waterfall (น้ำตกสะปัน), The Sky Road (ปัว-บ่อเกลือ), Bo Kluea Salt Pans etc.

History

Sapun village is a small peaceful village located amidst mountains in the northern side of Nan Province, to be specific it is located in Bo Kluea District, Nan Province

According to its history Sapun village was established for several hundred years under the leadership of Chao Pho Phaya Yen (เจ้าพ่อพญาเย็น) in its initial there weren’t many people until in 1977 (B.E. 2520) population started to grew so administrative division which are divided into 6 village which are “Ban Den”(บ้านเด่น), “Ban Huai Kha”(บ้านหัว), “Ban Na Pong”(บ้านนาโป่ง), “Ban Na Pu”(บ้านนาปู), and “Ban Than”(บ้านฐาน).^[2]

The name “Ban Sapun” came from the river that flows through the village which was located in Pua District, but due to the administrative district division in 1988 (B.E.2531) now it is located in Bor Kluea District and reassigned in Dong Phaya Subdistrict.

Sapun has also participated in OTOP which is a program in Thailand which aims to support locally made products which Sapun produces rattan and Nan province used to buy and make furniture with the rattan, but eventually the path that is used to carry rattan to Nan has been closed. After that the villagers have been selling rattan to the middle man but they couldn’t handle the cutoff price from the middle man so the villagers had come together to form a group enterprise which is still running till today.

Geography

the landscape and water resources of Sapun Village, highlighting its use of rivers and streams for farming, water, and food. The general landscape of the community consists of high mountains interspersed with small and large valleys, as well as lowland areas along the Wa and Pad rivers. These river plains are used by villagers as rice paddies and vegetable farms. Additionally, there are several important water sources that sustain the lives of the community, including the Wa River (ลําน้ำว้า), Pan River (ลําน้ำปัน), Huai Nua (ห้วยนัวะ), Huai Ta (ห้วยต้า), Huai Kae (ห้วยแกะ), Huai Wan (ห้วยว่าน), Huai Jarong (ห้วยจะรอง), Huai Chang (ห้วยจ้าง), Huai Tae (ห้วยแต้), Huai Ang (ห้วยอ่าง), Huai Kha (ห้วยข่า), Huai Fan (ห้วยแฟน), Huai Luek (ห้วยลึก), Huai Salun (ห้วยสะลุน), and Huai Pan (ห้วยปาน). These streams are the sources of the village’s mountain water supply. All these creeks flow into the Wa River(ลำน้ำว้า), which is the main waterway that locals rely on for food, such as fish, crabs, shrimp, shellfish, ferns, and various other vegetables.^[1]

Forest Resource

The forests in the Sapan Village area are still considered to be very abundant, especially within the village’s conservation and community forests, which cover approximately 4,000 rai. These are mountain rainforests with high humidity and abundant green trees all year round. The area is rich in plant and animal diversity, and the village’s forests are also important sources of water used by the locals for daily needs. The forests in the Sapan community can be categorized as follows:

1.The conservation forest is a protected area where cutting trees or utilizing any resources is prohibited, as it is a headwater forest. They believe that there are celestial beings, mountain spirits, and ancestral spirits guarding the forest. This belief reinforces the villagers' respect and commitment to preserving the forest. By using the community’s beliefs in spirits and sacred entities, these traditions are effectively used to aid in conservation efforts.^[1]

2.The community forest is an area that serves both as a headwater forest and a resource for villagers, who use it to gather vegetables, mushrooms, and firewood. As a result, there are strict prohibitions against rice farming in the community forest and against any form of forest invading or clearing. There are also rules and regulations about the use of the community forest, which were created and are followed by the villagers. The community forest is located to the west of the village, which borders the Khun Nan National Park.^[1]

Tourist Attraction

1.The Sky Road (Pua-Bo Kluea) is a route connecting Pua District to Bo Kluea District, stretching for approximately 16 kilometers. Most of the road is paved with asphalt, winding through steep mountain ranges, offering views of the Doi Phu Kha and Doi Phu Wae mountains. ^[4]

2.Phat Phap Curve is located on Route 1256 between Pua District and Bo Kluea District. This curve is known for its winding and intricate bends, passing through steep mountains and offering views of the Doi Phu Kha and Doi Phu Wae mountains.

3. Yod Wela Café is a charming café located on a hillside, offering beautiful views of the Doi Phu Kha and Doi Phu Wae mountain ranges.

4. Wat Ban Sapan is an ancient temple which has been a central part of Sapan Village. Built in the reign of King Rama V. Inside the temple are full of sacred items like “Marn Wichai Buddha Statue” , Lanna art style , “Phra That Sapun”

5. Sapan Bridge is a rope bridge that crosses over the Mang river located at the entrance to sapan village this bridge is a viewpoint offering scenic views of the Mang River and the Doi Phu Kha mountain range

6. Sapan Waterfall is a waterfall located in Khun Nan national Park within the area of Ban Sapan Nuea. It is a medium size waterfall with 3 levels the highest level would reach 6 meters. Sapan Waterfall has water flowing all year round and is naturally beautiful.

7.Bo Kluea Salt Pans is the largest natural salt pan in Nan Province, located in Ban Bo Kluea. This salt pan is both beautiful and historically significant, serving as an important source of salt for Thailand.

Transportation

• Car To reach Sapan Village from Nan city, start by taking Highway No. 1169 through Santisuk District. Continue on Highway No. 1081 towards Bo Kluea District. After passing Bo Kluea District, drive approximately 8 kilometers further until you encounter a fork in the road on the right. Take the right turn to enter Sapan Village.
• Bus Travelers starting from Nan city can take a blue commuter bus from the Nan Bus Terminal, which operates on the Nan–Tha Wang Pha–Pua route. These buses run from early morning until early evening, departing every 30 minutes. The fare from Nan Bus Terminal to Pua District is 50 baht per person, and the journey takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, as the bus makes multiple stops to pick up and drop off passengers along the route. The final stop is at the bus station on Highway No. 1081, located behind Pua Municipality Market.
• Bus (from Bangkok) For travelers coming from Bangkok, it is recommended to disembark at the Pua Bus Station (e.g., Sombat Tour, Bus Terminal). From there, you can either take a motorbike taxi for 20 baht or a commuter car (10 baht) heading towards Nan. The commuter car will drop you off at the commuter car stop (navy blue) for the Pua–Bo Kluea route. This stop is located on the side of Highway 1081, behind the Pua Fresh Market and next to the sports field, and is the same location as the commuter car stop (light blue) for the Pua–Tha Wang Pha–Nan route.

Reference

1.https://wikicommunity.sac.or.th/community/1620#chck14 ^[1]

2.https://dongphayanan.go.th/tour-detail_327 ^[2]

3.https://baanklangkaosapan.com/th/news/view/sapan ^[3]

4.Nan Province