Did you know that Chachoengsao is not only a prime area for cultivating high-quality mangoes in Thailand, but it’s also a significant producer of fresh, aromatic sugar? Particularly in the village of Na Tang, located in Pak Nam Subdistrict, Bang Kla District, which boasts the highest concentration of nipa palm trees in the eastern region of Thailand. The locals in this community maintain a deep connection to the nipa palm and primarily pursue the production of fresh palm sugar and solid sugar, relying on traditional knowledge passed down from their ancestors. This skill involves everything from harvesting the nipa sap to the precise methods of producing high-quality fresh sugar. Though the number of people practicing this trade has gradually diminished due to changing social conditions—some families have abandoned their nipa palm groves, while others have converted their land into shrimp farms—there remain individuals dedicated to preserving the legacy of nipa palm sugar production. Tourists can visit the sugar production stations to learn how fresh palm sugar is made, also known as “Somnuek,” which continues to uphold the traditional wisdom of Pak Nam Subdistrict and ensures it doesn’t fade away with the passage of time. For more information, you can call 0 3851 1635.
Photo Credit: ททท.สำนักงานฉะเชิงเทรา
fresh sugar village
Province: Chachoengsao