The Management of Old Quarters and Architecture into Cultural Tourism: a Case Study of Tha Bo in Nong Khai and Tha Uthen in Nakhon Phanom

Abstract

The old quarters tourism has promoted the local development, requiring community participation in leveraging their unique attributes to attract tourists, such as folk art, traditions, local wisdom and history, architecture, and even local geography. Key concept included the appropriate management, building readiness, and creating travel routes linked to other tourist attractions with community participation. The objectives of this research were 1) to propose a management model for transforming old quarters into cultural tourism destinations with community participation; and 2) to investigate areas and guidelines on adapting architecture for cultural tourism in Tha Bo district, Nong Khai province, and Tha Uthen district, Nakhon Phanom province, Thailand. This research employed a mixed method approach, combining typological analysis, component analysis, and synthesizing the findings into policy recommendations.
The study perforemd that the management model for transforming old quarters into cultural tourism destinations, with community participation, as follows: 1) For Tha Bo’s old quarter, using the concept of the "Rock Salt Trail," reflecting the traditional occupation of Tha Bo district, and 2) For Tha Uthen’s old quarter, focusing on linking key attractions such as significant sites (e.g., Phra That) and community cultural areas (Tai Yor). Both areas have required the multidimensional development to enhance their readiness for tourism, focusing on attractions, activities, access, amenities, and accommodation. The proposals for utilizing architecture for cultural tourism included 1) For Tha Bo’s old quarter, designating the area around the intersection of Phadung Samakkhi road and Panich Bamrung road, and 2) For Tha Uthen’s old quarter, designating the area around the intersection of Sri Muang road and Rim Khong road. These areas feature numerous old shophouses with distinctive architectural characteristics which could be preserved, restored, and used as central points for cultural tourism. Additionally, these areas could host the walking street and cultural street events, selling local products and food, along with youth and community cultural performances. Further recommendations for promoting and developing tangible cultural tourism in old quarters included 1) publicizing upcoming activities in old quarters or communities; 2) educating tourists and guiding them through old quarters with community involvement; 3) supporting tourism promotion initiatives with community participation, and 4) emphasizing the value of old quarters, architectural styles, and historical significance to create sustainable conservation strategies for these areas.