Buddhist Innovations in Developing Archaeological Tourism Routes in Nong Khai Province

Abstract

The research project, "Buddhist Innovations in Developing Archaeological Tourism Routes in Nong Khai Province," has three objectives:(๑) To conduct an exploratory study and develop a cultural tourism route of the type of Buddhist archaeological site in Nong Khai Province.(๒) To organize activities to promote learning about Buddhist innovations and develop cultural tourism routes in the form of Buddhist archaeological sites in Nong Khai Province.(๓) To evaluate the effectiveness of Buddhist innovation in developing cultural tourism routes of the type of Buddhist archaeological sites in Nong Khai Province.

            This research is qualitative, employing action research as part of its methodology. It emphasizes analysis in both spatial and target group contexts.The research process was structured through lesson learned extraction and the integration of data obtained from interviews, observations, and collaborative activities in the study area and with the target group, in a participatory manner at every stage.

            The research results found that (๑) there are many Buddhist archaeological sites in Nong Khai province because it was a city that was prosperous in the past.However, the research team selected ๑๒ archaeological sites in two districts: Nong Khai City District and Tha Bo District, that are conducive to developing tourism routes.That was then used to develop cultural tourism routes.(๒) There are activities being organized to promote cultural tourism of the archaeological site type in Nong Khai Province, namely:(๑) Training activities for young tour guides to promote cultural tourism, etc.(๒) Training activities to provide knowledge about cultural tourism through the process of taking tourists to see the ๑๓ cultural tourism routes.(๓) Conduct an assessment of the implementation of cultural tourism route development through the process of (๑) in-depth interviews.and (๒) the small group meetings found that the community's response was positive.