The Dan Sai Folk Museum (Phi Ta Khon), Dan Sai
Loei Province

The Dan Sai Museum is located in Wat Ponechai in Dan Sai town. It is housed in an old chamber built in 1935 in the local wooden architectural style. The museum displays collection of artifacts related to the culture and tradition of Dan Sai town. The first room provides information of 400-year-old history of Dan Sai and a legend of Phra That Srisongruk. The second zone is about Phi Ta Khon Festivals as well as the important story of Heet Sip Song Kong Sip See (Isaan tradition) and Bunluang Festival which are meant to educate players and spectators to truly understand the fundamentals of the festival. The third zone is the video room features the history of Dan Sai, the Bunluang ceremony, the Pee Ta Khon ritual, local food and important personalities of Dan Sai. The forth zone displays all items of Dan Sai pride such as local herbal medicines and tourist attractions in the area. The fifth zone is the demonstration, every weekend, of how Pee Ta Khon masks are made. One can also try on the masks and costumes. The last zone has a restaurant and a souvenir shop which sells items such as tiny masks and Pee Ta Khon ceramics to bring in revenues to operate the museum.
The formation of the museum started in 1979 when TAT promoted tourism in the area and consistency draws more people visiting this town. With a huge demand on the background of this colorful festival, Dan Sai Adult Education Center officers established the museum with the fund from TAT and Loei Province as well as supports from the abbot of Wat Ponechai and the communities.