History & Origin of the Tai-Phake Community

The Tai-Phake people are descendants of the great Tai race who migrated from the Shan kingdom of Mongmao (Myanmar) around the 18th century. The word "Phake" derives from the Tai words Pha (wall) and Ke (ancient/old), referring to the ancient stone-walled settlements of their ancestors. Namphake Village, established around 1850, is today the largest and most important Tai-Phake settlement in Assam, with nearly 600 people residing in beautifully maintained stilt houses called Houn Hang.

Despite globalisation, the Tai-Phake community has remarkably preserved their language, food habits, traditional dress, religious rituals, and community values—making the village one of Assam’s richest cultural heritage sites.

Namphake Buddhist Monastery – The Heart of the Village

The biggest attraction of the village is the Namphake Buddhist Monastery, one of Assam’s oldest and most respected Buddhist centres. Established in 1850, the monastery is known as the Mini Thai Monastery due to its Thai-style architecture and close cultural ties with Southeast Asian Buddhist traditions.

Important attractions inside the monastery include:

• Mucalinda Tank (Nong Mung Chiringta) – A sacred water tank

• Ashoka Pillar

• Pagodas (Cong Moo)

• Dhamma Cheti (repository of ancient Buddhist manuscripts)

• Kyang Fra (Buddhist statue chamber)

• Puthi Tree – grown from a branch of the original Bodhi Tree at Bodhgaya

• Buddhist relics, scrolls, artefacts & manuscripts

The monastery serves as a meditation centre, attracting monks and visitors seeking peace and spiritual reflection.

Culture & Lifestyle of the Tai-Phake People

The Tai-Phake community follows the Theravada sect of Buddhism mixed with ancient animistic rituals. Their traditional attire includes:

• Faa – colourful garments for men

• Nangwat – breast wrap dress for married women

• Faa Fouk – white embroidered cloth for young girls

• Faa Ho – ceremonial turbans for elders

The villagers speak a Tai dialect close to Thai, making the language mutually understandable to Thai visitors. The Princess of Thailand visited Namphake in 2009, strengthening cultural ties between the communities.

Festivals

Major Tai-Phake festivals celebrated in Namphake include:

• Poi-Nen-Chi (March – to honour Lord Buddha)

• Poi-Nun-Hok (May – Birth anniversary of Buddha)

• Poi Sang Ken (April – water festival similar to Songkran)

• Poi Ok Wa, Poi Kanta, Poi Jayanti, Poi Kham Chang and many more

During these festivals, the village comes alive with traditional dance, chanting, rituals, and communal feasts.

Where to Stay in and Around Namphake Village

Visitors can stay in the nearby eco-tourism options and resorts:

1) Tai-Phakey Eco Tourism Camp (Tipam Phakey Village)

• Cottages with 10–16 bed capacity

• Includes meals (breakfast & lunch)

• River picnic, swimming, bird watching, trekking

• Cultural tours & library

• Price: ₹1700 per cottage per day

• Contact: +91 9577322997 / 8486843784

2) Eco-resorts near Burhi Dihing River

Several nature camps and river-view resorts near Dehing Patkai National Park offer accommodation for travellers visiting Namphake.

When to Visit Tai-Phakey Village

Best time to visit: November to February (winter, comfortable weather)

Most culturally vibrant time:

• March (Poi-Nen-Chi Festival)

• April (Poi Sang Ken)

• May (Buddha Purnima)
  These months offer the best cultural experience and pleasant climate.

How to Reach Namphake Village

By Road

• 5–6 km from Naharkatia town

• 37 km from Dibrugarh city

• Well connected by local buses, shared cabs, and private cars

By Rail

• Nearest railway station: Naharkatia Railway Station

• Major railway junction: Dibrugarh Town / Dibrugarh Junction

By Air

• Nearest airport: Dibrugarh Airport (Mohanbari) – approx. 60 km

Quick Info Table on Namphake Village (Tai-Phakey Village)

FAQs on Namphake Village (Tai-Phakey Village)

1. What is Namphake Village famous for?
   Namphake Village is known for its Tai-Phake Buddhist culture, historic monastery, stilt houses, festivals, and unique Thai-influenced traditions.

2. Where is Namphake Village located?
   Namphake Village is located near Naharkatia town in Dibrugarh district, Assam, along the banks of the Burhi Dihing River.

3. Who are the Tai-Phake people?
   The Tai-Phake are a Buddhist ethnic community who migrated from Myanmar in the 18th century and have preserved their original Tai culture.

4. What is special about Namphake Monastery?
   Established in 1850, the monastery features pagodas, sacred relics, Mucalinda Tank, Ashoka Pillar, and architecture resembling Thai Buddhist temples.

5. How do I reach Namphake Village?
   You can reach Namphake via road from Naharkatia (6 km), by train to Naharkatia Railway Station, or by air to Dibrugarh Airport.

6. What is the best time to visit Namphake Village?
   The ideal time is November to February, or during Buddhist festivals like Poi-Nen-Chi, Poi Sang Ken, and Buddha Purnima.

7. Is there accommodation near Namphake?
   Yes, Tai-Phakey Eco Tourism Camp and several eco-resorts near Burhi Dihing River offer cottages and cultural experiences.

8. What language do people speak in Namphake?
   People speak a Tai dialect similar to Thai, along with Assamese.

9. Are there tourist attractions near Namphake?
   Nearby attractions include Dehing Patkai National Park, Tipam, river eco-camps, and Buddhist cultural sites.

10. Is Namphake Village safe for tourists?
    Yes, the village is peaceful, culturally rich, and known for its disciplined and welcoming community.