Living Old Town Takuapa: Ancient Architectures and the Retro Way of Life that Make Up the Local Identity for Nostalgia Tourism

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine how ancient architecture and activities to revive the retro way of life which are used to construct local identity for culturally nostalgic tourism. The data of this qualitative research is based on four concepts: a process core concept Identity, Nostalgia and Supporting concept Representation, Cultural Tourism were collected from in-depth interviews with 9 key informants who gave historical data, group They were members of tourism project organizers, community committee members, and tourists, and from non-participant observations on the activities and projects organized in the town. The data were categorized, decoded, interpreted, and concluded. The study found that local identities are used to upgrade the town for cultural tourism. Architectures in the mining period of the town consisting of Sino-Portuguese buildings, Tao Ming School building, ancient town walls, ancient official residence of the governor, Khun In’s House, Chinese shrines, and an ancient steam boiler constitute one part of the town’s identity. The other part of the identity consists of activities that revive the retro way of life.  “Talad Kao” or the old market has been opened to represent the retro way of life, and street art on the wall has been made available for tourists to have their photos taken. Other activities include opening the Takola Town Gate, paying respect to Phra Boromathat relics, andBaba Club activities based on ancient costumes, traditions, rituals, and food.  These ancient local identities have been used to construct the local identity for culturally nostalgic tourism.