THE LINKING TOURIST ROUTES IN NAKHONLUANG DISTRICT, PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE

Abstract

This article aimed to 1) to analyze the tourism potential of attractions in Nakhon Luang district and 2) to establish connections among the cultural tourism routes within the district.

The sample groups in this study consisted of 1) eight local government officials,
2) one official from the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports,
3) one official from the Tourism and Sports Division of the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Administrative Organization, and 4) eight community leaders. The tool used for qualitative data collection was an interview questionnaire. Moreover, quantitative data were collected from 384 Thai tourists using a questionnaire that included personal demographic information and an assessment of the tourism potential of the area's attractions.

The research revealed that Nakhon Luang district has significant religious and cultural tourism resources, including Prasat Nakhon Luang (Nakhon Luang Castle), various temples, and Aranyik knife-making village. These attractions can be categorized into three distinct tourism routes. Furthermore, the factors influencing visits to these attractions include 1) the potential and attractiveness or the sites, 2) tourists’ behavior and interest in tourism, and 3) the area management by relevant agencies, which help to promote and support tourism activities.
The most critical issue affecting tourism routes in Nakhon Luang district is the traffic congestion. Large freight trucks operate throughout the day, posing a safety risk for tourists. Additionally, the area lacks public transportation services and there are insufficient directional signs to guide tourists to other interconnected attractions.