The Northern Thai Village หมู่บ้านไทยภาคเหนือ

The main part of the house is constructed of wood. The common deck together with the water hall (Ruean Nam) are built adjacent to the house. The water hall, considered nec es sary part of the house, is a roofed deck where three to four small pots are placed side by side. Next to the deck, in a larger northern Thai house, there is possibly Pa-Lai or an open hall functioning as a meeting room. Bedrooms are inside the house. Another unique characteristic of the northern Thai house is a carved piece of wood placed above the door. This piece of wood is normally intricately carved with traditional designs and called Ham Yon. It is a mys ti cal sign believed to help protect the residents from all harm.