Salt Farm
According to official statistics in 2018, Phetchaburi is ranked number one in sea salt farming, accounting for around 46% of the total area of salt pans throughout the Kingdom. The rural highway No. 2021 flanked on either side by acres and acres of salt mounds during the dry season gives Ban Laem District breathtaking views. The salt is normally farmed once a year, starting in September after the rainy season, and will last about 7 months until May the following year. The salt is harvested in January through a solar evaporating process, with a combination of wind and sunlight, evaporating the water from shallow marshes, leaving dazzling white crystals behind. After harvesting, the salt is washed, drained and refined until its salinity reaches the required level. There are large drying sheds at the edge of the farm. Once the salt is processed, it is bagged for sale by the roadside or in local shops. The top-grade “Dok Kluea” or flower of salt is highly sought after for upmarket skincare product as well as spa treatments and can fetch high prices. 10
