Chiang Mai Royal Agricultural Research Center (Khun Wang)

Chiang Mai Royal agricultural Research Center (Khun Wang) Chiang Mai Royal Agricultural Research Center (Khun Wang) was established after His Majesty the King had visited Baan Khun Wang in 1980, and had observed that the land had been growing opium extensively. Therefore, the King assigned the Garden Plant Division, Thailand Department of Agriculture to demonstrate and breed crops on the area for supporting and passing on the technology know-how to highland farmers. This is to encourage them to do the plantation instead of growing opium.This research center is surrounded by Inthanon Mountain ranges, 16 kilometers away from the main road. As a result, personal vehicles are recommended, or tourists can take a local taxi bus from the trailhead as well. The center sets itself on the area of 450 rais, consist of a variety of winter fruits, such as chinese pears, plums, peaches, nectarines, and strawberries. Visitors can pick them freshly from the tree for tasting. Moreover, in winter, especially in the mid of January to February, the hill will be covered with a blanket of pink Wild Himalayan Cherry flowers (Hill Sakura), giving a splendid picturesque sight to the visitors. Furthermore, those bird watchers shouldn’t miss this place, since Inthanon mountain is home to various species of birds.Apart from the activities mentioned above, tourist can also go sightseeing along the demonstration plant beds. The center guides will take you along the touring route. For transportation, the pick-up truck, 4 wheelers, and bicycles are needed. Notably, the site has many interesting spots that the travellers shouldn’t miss, for example, winter plant beds, coffee beds, coffee hulling manufactories, demonstration beds of Macadamia which originated in Australia. Visitors can pick and taste the sweet and richly scented Macadamia nuts fresh, or try those salted nuts. Besides, the center is also doing the nut extraction experiment for making cosmetics as well.For those who are interested, Chiang Mai Royal Agricultural Research Center (Khun Wang) is open everyday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center provides 4 guest houses, each of which is suitable for 4-8 visitors. There are two camping spots, at the lawn in front of the office, and at Rab Sadej Valley. Both spots can take 100 visitors at its fullest. Food service is available in a friendly price. Tourist can taste Arabica coffee for free all day. Please contact in advance before visiting at 0 5311 4133, 0 5311 4136.