Rating: 3.2/5 (9 votes)

Open Days: Monday–Friday

Opening Hours: 08.30–16.30 (Closed on weekends and public holidays)

 

Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Centre is located within the upper watershed forest of Khun Mae Kuang in Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province. Covering an area of approximately 8,500 rai, the centre was established under a royal initiative to function as a “living natural museum.” Rather than presenting knowledge through static displays, it allows visitors to observe real-world development in action—from forests, soil, and water management at the source, to livelihoods and community development through agriculture, fisheries, and livestock. One of the centre’s strengths is its walkable learning landscape, where demonstration areas blend seamlessly with natural environments, making it suitable both for educational visits and for those interested in understanding holistic land management systems.

 

The core philosophy guiding development here is the concept of “Three Types of Forests for Four Benefits.” In simple terms, this means managing forests to include timber trees, fruit trees, and fuelwood trees. These provide not only direct economic and subsistence value, but also the crucial fourth benefit: conserving soil and water, retaining moisture, and maintaining healthy watershed ecosystems. At Huai Hong Khrai, this concept is not theoretical. It is tested, demonstrated, and refined through real land management practices that show how strong natural foundations support sustainable agriculture, livestock, and community livelihoods.

 

Learning within the centre is intentionally designed to show a clear “source-to-outcome” process. The upstream focus is on forest conservation, watershed protection, and soil and water management. Downstream, visitors encounter fisheries in reservoirs, agricultural plots, livestock operations, and selected agro-industrial activities. Even without in-depth study, visitors can quickly grasp the broader idea that sustainable development begins with restoring and strengthening natural capital before extending into economic and community benefits.

 

What distinguishes Huai Hong Khrai from many other nature-based attractions is its strong connection with surrounding communities. Today, ten villages are located around the centre, benefiting directly from knowledge transfer and applied development models. In addition, the centre oversees four satellite projects across Northern Thailand, ensuring that learning does not end with a single visit but continues through practical application. For visitors interested in royal development initiatives or sustainable resource management, this centre provides a clear and concise overview of how systems thinking works in practice.

 

The overall atmosphere is ideal for a half-day to full-day visit. The site is extensive, and each learning area offers insights from different perspectives. Visitors who enjoy nature photography will find a mix of forest landscapes, water bodies, and demonstration activities that feel like an open-air classroom—unhurried, reflective, and rich with ideas to take home.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai city, take Highway 118 (Chiang Mai–Chiang Rai Road) for approximately 23 kilometers. Then turn right and continue about 1 kilometer to reach the centre’s entrance and coordination office.

 

 

A: It is open Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 16.30, and closed on weekends and public holidays.

 

A: No, admission is free, making it suitable for half-day or full-day educational visits.

 

A: Yes. It is recommended to contact the centre in advance to arrange a guided visit, especially for groups.

 

A: The centre stands out for showing real, integrated systems—from watershed and forest restoration to agriculture, fisheries, and livestock—making sustainable development concepts easy to understand in practice.

 

A: Typically around 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic and your starting point, via Highway 118.