Rating: 3.2/5 (6 votes)

Open Days: Monday–Friday (recommended to check in advance, especially on public holidays or during field operations)

Opening Hours: 08.30–16.30

 

Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Center is a peaceful green retreat near Chiang Mai that does not require a deep mountain drive, yet offers a calm, nature-rich atmosphere that naturally slows the pace of the mind. Rather than being a flashy photo landmark, the center serves as a living learning space under the Royal Initiative, demonstrating how forests, soil, and water function together as real-life systems that sustain communities and help restore watershed areas in a practical and tangible way.

 

The center is located on the boundary between Pa Miang and Mae Pong subdistricts in Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province. Its proximity to the city makes it ideal for visitors who want to shift from urban busyness to a relaxed walk through a green environment with meaningful educational value. Whether visiting alone, with family, or as a half-day trip, the experience is rewarding because it offers not just photographs, but a clearer understanding of natural resource management that can be observed directly.

 

The core philosophy of this area is the concept of “Three Types of Forests, Four Benefits.” In simple terms, this approach focuses on planting and restoring forests with diverse purposes: utility trees, food or fruit trees, and fuelwood. When these forests are properly matched to the landscape and carefully maintained, the outcome goes beyond basic livelihood resources and leads to the crucial fourth benefit—soil and water conservation, increased moisture retention, and the restoration of healthy upstream watershed systems.

 

Walking through the site, visitors can sense that this philosophy is not merely theoretical. It is reflected in the landscape, the shade, the environmental conditions, and the systematic management of the area. One of the most appealing aspects of the center is its open, airy, and tranquil atmosphere, which invites slow walking, quiet observation of trees, listening to the wind, and learning without pressure. The entire area feels like a large outdoor classroom that gently reminds visitors that caring for forests is inseparable from improving human quality of life.

 

For those seeking activities, the center is well suited for leisurely walks along internal paths to observe forestry research and soil-and-water conservation projects, as well as to witness ecosystem recovery from perspectives often overlooked in everyday life. The relaxed environment allows visitors to set their own pace—whether arriving in the morning for a calm stroll or visiting in the afternoon to rest their eyes from screens, each time of day offers a different mood.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai city, head northeast along Highway 118 (Chiang Mai–Chiang Rai Road) for approximately 27 kilometers. The center is located on the right-hand side of the main road, with an access road extending about 2 kilometers inward. The route is suitable for all types of vehicles.

 

To ensure a smooth visit, it is recommended to allow a little extra time for the turnoff from the main road. If you plan to explore the area more thoroughly, wear comfortable walking shoes, bring drinking water, and keep noise to a minimum—the true charm of this place lies in its quietness, which allows nature’s sounds to be heard clearly.

 

 

A: It is ideal for educational nature walks, learning about Royal Initiative projects, and quiet, meaningful relaxation in a natural setting.

 

A: It refers to planting forests for utility, food, and fuel, which then create a fourth benefit—protecting soil and water, increasing moisture, and restoring healthy watershed systems.

 

A: The journey is convenient, using Highway 118 for about 27 kilometers, followed by a short 2-kilometer drive from the main road into the center.

 

A: Late rainy season through winter is the most comfortable, with cooler temperatures and lush greenery.

 

A: For a general visit, 1–2 hours is sufficient. For deeper learning and exploration, half a day is recommended.