Rating: 4/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Every day

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Phothiwittayalai Sakaeo is a new model of higher education in Thailand that integrates the “Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy” with experiential learning in nature. The college is situated amidst a semi-forest landscape in Watthana Nakhon District, Sakaeo Province. The campus was designed to blend harmoniously with streams, forests, and nearby communities. It is more than a university in the forest—it is a “forest that teaches humans,” encouraging people to reconnect with nature and understand the interdependence of all living things.

 

The core vision of Phothiwittayalai is to develop “people who can solve social crises,” not just graduates for the job market. Learning here is grounded in real-world experience—living with forests, soil, water, animals, and communities—to allow students to learn from reality, through direct observation and action. The curriculum integrates various disciplines such as organic agriculture, environmental studies, humanities, community development, and resource management, turning learning into a life practice rather than mere theory.

 

Key learning areas are arranged as “learning bases” scattered across the landscape, with the Forest Stream Learning Base as the highlight. Visitors can follow a nature trail along the stream, observe plant roots, mosses, soil layers, water cycles, and animal traces. Every sense—sight, sound, smell, and touch—becomes part of the learning process. Other learning bases include sustainable agriculture and renewable energy, each encouraging reflection on how humans can live more harmoniously with nature.

 

Learning experiences often begin with curiosity—asking, “How does nature work?”—followed by observation, experimentation, and reflection that lead to real community benefits. Examples include creating natural firebreaks, managing water systems, restoring degraded soil, documenting local flora, and conducting small-scale research projects born from real community issues. The surrounding environment serves as an open-air classroom that changes with the seasons, offering new lessons and perspectives every time students return.

 

For general visitors, Phothiwittayalai occasionally opens its learning bases for educational activities. Some programs focus on observing nature, reading landscapes, mindful walking, and community service. A visit here is not about sightseeing but about “learning and doing,” an experience that often reshapes how visitors perceive their relationship with the natural world.

 

Located in Sakaeo, an eastern border province rich in forests, mountains, and multicultural communities, Phothiwittayalai serves as a bridge between academia and local wisdom. It brings together traditional knowledge and modern science, fostering small experiments that grow into sustainable development practices.

 

Getting There The college is accessible from Bangkok via Highway 33 (Suwannasorn Road) toward Watthana Nakhon District. Follow the signs to the college and confirm the latest meeting point with staff before visiting, as routes within the learning area may vary by season.

 

In essence, Phothiwittayalai Sakaeo is a living classroom that harmonizes wisdom and nature. Visitors walk, observe, listen, and engage with their surroundings—learning by heart and hand. It is an education that begins by simply being human.

 

 

A: It is located in Watthana Nakhon District, Sakaeo Province, surrounded by semi-forest areas with learning bases spread across the site. Visitors should confirm access points with staff before visiting.

 

A: Yes, during scheduled activities or study programs. Advance coordination is recommended.

 

A: The Forest Stream Learning Base—an immersive nature trail that lets visitors study ecosystems firsthand.

 

A: Late rainy to early winter season is ideal when the forest is lush and vibrant.

 

A: Wear breathable clothing, hiking shoes, a hat, bring water, and follow safety and environmental guidelines during the visit.

 

A: Yes. There are nature-based camps and learning programs suitable for all ages.

 

A: Walking trails, open pavilions, activity spaces, restrooms, parking areas, and relaxation spots for visitors.