Rating: 3.7/5 (7 votes)

Open Days: Daily (recommended to call/arrange in advance before traveling, especially during the rainy season)

Opening Hours: Generally 08.00–17.00 (may vary depending on field operations)

 

Mae Chon Luang Agricultural Experiment Station is a learning-focused destination in Chiang Mai that feels different from the usual “go for photos” kind of trip. The heart of this place is its highland research and demonstration area for cool-climate crops under the Royal Initiative, where you can see the diversity of plants, how trial plots are managed, and the practical way highland farming has to work with mountains, weather, and seasons to truly be sustainable.

 

If you plan to visit between early and late January, the scene many people look forward to is the blooming of Nang Phaya Suea Khroeng (Thai cherry blossoms), turning suitable spots a beautiful shade of pink. But even if you miss the cherry blossom window, it’s still worth coming—Mae Chon Luang has a wide range of crops that take turns flowering and fruiting throughout the year, so each visit tends to give you a slightly different seasonal picture.

 

A simple route to follow inside the station starts at the information service point, where there are often exhibits and media introducing the station. Next is the pear plot, usually used to illustrate the difference between Western pears and Chinese pears. Then you’ll reach the cool-climate flower plots such as gerbera, statice, and petunia, before moving on to the strawberry plot and pesticide-free vegetable plots. Early in the year (around January to March) is a popular time because you can clearly see strawberries in the trial plot (actual yields depend on weather each year, so it’s best to check ahead if you’re coming for a specific activity).

 

Another area that gives Mae Chon Luang its distinct character is the tea research plot. Besides seeing trial work, you may have a chance to watch and taste parts of the tea processing in certain periods, or even try a local specialty like a special tea-leaf salad that’s not easy to find elsewhere. There are also other test plots many visitors are curious about, such as macadamia, passion fruit, and Chinese chestnut. Altogether, these plots make it clear this isn’t just a place designed to look pretty—it’s built to generate knowledge and suitability so highland cultivation can truly “go the distance.”

 

One thing to know before you come: Mae Chon Luang is essentially a fieldwork area with simple visitor facilities. The best experience usually comes from walking slowly, respecting the boundaries of trial plots, and not entering areas that aren’t open to visitors. If you contact the staff in advance, you’ll often get tips that make the visit far more worthwhile than wandering blindly. This matters even more in the rainy season, when unpaved sections can add time to the trip.

 

Getting There There are 2 common routes. Route 1 follows the Chiang Mai–Hot road, passes Chom Thong, then turns right up Doi Inthanon. At Km. 31, turn right and pass the Doi Inthanon Royal Project Development Center, continuing on paved road for about 16 km to the Khun Wang area. From there, continue about 6 km, with some unpaved road before reaching the station. Total distance is about 120 km and typically takes around 2–3 hours. Route 2 goes from Chiang Mai via San Pa Tong, enters Highway 1013 to Mae Wang District, then turns left and winds up the mountains through several villages before reaching the station (with around 15 km of unpaved road near the end, based on the provided information). Total distance is about 92 km and takes around 2–2.5 hours. Please allow extra time and drive carefully, especially in the rainy season.

 

 

A: It’s ideal for travelers who want a learning-based Chiang Mai trip—people interested in the Royal Project, highland agriculture, and real trial/demonstration plots rather than only photo spots.

 

A: Generally, early to late January offers a good chance to see Nang Phaya Suea Khroeng in bloom, but it depends on the weather each year. Calling ahead is recommended.

 

A: Based on the provided information, around January to March can be an interesting period, but actual yields depend on weather and plot management each year. It’s best to confirm with the staff.

 

A: If you plan to combine the trip with Inthanon/Khun Wang, the Chom Thong–Inthanon route is often easier to plan. If you prefer a shorter total distance, the Mae Wang route may be an option. Both routes include unpaved sections near the end, so choose based on weather and your vehicle’s readiness.

 

A: Yes—there are guesthouses and camping areas (per the provided information). Contact the station in advance to confirm conditions, capacity, and current rules for your travel date.

 

A: Watch for slippery roads and unpaved sections that may be difficult to pass. Allow extra time, check your vehicle, prioritize safety, and call ahead to confirm road conditions before departing.