Rating: 4.3/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Seasonal (usually February–May when fruits ripen); visitors are advised to contact the community in advance.

Opening Hours: Not fixed – depend on community activities and harvest schedules.

 

Cashew Orchard, Ban Khao Ta-in, Rayong Province is a vast agricultural area located in Moo 5, Chum Saeng Subdistrict, surrounded by hundreds of cashew trees. The orchard is at its most beautiful during the fruiting season when bright red and yellow cashew apples contrast vividly against glossy green leaves, creating a vibrant natural palette. The atmosphere blends rural simplicity with agricultural wisdom – ideal for slow walkers, photographers, and anyone curious about the process of roasting cashew nuts and the life behind the product.

 

Cashew is an important economic crop in eastern Thailand. Its fruit, known as the “cashew apple,” grows from the flower stem and ripens from light green to yellow and red. The actual nut develops at the end of the fruit and must be carefully roasted or baked before eating. Visiting during the harvest allows guests to observe the full growth cycle – from blossoms to ripe fruits and through to the local processing steps.

 

The experience here is simple yet fulfilling. Visitors can stroll among shady trees, photograph the colorful fruits, and taste local products such as freshly roasted cashew nuts, flavored varieties with salt, chili, or herbs. A hat and comfortable shoes are recommended since paths alternate between soil and gravel. Occasionally, the community organizes hands-on activities such as nut selection or roasting workshops, deepening understanding of the farmers’ craftsmanship.

 

Benefits of Cashew: Beyond its rich flavor, cashew nuts are a source of protein and unsaturated fat that support heart health. They contain key minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and copper, aiding the nervous and immune systems. The cashew apple itself is high in fiber and vitamin C and is often made into juice, jam, or fruit salad. Some communities even make tea from young leaves or compost from cashew waste, showing a sustainable use of resources and zero-waste farming practices.

 

For those interested in cultivation, eastern Thailand’s cashew farms prefer sandy loam soil with good drainage, full sunlight, and airy pruning to reduce leaf diseases. Harvesting happens when fruits change color and emit a mild fragrance. Good nuts must be separated, sun-dried, and then roasted carefully (the outer shell contains a caustic oil). Local farmers roast them gently over medium heat to maintain the aroma and crisp texture.

 

Tourists should plan visits according to the season (around February–May). Morning light is soft and ideal for photography, while late morning brings more vivid colors. Families can enjoy walking under rows of trees, and food lovers can take home freshly roasted cashews – perfect with black coffee for a rich and balanced flavor.

 

Getting There: From Rayong City, take Highway No.3 (Sukhumvit Road), then follow the route heading inland toward Chum Saeng Subdistrict (Moo 5, Ban Khao Ta-in). The inner road near the orchard alternates between concrete and dirt, so drive carefully. For those without a car, it’s best to reach the nearby district first and then hire a local songthaew or taxi (prearrange return transportation).

 

Overall, the cashew orchard at Ban Khao Ta-in serves as a living classroom for sustainable agriculture. Visitors witness the entire process: preparing the land, coping with weather, selecting and roasting nuts, and bringing them to market. It’s a story of patience, skill, and balance. For travelers seeking an alternative to Rayong’s beaches, this orchard offers color, light, and insight into a humble crop that has quietly nourished lives for generations.

 

 

A: Between February and May when the fruits ripen, showing vibrant colors and offering seasonal local products.

 

A: It opens seasonally based on harvest time and community schedules. Confirm before visiting.

 

A: Yes, but plan ahead. You can take public transport to the nearest district and then hire a local taxi or songthaew, arranging return transport in advance.

 

A: Walking tours, photography, tasting roasted nuts, buying local products, and sometimes roasting workshops depending on the season.

 

A: Generally no, but certain workshops may charge a small fee. Check before joining activities.

 

A: The cashew apple is edible and rich in vitamin C, but the nut must be roasted properly before eating.

 

A: Open parking, community restrooms at some spots, and small seasonal product stalls. Bring water, a hat, and comfortable shoes.

 

A: Choose whole, smooth nuts with a fragrant roasted smell and no rancid taste. Keep them sealed, away from moisture and light.