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Operating day: Daily

Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00

 

Orchard Wang San Phonot Subdistrict, located in Chanthaburi Province, is one of Thailand's most prominent fruit-growing areas. The region’s fertile landscape, with its mix of mountains, rolling hills, and flat plains, along with sandy loam soil that drains well, provides ideal conditions for cultivating a wide variety of tropical fruits. This natural abundance has made Wang San Phonot a well-known hub for high-quality produce with exceptional flavor. Throughout the year, different fruits are harvested in rotation, turning this subdistrict into an attractive destination for agro-tourism, where visitors can experience the charm of rural life and enjoy fresh fruits straight from the orchards.

 

Among the many fruits grown here, mangoes, pineapples, bananas, rambutan, and mangosteen are the most prominent. Mangoes, in particular, are a major economic crop for local farmers. Popular varieties include Nam Dok Mai, Keo Savoy, and Maha Chanok. The peak harvest season falls between March and May when the orchards are laden with ripe, sweet, and fragrant mangoes. During this period, wholesale buyers and traders travel from other provinces to purchase mangoes directly from the growers. The mangoes from this area are not only popular in domestic markets but are also exported overseas due to their premium quality and flavor that meet international market standards.

 

Pineapples are another key crop grown extensively in Wang San Phonot. Varieties such as Trat Si Thong and Phulae thrive here thanks to the well-drained soil. The pineapples from this region are known for their firm texture, juicy sweetness, and unique aroma. The main harvest season runs from mid-year through the end of the year. Beyond being sold fresh, pineapples are also processed into canned pineapple, jams, juices, and various snacks, adding value to the crop and creating sustainable income for the community.

 

Bananas are widely cultivated year-round because they are easy to grow and maintain. Popular varieties include Nam Wa, Hom Thong (Cavendish), and Kluai Khai. Bananas from Wang San Phonot are renowned for their naturally sweet and fragrant flavor, especially Hom Thong bananas, which are highly sought after in both domestic and international markets. Some farmer groups have also adopted organic farming practices to meet the growing demand for chemical-free, health-conscious produce.

 

Rambutan is one of the signature fruits of Chanthaburi, and Wang San Phonot is home to many orchards producing the premium “Rong Rian” variety. These rambutans are easily recognizable by their deep red skin, soft spines, crisp flesh, and juicy sweetness that does not cling to the seed. The harvest season typically spans from June to August, a time when many orchards open their gates to visitors for fruit-picking activities. This interactive experience has become a favorite among tourists, especially during long holiday weekends, as it offers the thrill of tasting freshly picked rambutan while also learning about local farming practices.

 

Mangosteen, often called the “Queen of Fruits,” is another highlight of the area. The mangosteens grown here are prized for their tender white flesh, perfectly balanced sweet-and-tangy flavor, small seeds, and thin rind. The harvest season overlaps with that of rambutan, usually from mid-year through the end of the rainy season. These high-quality mangosteens are not only sold locally but also shipped to wholesale markets and exported abroad, generating significant income for local farmers.

 

In addition to these primary fruits, other tropical fruits such as durian, longkong, salacca, and guava are cultivated in mixed orchards. This intercropping system allows farmers to diversify their harvests and income streams throughout the year while reducing economic risks associated with relying on a single crop.

 

Wang San Phonot has also embraced agro-tourism as a way to promote sustainable development. Many orchards now serve as educational centers where visitors can learn about cultivation techniques, orchard management, and fruit harvesting. Activities often include making traditional Thai desserts from fresh fruits, sampling a wide variety of fruits buffet-style, and purchasing premium produce directly from the farms. This creates a vibrant local economy while strengthening the community’s agricultural heritage.

 

Fruit cultivation here is more than just a source of livelihood; it reflects generations of local wisdom passed down through families. Farmers blend traditional practices with modern innovations to improve productivity and reduce costs. Techniques such as using organic compost, planting cover crops to retain soil moisture, and adopting environmentally friendly, chemical-free methods have become increasingly popular. These approaches not only enhance the quality of the produce but also meet the growing global demand for sustainable agriculture.

 

With its remarkable diversity of fruits and deeply rooted agricultural traditions, Wang San Phonot Subdistrict in Chanthaburi is both a premier fruit production hub and a distinctive agro-tourism destination. Visitors can immerse themselves in the serene beauty of lush orchards, taste fruits straight from the trees, and gain insight into the lifestyle of local farmers. This blend of natural abundance and cultural richness offers a memorable experience while supporting the local economy and preserving the community’s way of life for future generations.