First Royal Factory at Fang Museum

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Open Days: Tuesday–Sunday (Exhibition building operates as usual). Closed on Mondays except certain public holidays. There may be an annual maintenance closure around mid–late May. It is recommended to check the latest information before visiting.

Opening Hours: Exhibition building approximately 08:30–16:30. Doi Kham shop and museum shop approximately 08:00–17:00.

 

Royal Factory 1 Museum (Fang) is located within the Royal Factory 1 compound in Ban Yang, Mae Ngon Subdistrict, Fang District, Chiang Mai. Once an area heavily affected by opium cultivation and deforestation along the slopes of Doi Ang Khang, this land was later rehabilitated through His Majesty King Rama IX’s royal development initiatives. Today, the site has been transformed into a Living Site Museum that tells the interconnected stories of the Royal Project, the Royal Factory, and the Ban Yang community.

 

More than 50 years ago, Ban Yang and nearby highland communities struggled with deforested mountainsides, poverty, and lack of sustainable livelihoods. When His Majesty King Rama IX visited the northern highlands and witnessed the destruction caused by opium cultivation, He initiated a comprehensive development plan—introducing temperate crops to replace opium, improving water systems, enhancing market access, and creating opportunities for better livelihoods. The establishment of the Royal Factory 1 (Fang) served as a key mechanism for purchasing and processing agricultural produce, eventually leading to the creation of the Doi Kham brand, which has supported farmers’ income for generations.

 

The Royal Factory 1 Museum (Fang) is not simply a building filled with displays; it is a living space that illustrates the evolution of the Royal Project, the Royal Factory, and the local community. Through integrated exhibitions on history, agriculture, economy, culture, and the environment—visitors can understand how development has taken root from past to present.

 

Inside the main exhibition building, content is divided into three interconnected sections: the Royal Project, the Royal Factory 1 (Fang), and Doi Kham Products Co., Ltd. Knowledgeable guides are available to walk visitors through the timeline and significance of each stage of development.

 

In the “Origins of the Royal Project” section, visitors will find traditional household items used by Ban Yang villagers—pots, jars, pans, and various daily tools—donated or lent by local residents. These displays aim to help younger generations appreciate their community’s history and the legacy passed down from their ancestors.

 

The exhibition also presents the early challenges observed by His Majesty King Rama IX during His visits—degraded forests due to opium farming, harsh living conditions, and the lack of alternative income. Through archival photographs and interpretive media, visitors learn how the Royal Project introduced temperate crops, conducted agricultural research, supported market systems, developed water resources, and improved overall quality of life.

 

The “Origins of Royal Factory 1 (Fang)” section highlights the factory’s development from its early days as a temporary facility to its current modern operations. The room includes historical production photos, early Doi Kham product lines such as the first canned peach in syrup, and rare images of King Rama IX and Queen Sirikit visiting Ban Yang and the factory by helicopter in 1973.

 

Another highlight of this room is its portrayal of Ban Yang’s multicultural community—comprising Thai, Yunnan Chinese, Shan, and various highland ethnic groups who have coexisted peacefully for over 50 years. Their diverse religious practices—Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and ancestral beliefs—are presented through photographs and local narratives, offering a deeper understanding of cultural integration in the region.

 

The outdoor area of the museum also features preserved machinery once damaged by flash floods—illustrating the environmental challenges faced by the factory during its early operations. These displays underscore the resilience, adaptation, and continuous learning needed for development work in mountainous terrains.

 

Beyond the indoor exhibitions, visitors can explore the Royal Factory grounds, the Doi Kham shop, nearby viewpoints, rice fields, and orchards surrounding Ban Yang village. The area includes a café and restaurant offering local produce, making it a pleasant rest stop and an ideal place to purchase Doi Kham products as souvenirs.

 

The surrounding Ban Yang village is known for its distinctive cultural identity—traditional wooden homes, Yunnan Chinese food, and scenic agricultural landscapes along the road to Doi Ang Khang. A visit to the Royal Factory 1 Museum (Fang) is not only an educational experience about royal development projects but also an immersive look at the real-life stories of the people who live here.

 

Getting There: From Chiang Mai, take Highway 107 (Chiang Mai–Fang) for approximately 150 km. At the intersection leading to Doi Ang Khang, turn left near Chao Mae Luang Uppatham School. Continue about 9 km into Ban Yang village. The Royal Factory 1 Museum is located within the Royal Factory 1 and Doi Kham store compound. Private cars, rental vans, or local transport may be used. Visitors are advised to check road conditions beforehand.

 

 

A: The museum is generally open Tuesday–Sunday from 08:30–16:30. It is closed on Mondays and may close annually for maintenance around mid–late May. Visitors should check the latest updates before planning their visit.

 

A: Admission to the museum and exhibition halls is free. Guests may make voluntary donations to support museum and community activities.

 

A: Key highlights include exhibitions on the Royal Project, the early development of Royal Factory 1, Doi Kham products, and multicultural community life in Ban Yang. Visitors can also explore factory grounds, the Doi Kham shop, and surrounding agricultural areas.

 

A: Viewing the indoor exhibitions takes about 1 hour. To fully enjoy the Royal Factory grounds, Doi Kham shop, Ban Yang village, and nearby attractions, plan for 2–3 hours or a half-day trip.

 

A: Yes, if traveling by private car. Take Highway 107 for 150 km, then turn toward Ban Yang for 9 km. Visitors without private transport may use buses or songthaews to Fang and transfer to local transport to reach Ban Yang. It is recommended to plan ahead.

 

A: Yes. The area includes the Doi Kham shop and local eateries within the factory grounds. Nearby Ban Yang offers well-known Yunnan-style restaurants such as Lao Chang, along with local homestays and resorts. Additional hotels are available in Fang town (15–20 km away).