Teen Tok Royal Project Development Center

Rating: 4.6/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Daily (recommended to call ahead or arrange an appointment in advance, as this is an active Royal Project operational area)

Opening Hours: Recommended 08.30–16.30 (hours may change depending on field operations; please check before traveling)

 

Teen Tok Royal Project Development Center If you are looking for a “Chiang Mai retreat” that offers more than fresh air and beautiful photos, the Teen Tok Royal Project Development Center feels genuinely different. This is not simply a sightseeing stop, but a real working area under the Royal Project and Royal Initiative framework, created to turn hardship into opportunity for highland communities. The heart of this place is livelihood development—building skills, supporting careers, and helping people live more sustainably alongside the forest.

 

The story of this area begins with a small, remote village far from modern conveniences. Most residents relied on low-income agriculture, and living conditions were difficult. In 1981, with deep concern for the well-being of the people, His Majesty the King granted 300,000 baht from his personal funds to establish the Teen Tok Royal Project Development Center. The goal was to create a demonstration and promotion center for mushroom cultivation and Arabica coffee, offering villagers additional livelihood options beyond traditional miang cultivation. Through listening, communication, and shared understanding, the center helped introduce new ways of living and working, gradually improving local quality of life.

 

The Teen Tok Royal Project Development Center is responsible for an area of approximately 34.65 square kilometers (about 21,656 rai), covering 4 villages: Ban Pok, Ban Mae Lai, Ban Mae Kampong, and Ban Than Thong. The population is predominantly Northern Thai (Khon Mueang). Overall, the landscape immediately shows that this is a “living mountain”—not a mountain staged for tourism, but a real place shaped by everyday life and real work.

 

Most of the area consists of montane evergreen forest and mixed deciduous forest, with some foothill plains. The forest remains relatively rich and fertile. Elevation ranges from about 700–1,200 meters above sea level, creating a generally cool and comfortable climate. Commonly cited climate conditions include an average minimum temperature of around 15°C and an average maximum of about 35°C, with average rainfall of approximately 1,680 millimeters per year. These natural conditions are important for growing Arabica coffee, miang, and other crops that depend on healthy watershed ecosystems.

 

The charm of visiting the Teen Tok Royal Project Development Center lies in experiencing agro-tourism that remains grounded in real community life. You can walk through Arabica coffee gardens and miang plantations, observe the harvesting of miang leaves, see the steaming process, and watch demonstrations of traditional miang-making that clearly reflect local wisdom. There is also a local herbal garden that reveals another layer of highland living—how food, medicine, and nature are woven together in daily life.

 

From a cultural tourism perspective, the area connects closely with Mae Kampong village, widely known as a model for conservation-based tourism. The key appeal is not simply the village’s charm, but its success in protecting forest resources and preserving local wisdom while creating sustainable community income. This includes traditional miang production, local folk games, harvesting tea leaves for miang, step-by-step miang-making methods, and the Bai Sri Su Kwan ceremony, which reflects the community’s relationship with nature and beliefs about spiritual strength and encouragement in life.

 

For nature tourism, the surroundings of the Teen Tok Royal Project Development Center include viewpoints such as Doi Mon Lan, embraced by abundant forest. In winter, this area is often mentioned for the seasonal bloom of wild Himalayan cherry blossoms. Another major highlight is “Mae Kampong Waterfall,” a 7-tier waterfall cascading down multiple levels, with areas for relaxing and playing in the water (extra caution is advised during periods of strong flow). “Than Thong Waterfall” is another popular spot, where water runs over layered rock formations, allowing swimming in certain sections depending on current conditions.

 

One local legend that draws many visitors is the “Miracle Rock,” a massive boulder linked to the belief that if you make a wish and gently move it with your index finger, your wish may come true. The area is also known for sightings and local stories about the “Pu Lu turtle,” a unique element of local nature that should be observed respectfully—without disturbing wildlife or attempting to handle animals.

 

Souvenirs from this area often focus on “seasonal products,” such as Thai herbs, dragon fruit, tea, and potted plants. Local handicrafts are also popular, including tea-leaf deodorizing pillows, deodorizing dolls, bamboo furniture (such as chairs and daybeds), and a variety of woven bamboo crafts. These reflect how community skills and local resources have been developed into more sustainable income streams.

 

Regarding accommodation and food, based on the available information, the center’s on-site guesthouse is currently under renovation. Practical and popular options are homestays within Mae Kampong village, along with nearby restaurants and a local club-style restaurant that are already operating. Commonly recommended dishes include miang leaf spicy salad, young tea-leaf spicy salad, fiddlehead fern stir-fried with oyster sauce, and stewed pork leg with winter melon and vanilla pods—simple “mountain home cooking” with a distinctive local character.

 

Getting There The Teen Tok Royal Project Development Center can be reached via 2 main routes. Route 1 is a winding mountain road: from Chiang Mai city, take Highway 118 toward Chiang Rai. At kilometer 27, turn right and drive through Ban Pong Kum and Ban Mae Tao Din. At the junction to Ban Than Thong, turn left and continue to the center, with an approximate distance of 43 kilometers for this approach. Route 2 is more direct: from Chiang Mai city, take the Don Chan–Mae On route, passing San Kamphaeng Hot Springs and continuing about 14 kilometers, for a total distance of about 55 kilometers. All types of vehicles can generally use this route. Roads are paved and typically passable year-round, though extra time is recommended during the rainy season. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for mountain driving.

 

If you want a truly worthwhile “Chiang Mai retreat,” it helps to plan the day clearly: spend the first half exploring coffee and miang gardens and learning about local life, then spend the second half at a waterfall or viewpoint, and finally end with seasonal local products as souvenirs. This pace makes the trip feel both relaxing and meaningful—without rushing through the experience.

 

 

A: It is ideal for travelers who want a peaceful Chiang Mai getaway while also learning about the Royal Project, highland livelihoods, Arabica coffee, miang culture, and watershed forest nature.

 

A: Late rainy season through winter is typically comfortable and lush. Produce and certain activities may vary depending on seasonal cycles.

 

A: The on-site guesthouse is reported to be under renovation. Most practical options are homestays in Mae Kampong village and accommodations in nearby areas.

 

A: It is recommended to contact the center in advance to ask about suitable times for demonstrations, as activities may change by season and operational schedules.

 

A: If you prefer fewer winding roads, the Don Chan–Mae On route via San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is often more direct, though both routes require extra time during the rainy season.