Mok Cham Royal Project Development Center

Rating: 4.2/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Recommended to check/arrange an appointment in advance before traveling

Opening Hours: Recommended 08.30–16.30 (may change depending on field operations)

 

Mok Cham Royal Project Development Center is a genuinely peaceful Chiang Mai getaway for anyone who wants a quiet Northern Thailand trip and to see real, on-the-ground highland development without a staged vibe. The heart of this place is practical work under the Royal Project and royal initiatives, aimed at helping communities build stable livelihoods, reduce job insecurity, and manage natural resources in balance with the way of life along the Kok River basin.

 

The story of this area traces back to 1969 (B.E. 2512), when His Majesty the King visited the Musoe (Lahu) community at Wang Din Village in Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai. This is a border area about 10 kilometers from the Thailand–Myanmar frontier. Seeing the hardship and difficult living conditions firsthand became the starting point of an idea: people here deserved support to live better, through livelihood development and land management that truly fits the local geography.

 

Later, the Mok Cham Royal Project Development Center was established in 1983 (B.E. 2526) to support the royal initiative. The center has been under the responsibility of Maejo University (in terms of academic support and development work), with its operational base in Huai Sala Village—a location that connects conveniently to surrounding communities within the Kok River basin.

 

Overall, the center’s responsibility area covers approximately 10,437.76 rai across about 15 villages. The population is highly diverse, including Akha, Tai Lue, Lisu, Musoe (Lahu), Yao, Tai Yai (Shan), Karen, Khon Mueang, and Yunnan Chinese. This diversity means “development” cannot be one-size-fits-all; it must be designed to match each community’s way of life, language, beliefs, and local economic structure. Geographically, the center sits around 450–550 meters above sea level on lowland terrain along the Kok River, surrounded by complex mountain ridges—so you see both river-based agriculture and hillside community life within the same landscape.

 

For agricultural learning and agro-tourism, the charm is seeing tangible examples of “alternative crops” in real production settings. You’ll find a wide mix of vegetables and field crops such as purple eggplant (dark-stem type), Japanese pumpkin, orange pumpkin, white pumpkin, bitter melon, green beans, ornamental gourds, royal red beans, and black-skinned soybeans, along with mango orchards featuring multiple cultivars such as Nuan Kham, R2E2, Irwin, Palmer, and more. A small but lovely highlight is tasting sweet passion fruit fresh from the vine—turning the visit from simply “seeing” into experiencing the outcome of agricultural support that truly works for farmers.

 

What sets Mok Cham apart from typical photo-stop destinations is its strong cultural dimension. Nearby communities carry distinct identities you can learn from, such as Akha life in Huai Sala Village, including traditional ornament-making and weaving, as well as the Akha Swing Festival (Lo Swing Ceremony), often held around August. It is a powerful cultural scene that communicates community spirit without needing much explanation.

 

Another side of the experience is Tai Lue life in Wang Phai Village. Many visitors are impressed by the traditional processing of konjac (buek), bamboo basketry, Tai Lue cuisine, and Tai Lue music, which is both melodic and lively. In some periods, community homestays may be available, making the visit more than a quick stop—it becomes time spent with people and their stories.

 

And when it comes to Tai Yai (Shan) culture, Ban Mai Mok Cham is a key highlight. The community is home to Wat Mai Mok Cham, built in a beautiful Tai Yai style, and the Chao Kru Mo Tai Museum, which presents Tai Yai daily life, heritage, and roots in one place. This often leaves travelers feeling that “art and faith” are not distant ideas—they live here. If you come in the right season, you may also hear about Tai Yai annual festivals held continuously across all 12 months. Well-known examples include Poi Sang Long (often around April), Poi Luen Sip-Et / Chong Phara (commonly after Songkran), and Poi Luang honoring Chao Kru Mo Tai (often around February). These seasonal rhythms can give your trip a “calendar” and deeper meaning beyond a casual visit.

 

On the nature side, many people enjoy boat trips along the Kok River. There are short routes starting from the Tha Ton pier to Wang Phai Village, and longer routes continuing toward Chiang Rai Province (it’s best to check boat schedules and water conditions by season). Another interesting stop is Malika Hot Spring in Ban Mueang Ngam, a simple place to unwind after a long drive.

 

Souvenirs here typically go in two directions. First, seasonal Royal Project produce sold at the center and at participating farms. Second, handicrafts such as silverwork, handwoven textiles from hill-tribe communities, and bamboo furniture—all reflecting local skills and the ability to turn cultural capital into sustainable income.

 

For accommodation and food, the center has 1 guesthouse that can accommodate about 10 people. Generally, there is no permanent restaurant inside the center, but meals can be arranged in advance by ordering (especially suitable for groups). Nearby accommodation options are often found in the Tha Ton subdistrict area, about 15 kilometers before reaching the center, including resorts and hotels, as well as some community homestays in villages such as the Wang Phai area—a good fit for travelers who want to be closer to local life and take things slow.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai city, the distance is approximately 190 kilometers. Take Highway 107 (Chiang Mai–Fang), passing through Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao, Chai Prakan, and Fang, then continue to Tha Ton in Mae Ai District (near the bridge over the Kok River). Next, enter Highway 1089 and continue to around Kilometer 37, then turn left into a short access road for about 200 meters to reach the center area. In general, most vehicle types can travel the route, but you should allow extra time because it is a long-distance trip. In the rainy season, drive especially carefully.

 

If you want this trip to be “more than just sightseeing,” treat the area as a real working landscape for communities and staff. Follow designated guidance, avoid disturbing production or demonstration plots, and if your goal is culture, check festival periods in advance so you don’t miss the most vibrant moments of community life.

 

 

A: It’s ideal for travelers who want a quiet trip, enjoy learning about highland agriculture and ethnic community life, and want to see real royal-initiative development work rather than a rushed sightseeing itinerary.

 

A: Walk through Royal Project production plots (vegetables, field crops, mango orchards), taste seasonal produce when available, learn about nearby ethnic cultures, and plan a Kok River boat trip depending on the season.

 

A: Late rainy season into cool season is often comfortable for travel with pleasant weather. The rainy season can be very lush, but you should allow extra time and drive carefully because it’s a long-distance route and some sections may be wet or slippery.

 

A: It is often around August, but details can vary by community and year. It’s best to check schedules with local communities/contacts in advance.

 

A: Wat Mai Mok Cham and the Chao Kru Mo Tai Museum are key Tai Yai cultural points in the area, offering insight into art, faith, and daily life.

 

A: If you want to stay close to the center’s working area, ask about the on-site guesthouse in advance. For more convenience (facilities and dining), stay in the Tha Ton area and drive in and out according to your plan.