Mae Tha Nuea Royal Project Development Center

Rating: 4.5/5 (4 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)

 

Mae Tha Nuea Royal Project Development Center is a “Chiang Mai retreat” that suits travelers who want Northern Thailand in a way that blends fresh nature with a real understanding of highland community development. This is not just a photo stop, but an active working area under the Royal Project and Royal Initiative framework, designed to help local livelihoods while easing pressure on watershed forests at the same time.

 

The story of this area became clearer in 1978, when a royal initiative set the direction to improve living conditions for people in the Mae Tha Nuea community and to prevent forest encroachment. In the early phase, operations were supported through cooperation on reforestation projects, aiming to provide villagers with income from forest care and protection. Over time, the work expanded into livelihood development in agriculture, helping communities build more stable income without relying on heavy, unsustainable extraction from forest resources.

 

The center’s landscape is a valley plain between mountain ridges. The Mae Tha River flows along the northern side, while higher mountains rise to the south. Much of the surrounding area remains within montane evergreen and mixed deciduous forest contexts, which is why livelihood development here has always needed to move together with natural resource stewardship. Center data notes an elevation of roughly 520–850 meters above sea level, meaning that crop planning for vegetables, fruits, coffee, and livestock must take seasons and terrain conditions seriously.

 

In terms of development work, “agriculture” is the core. The center supports safe-standard vegetable and fruit production, alongside promoting dairy water buffalo and dairy goats to expand household income options. For agro-tourism visitors, one of the best parts is seeing how plots rotate by season—such as yardlong beans, Japanese cucumbers, and zucchini—along with organic plots like baby corn, okra, and real field management that is not staged like a display garden. Fruit plots often mentioned by visitors include sweet passion fruit, avocado, and Nuan Kham mango. Another experience many people want is observing water buffalo dairy raising and tasting fresh buffalo milk (if available during your visit, it’s best to ask in advance).

 

Another reason this place feels meaningful as a “retreat” is the community’s terraced rice fields. In the green season, the landscape is soothing and fresh; during harvest, the rice turns into golden fields that tell a story of labor and livelihood without needing long explanations. It’s ideal for travelers who want to slow down and see the relationship between people, food, and mountains in a single view.

 

On the cultural side, the area includes both local Northern Thai residents and Karen (Pgakanyaw) communities. This gives visitors a chance to learn about daily life and traditional handicrafts such as weaving and embroidery, as well as the “new rice” tradition that reflects gratitude toward rice and nature within highland belief systems. (If you want to see cultural activities at the right time, it’s recommended to plan ahead and coordinate with the community or the center so you can get accurate timing and avoid disturbing local life.)

 

Nature lovers enjoy this zone because it offers waterfalls and walking routes connected with Mae Takhrai National Park. A frequently mentioned spot is “Tad Moei Waterfall,” located close to the center and suitable for relaxing and (depending on conditions) water play. Another is “Mae Takhrai Waterfall,” north of the center, which tends to have stronger flow in the rainy season; in the dry season, more rock formations are visible. The Mae Takhrai–Huai Kaeo route also includes viewpoints with wide forest vistas, and around March, many people come for the white blooms of wild Bauhinia flowers that brighten the trail.

 

Souvenirs from this area often include pesticide-free agricultural products and highland woven textiles such as embroidered cloth, shirts, and shoulder bags. These suit travelers who prefer “buying something with a real story,” because income flows back to people who actually produce and craft within the community.

 

For accommodation, the center offers guesthouse rooms for around 10 visitors, plus camping space with tent and sleeping bag rentals. For food, there is no permanent on-site restaurant, but you can pre-order meals at least 7 days before your stay. Nearby villages also have restaurants. If you plan to stay overnight, it helps to arrange meals before you go—your trip will feel smoother and you avoid arriving and having to figure everything out on the spot.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai city, take Route 1317 (Don Chan intersection–San Kamphaeng Road) for about 25 km. At the junction toward Mae On Hospital, turn right onto Highway 1006, passing Mae On Hospital and the Paao Sam Khao junction. Continue onto Highway 1229, then turn right at kilometer marker 10 toward Ban Mai. At the Ban Mai junction, turn right and drive about 3.5 km to reach the center. Total distance is approximately 38 km and travel time is about 1.5 hours. The route is generally suitable for all types of cars, but it is mountain driving—prepare your vehicle well and allow extra time in the rainy season. There are no for-hire taxi services in this area.

 

 

A: It suits travelers who want a calm Chiang Mai retreat but also want substance—learning about the Royal Project, highland farming, and the real relationship between communities and watershed forests.

 

A: Late rainy season through winter is usually comfortable with lush scenery. Crop plots and produce change by season, so if you want to see specific activities at the right time, it’s best to call ahead.

 

A: If you plan to stay in the guesthouse or camp, contact the center in advance to check availability and conditions. If you want meals arranged, pre-order at least 7 days before check-in as the center requires.

 

A: The area includes Karen (Pgakanyaw) community life and textile crafts such as weaving and embroidery, as well as the new rice tradition. Activities depend on timing and community readiness, so it’s best to ask first and always respect local space.

 

A: Most vehicle types can access the route, but it is mountain driving and typically takes about 1.5 hours from Chiang Mai city. Allow extra time in the rainy season, check your car beforehand, and note that there are no for-hire taxi services in the area.