Mae Sa Mai Royal Project Development Center

Rating: 4.2/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00–17.00

 

Mae Sa Mai Royal Project Development Center is a peaceful highland destination in Chiang Mai that brings together cool mountain landscapes and the long-standing legacy of royal development initiatives. Rather than being a typical sightseeing spot, this area represents a working Royal Project site where agricultural research, watershed conservation, and community livelihoods are closely interconnected, offering visitors both relaxation and meaningful insight.

 

The origins of Mae Sa Mai date back to 1969, when His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej traveled by royal helicopter to this area, arriving at opium fields in full bloom. He then proceeded to visit the Hmong village of Mae Sa Mai and worked in the area for approximately two hours. This visit marked a turning point, laying the foundation for a highland development approach that placed local people and sustainable livelihoods at its core.

 

One frequently mentioned detail from this royal visit is His Majesty’s observation of pigs, an essential livestock animal in Hmong daily life. At the time, these pigs were small and yielded limited productivity. In response, His Majesty graciously granted two improved piglets along with fodder crop varieties for cultivation. This seemingly modest gesture reflected the Royal Project philosophy: begin with practical household needs, then gradually strengthen income stability and food security.

 

In 1974, development work in Mae Sa Mai formally began in cooperation with Maejo Institute of Agricultural Technology (now Maejo University). By 1982, systematic research and production of cool-climate crop seeds were underway, leading to the official establishment of Mae Sa Mai Royal Project Development Center. Its primary objectives were to improve living standards, create sustainable occupations, reduce forest encroachment, and eliminate opium cultivation through viable agricultural alternatives.

 

The Center oversees an area of approximately 23.59 square kilometers (about 14,743 rai) at an elevation of around 990 meters above sea level. It supports four villages: Ban Mae Sa Noi, Ban Mae Sa Mai, Ban Muang Kham, and Ban Kong Hae. Most residents are Hmong and local northern Thai people, practicing Buddhism, traditional spirit beliefs, and Christianity. The terrain is predominantly mountainous with steep slopes, and the average temperature is about 23°C, making it well suited for temperate-climate crops.

 

Agricultural tourism is the core experience at Mae Sa Mai. Visitors can explore demonstration plots of cool-climate vegetables such as head lettuce, baby carrots, and bi-color sweet corn, which are cultivated year-round. There are also fruit plots featuring seedless grapes, avocados, and raspberries, illustrating how highland conditions can be effectively utilized for diverse agricultural production.

 

During the cool season, flower research plots add vibrant colors to the landscape, with varieties such as salvia, French marigolds, and gerbera. Greenhouses cultivating sweet peppers in red, yellow, and green are another highlight, demonstrating the integration of research, quality control, and commercial viability. Every plot serves not only as a display but also as part of a knowledge-transfer system for local farmers.

 

One of the most memorable seasonal scenes at Mae Sa Mai is the lychee orchards cascading along steep hillsides. From May to June, the trees bear clusters of bright red fruit, and the road leading into the Center becomes a scenic corridor that vividly reflects the relationship between agriculture and mountainous terrain.

 

Nature-based tourism is another strong appeal. The Doi Pha Klong and Dong Saeng Forest Nature Trail, approximately 1.5 kilometers long and about 8 kilometers from the Center, offers opportunities to observe orchids, lichens, wild lilies, rafflesia-related species, and medicinal plants. Within the Center itself, a viewpoint at around 1,400 meters above sea level provides elevated views of surrounding villages and mountain ranges.

 

Another nearby attraction is Tham That Cave, a small cave with stalactites and stalagmites, approximately 4 meters deep and located about 2 kilometers from the Center. It is suitable for a brief visit as part of a broader nature exploration itinerary.

 

Cultural tourism allows visitors to engage with the everyday life of the Hmong community, including textile weaving, traditional clothing production, spinning-top making, and other handicrafts. Particularly notable is the intricate embroidery created by Hmong women, often worn during important festivals and ceremonies.

 

The most prominent cultural events are the Hmong New Year festival, held each January, featuring traditional attire, ball tossing, spinning-top games, and community celebrations. The Moon Worship Festival is also held during the same period, reflecting the deep-rooted beliefs and cultural heritage of highland communities.

 

Souvenirs from Mae Sa Mai typically include embroidered textiles, woven fabrics, batik-style cloth, and silver jewelry crafted by local artisans. These items not only represent cultural identity but also provide direct income support for the community.

 

Accommodation options include one guesthouse within the Center, accommodating up to 15 visitors, as well as tents with sleeping bags available for rent. Visitors bringing their own tents are charged a maintenance fee. In Mae Sa Mai village, a group of six homestays can host approximately 20–24 guests. There are no restaurants within the Center itself; however, dining options are available in Pong Yaeng Nok village, about 3 kilometers before the ascent to the Center.

 

Getting There Mae Sa Mai Royal Project Development Center is located approximately 38 kilometers from Chiang Mai city. Take Highway 107 (Chiang Mai–Fang) to Mae Rim District, then turn left at kilometer marker 17 onto Highway 1096 (Mae Rim–Samoeng). Continue for about 15–16 kilometers until reaching Wat Pong Yaeng Chaloem Phra Kiat, then turn left and drive approximately 3 kilometers. The Center will be on the left-hand side. The road is fully paved but winding, so careful driving is recommended.

 

 

A: The cool season is ideal for walking through farms and enjoying mountain scenery, while May to June is especially scenic during the lychee harvest season.

 

A: There are no restaurants within the Center. Visitors are advised to dine in Pong Yaeng Nok village before ascending to the site.

 

A: Yes. Accommodation options include guesthouses, tents, and homestays in Mae Sa Mai village. Advance reservations are recommended during peak seasons.