Huai Tom Royal Project Development Center

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:30–16:30

 

Phrabat Huai Tom Royal Project Development Center is one of the most meaningful agritourism and cultural learning destinations in Li District, Lamphun Province. It is ideal for travelers who want to understand Thailand’s Royal Project approach to sustainable highland development while experiencing the living culture of the Karen community at Ban Phrabat Huai Tom.

 

The center traces its origin to 1978, when His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej visited the people of Ban Phrabat Huai Tom and saw the difficult living conditions of hill-tribe communities who lacked stable farmland. The village was then placed under the care of the Royal Project Foundation to improve livelihoods, support agricultural knowledge, restore natural resources, and create long-term opportunities for local families.

 

The project covers more than 24,084.93 rai and combines agricultural demonstration areas with community-based cultural tourism. Visitors can explore experimental plots of unusual vegetables such as butternut squash, pattypan squash, bottle gourd, and Mexican chilies, as well as promoted crops such as black-stem eggplant and Doi Kham kale. The fruit plots include mango varieties from overseas, Taiwanese star fruit, Marian plum, passion fruit, avocado, plum, and peach, while other areas feature miniature roses and citronella grown for essential oil production.

 

Beyond agriculture, the center is closely connected with the Karen way of life in Ban Huai Tom. Many villagers follow a vegetarian lifestyle and continue to preserve their customs, beliefs, and traditional knowledge. Local crafts remain an important cultural identity here, especially handwoven textiles made on traditional looms, naturally dyed fabrics, silverwork made with pure silver, coconut-shell ornaments, and basketry. Common handmade items include shirts, trousers, tube skirts, shoulder bags, blankets, necklaces, bangles, and rings with distinctive Karen patterns.

 

After the rice harvest, the community holds the new rice merit-making tradition around January each year. This ceremony reflects gratitude toward nature, respect for agricultural abundance, and the relationship between farming, faith, and community life. Travelers interested in local culture can use the center as a gateway to visit the old Karen house, Ban Nam Bo Noi, and nearby craft-learning areas.

 

The atmosphere of Phrabat Huai Tom Royal Project Development Center is calm, modest, and educational. It is not a place for rushed sightseeing, but a destination for thoughtful travel. Families, students, cultural travelers, photographers, and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture will find it a valuable stop in southern Lamphun.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai or Lamphun, take Highway 106 toward Li District. Continue onto Highway 1087, drive to around kilometer marker 7, then turn left toward the center. The route is suitable for private cars, and local hired vehicles are available in Li town. The center can be combined with nearby attractions such as Wat Phra Bat Huai Tom, Wat Mahathat Chedi Si Wiang Chai, Wat Ban Pang, and other cultural sites in Li District.

 

 

A: It is located in Na Sai Subdistrict, Li District, Lamphun Province, Thailand.

 

A: The center is open daily from 08:30 to 16:30.

 

A: Admission is free.

 

A: Visitors can see agricultural demonstration plots, tropical fruit plots, herb gardens, Karen cultural areas, traditional weaving, silverwork, and local handicrafts.

 

A: Yes. It is suitable for travelers interested in sustainable agriculture, Royal Project history, local culture, and community-based tourism.

 

A: Take Highway 106 toward Li District, continue on Highway 1087 to kilometer marker 7, and turn left toward the center.