Phu Phayak Royal Initiative Highland Agricultural Development Station

Opening days: Daily

Opening hours: 06.00 - 18.00

 

Phu Phayak Royal Initiative Highland Agricultural Development Station in Ban Nam Ri Phatthana, Moo 12, Khun Nan Subdistrict, Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Nan Province, is a highland agricultural, conservation, and eco-tourism destination located about 1,500 meters above sea level. Once an opium-growing area and former battlefield, Phu Phayak has been transformed into a model highland station for winter crops, watershed forest restoration, and sustainable community development.

 

Phu Phayak was formerly known as “Phu Pha Yak,” a name associated with the dramatic rock formations on the mountain summit. The area later became known as “Phu Phayak,” or Tiger Mountain, because it was once covered with dense evergreen forest and known as tiger habitat. Today, the cool climate, mountain scenery, and highland ecology make it one of Nan’s meaningful destinations for visitors interested in nature, agriculture, and royal development projects.

 

Before 1980, Phu Phayak was used for opium cultivation by hill-tribe communities and was also a battlefield between Thai soldiers and communist insurgents. The area, once associated with conflict and danger, was later developed under royal initiative into a highland agricultural station designed to improve local livelihoods, reduce reliance on illegal crops, and restore the surrounding forest ecosystem.

 

The station focuses on highland agricultural development, especially winter crops, temperate fruit trees, vegetables, and sustainable farming systems suitable for cool mountain conditions. Visitors can learn about highland agriculture, community development, and environmental restoration while experiencing the peaceful mountain atmosphere of northern Nan Province.

 

One of the key values of Phu Phayak is watershed forest conservation. The station encourages local residents to participate in forest rehabilitation, natural resource protection, and sustainable land use. Its development approach emphasizes coexistence between people and forests, creating stable livelihoods while preserving the quality of water sources and mountain ecosystems.

 

For travelers, Phu Phayak offers a quiet and meaningful experience. It is not a mass-tourism destination, but a place where visitors can appreciate cool weather, highland farms, forest scenery, and the story of transformation from a former conflict area into a peaceful development landscape. It is suitable for eco-tourism, educational trips, agricultural study visits, and slow travel in remote Nan.

 

Accommodation is available for visitors who wish to stay overnight. The station has 2 guesthouses with bedding equipment, accommodating about 24 people in total. There is also a camping area with 20 tents for 2 people each. Meals can be arranged, but visitors should contact the station in advance so that food and accommodation can be prepared properly.

 

Getting There can be done by 2 main routes. The first route goes from Nan town via Chaloem Phra Kiat District to Phu Phayak, covering about 180 km. The second route goes from Nan town via Bo Kluea District to Phu Phayak, covering about 230 km. Because the journey involves long mountain roads, visitors should use a reliable vehicle, check weather conditions, and allow enough travel time.

 

 

A: It is located in Ban Nam Ri Phatthana, Moo 12, Khun Nan Subdistrict, Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Nan Province.

 

A: It was formerly called Phu Pha Yak and later became known as Phu Phayak because the area was once dense forest and tiger habitat.

 

A: It was transformed from a former opium-growing and battlefield area into a highland agricultural station, watershed forest conservation area, and eco-tourism destination.

 

A: It is located about 1,500 meters above sea level, giving the area a cool climate suitable for winter crops.

 

A: Yes. There are 2 guesthouses for about 24 visitors and 20 two-person tents, with meals arranged by advance notice.

 

A: Visitors can travel from Nan via Chaloem Phra Kiat District for about 180 km or via Bo Kluea District for about 230 km. A reliable vehicle is recommended.