Rating: 4/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Please check availability before visiting (government research site / experimental plots may have operational periods)

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

 

Samoeng Rice Research Center is one of Chiang Mai’s seasonal countryside highlights, especially popular among travelers who enjoy photographing wide open landscapes. Each year, images of wheat and barley fields in Samoeng are widely shared online. What makes this place special is that it is not only visually appealing, but also an active research facility where visitors can see how agricultural research and development are carried out in highland environments.

 

For those visiting because of the famous fields, the key attraction is the wheat plantation, which appears only for a short period each year. Generally, wheat can be seen from February to March, with mid-March being the time when the fields gradually turn golden yellow. When the wind blows, the wheat sways in waves across the fields, creating a mesmerizing scene that is especially beautiful during early morning or late afternoon light, when the colors appear softer and the surrounding mountains add depth to the view.

 

One important thing to remember is that these fields are part of an active research and experimental area. Visitors should avoid stepping into planting rows, refrain from touching or harvesting the crops, and always follow posted guidelines. If staff members are working in the area, it is polite to ask for permission before entering nearby zones. Traveling with this mindset allows visitors to enjoy the scenery while respecting the work being done on site.

 

Historically, the center was established on 1 September 1978 in accordance with the royal initiative aimed at supporting highland communities and ethnic groups engaged in agriculture. In its early years, the area functioned as an experimental station focusing on upland rice and cool-climate cereals in cooperation with academic and agricultural agencies. After the establishment of the Rice Department in 2006, rice-related research activities were reorganized, and the site became officially known as the “Samoeng Rice Research Center” under the Bureau of Rice Research and Development.

 

The role of the Samoeng Rice Research Center goes far beyond scenic fields. Its responsibilities include research and development of rice and cereal varieties, production technology, crop protection, harvesting methods, processing techniques, certified seed production, quality assurance systems, and the provision of academic and technical services related to rice and wheat. Seen from this perspective, the fields visitors admire are both a visual highlight and the tangible outcome of long-term agricultural research.

 

For photography enthusiasts, visiting when the crops are changing color offers the most dramatic results. Portrait photographers often use the long planting lines as leading lines, while landscape photographers may wait for strong breezes to capture the wave-like motion of the fields. Including some sky in the frame helps create a sense of openness and calm that reflects the true atmosphere of Samoeng.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai city, there are two main routes to Samoeng. The first is via Mae Rim using Highway 1096, which winds through mountainous terrain toward Samoeng. The second route is via Hang Dong using Highway 1269. Both routes are scenic mountain roads with many curves, so visitors should allow sufficient travel time and ensure their vehicles are in good condition, especially during the rainy season.

 

Address for navigation: 202 Moo 10, Samoeng Tai Subdistrict, Samoeng District, Chiang Mai 50250 (approximate coordinates: N18.846370, E98.770287)

 

 

A: The wheat fields are usually visible from February to March, with mid-March offering the most golden scenery for photography.

 

A: Visitors should stay on designated paths and avoid stepping into planting rows, as the area is an active research site.

 

A: It is primarily a government research facility, but visitors are welcome to stop by and enjoy the scenery while respecting site regulations.

 

A: It is recommended to call +66 53 378 093-4 to check current conditions and access guidelines before traveling.