Angkhang Royal Agricultural Station

History & Significance

The Angkhang Royal Agricultural Station was established in 1969 (B.E. 2512) under the royal initiative of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). During a royal visit to the area, the King and Queen Sirikit witnessed the local hill tribe communities living in poverty and relying on opium cultivation, which led to deforestation and damage to vital watersheds. Recognizing the region's cool climate, the King donated 1,500 THB of his personal funds to purchase land on Doi Angkhang. He appointed Prince Bhisadej Rajani to lead the project, establishing it as a research station to experiment with temperate fruits, vegetables, and flowers. This successfully encouraged local farmers to adopt sustainable agriculture as a legal livelihood.

Highlights & What to See

The station features a wide variety of agricultural and botanical attractions, including:

• Suan Paet Sip (Garden 80): A beautifully landscaped garden featuring temperate flowers and plants.
• Tea Plantation 2000: A scenic terraced tea plantation offering stunning valley views.
• Bonsai Garden & Sakura Garden: Dedicated areas showcasing exquisite bonsai trees and cherry blossoms.
• English Rose Garden & Flower Greenhouse: Greenhouses filled with vibrant winter flowers and ornamental plants.
• Other Gardens: Visitors can also explore Suan Doi Kham, Suan Hom, Suan Somdet, the Bamboo Garden, and the Plum Orchard, as well as experimental plots for temperate fruits and vegetables.

Visitor Information

The station is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Facilities include parking and restrooms. Visitors can enjoy a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 17.7 degrees Celsius, which can drop to as low as -3 degrees Celsius in January. Fresh seasonal produce and local products are available for purchase.

How to Get There

Located in Ban Khum, Mae Ngon Subdistrict, Fang District, Chiang Mai, the station sits at approximately 1,400 meters above sea level. There are two recommended routes from Chiang Mai city:

• Main Route (via Wat Had Samran): Take Highway 107 (Chiang Mai-Fang) to KM 137, then turn left up the mountain. This route is steep and winding.
• Alternative Route (via Chiang Dao): Take Highway 107 to KM 79, turn left through Mueang Ngai, Ban Arunothai, and Ban Luang. This route is narrower but less steep.

Note: The route from Fang to Ban Nor Lae is extremely steep, damaged, and runs along the border with military checkpoints; it is highly discouraged for travelers.