Pak Chong Vineyards (Khao Yai Wine Region)

History & Significance

Pak Chong District, located in the southwestern part of Nakhon Ratchasima province, has a rich history dating back to the construction of Thailand's first railway line between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima in 1891 during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). To lay the tracks, workers had to blast through the mountains, creating a distinct gap or 'chong' that gave the area its name, 'Ban Pak Chong'. Today, Pak Chong is the largest district in Nakhon Ratchasima and serves as the gateway to the northeastern region.

With its high elevation and proximity to the lush forests of Khao Yai National Park (part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai forest complex), the district features a unique microclimate. The combination of warm daytime sun, cool nights, and mineral-rich soil has made Pak Chong an ideal region for cultivating high-quality wine grapes and fresh table grapes, establishing it as the heart of Thailand's wine industry.

Highlights & What to See

Visitors to Pak Chong can explore several renowned vineyards, each offering distinct experiences and products:

• Gran-Monte Vineyard: A highly acclaimed agritourism destination that provides comprehensive educational tours on winemaking. Its locally produced wines have won numerous prestigious international awards.
• PB Valley Khao Yai Winery: Spanning over 3.2 square kilometers, this is the largest winery in the ASEAN region. It specializes in growing imported wine grape varieties and fresh, sweet seedless table grapes. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the winemaking process and participate in wine tastings.
• Alcidini Vineyard: Situated at an elevation of 550 meters above sea level, this estate benefits from excellent sun exposure and cool night temperatures. It is famous for producing premium wines from carefully selected Shiraz (Syrah) and Muscat Blue grape varieties.

Visitor Information

The vineyards in Pak Chong are generally open daily from 07:30 AM to 06:30 PM. While entry to the vineyard grounds is typically free, guided winery tours, wine tastings, and specific activities may require additional fees. It is highly recommended to contact the estates directly to book tours in advance. Available facilities at the vineyards include spacious parking areas and clean restrooms.

Contact details for the major vineyards:

• Gran-Monte Vineyard: +66 (0) 9 2806 7755
• PB Valley Khao Yai Winery: +66 (0) 8 1733 8783, +66 (0) 8 5481 1741
• Alcidini Vineyard: +66 (0) 8 0784 6969

How to Get There

Pak Chong is located approximately 85 kilometers from Nakhon Ratchasima city center and is easily accessible from Bangkok via Mittraphap Road (Highway 2) or Motorway Route 6. Visitors can also travel by train via the State Railway of Thailand's Northeastern Line, which stops at Pak Chong Station and Klang Dong Station. From the main town, Thanarat Road leads directly towards Khao Yai National Park, where many of the vineyards are situated.