The strawberry fields in this idyllic corner of Chiang Mai

The strawberry fields in this idyllic corner of Chiang Mai don't quite go on forever, but while they're bearing fruit there can be few sweeter destinations for a day trip

Located in a valley west of Chiang Mai, the only access to this district is via narrow, winding roads lined on both sides by farms. Negotiating this route recently, I paused after passing several cars that had stopped by the side of the road to disgorge day-trippers in colourful attire. Armed with cameras or tablet computers, the passengers dashed into a nearby plantation which had a sign advertising strawberries for sale, emitting cries of joy when they discovered their quarry hiding under a dense layer of leaves. Then everybody started snapping pictures and striking poses as if the little red berries were some magical treasure they had long been seeking. Thanks to a temperate climate and the consistently good prices this succulent fruit fetches at market, strawberry farming has become a growth industry in Samoeng and is now a major source of income for local residents. "All the strawberry plants raised in Samoeng originally came from Bo Kaeo, a village at an elevation above 1,000m. Situated, as it is, high on a mountain, around 20km north of Samoeng, Bo Kaeo is cold enough for the strawberry plants to flower," explains Wimarn Sirpen, an academic based at the Pang Da Royal Agricultural Station in Samoeng. A typical farm in these parts can produce more than 3,000kg of strawberries per rai per year, for which quantity wholesalers will pay around 120,000 baht. This is a high-value yield, compared to the revenue earned by other crops, so it is hardly surprising that farmers in this area have shifted en masse to cultivating these juicy berries. More than 3,000 rai of land is now given over to this crop, sales of which generate between 300 and 400 million baht annually. Initially the fruit was raised in closed systems to protect the plants from predatory insects and disease, but after realising the potential for direct sales, some forward-looking farmers began catering to tourists, erecting signs that invite passing motorists to stop and pick their own strawberries for a modest fee. Family groups and tour parties are welcome to linger a while and enjoy the rural atmosphere _ or even spend the night.

Retail prices for strawberries in Samoeng vary greatly, ranging from 50 baht per kilogramme all the way up to 250 baht/kg. While every farmer I spoke to claimed that his or her berries were raised organically, it is difficult to check the truth of these statements. If you want to be certain that the fruit you are buying is free of chemical pesticides and herbicides, the best solution is to buy some directly from Royal Agricultural Station outlets which sell produce from certified organic farms for around 200 baht/kg.

Late last month I set out to drive to Napa Phupha after learning that this farm, one of the pioneers of strawberry cultivation in Samoeng, also offered accommodation. A few days earlier I had called to make enquiries and was informed that there were lots of vacancies. "It's a weekday and this isn't the tourist season," the owner told me over the phone, "so you can check in at any time." But when I got there I was stunned to find the place had been taken over by a TV production crew. Every single room was occupied. "I remember... it was you that made that call," was how the farmer greeted me. "Sorry, but we're now completely full. We got a big group of walk-in guests, you see. They're here to shoot a series for Channel 3." Swallowing my disappointment, I drove farther along the road towards the district capital to find that Napa Phupha was far from being the only accommodation option in these parts. Several other strawberry farms rent rooms out, too. And the deeper I ventured, the more creative schemes to attract business I discovered. Some farmers have erected shelters under which visitors can get welcome respite from the sun and take a break from their berry-picking and photo-taking; water and other beverages are usually available. Other entrepreneurs have had the bright idea of providing rubber boots and straw hats so that city types can get kitted out like farm labourers and pose for pictures. Several plantations boast wireless internet access, enabling visitors to upload their holiday images promptly. And one farmer has even gone to the trouble of building a beautiful double-deck pavilion with a thatched roof for the benefit of guests who want to rest awhile and admire the scenery.

The Pang Da Royal Agricultural Station in Samoeng is a good place to learn the intricacies of cultivating temperateclimate fruit. Horticulturists based here have already successfully experimented with growing species of seedless grape and sweet starfruit — crops which have the potential to generate high income for farmers. The scientists’ latest project is finding a variety of fig tree which will do well in local climatic conditions. This native of the Middle East is increasing in popularity here with a kilogramme now retailing for as much as 400 baht in highend Bangkok supermarkets. The caretaker who took me around the Pang Da orchard very generously allowed me to sample a succulent, freshly plucked fig — which was delicious!

A few places have also prepared camp-sites and encourage people who drop by to spend the night so that they can rise, like real farmers, at the crack of dawn and head out to the fields to gather strawberries. "We offer a full-board package, including accommodation in tents, so that guests can experience the lifestyle of a strawberry farmer," the operator of one such tourism-orientated farm assured me. "We serve a dinner of Korean-style grilled pork with everyone sitting around a camp-fire. It'll be a great experience, better than you could possibly imagine!" At another roadside smallholding I spotted a lovey-dovey couple dawdling among the neat rows of strawberry beds, whispering to each other and giggling as they tried to find the best angles from which to take photos. Children, small buckets in hand, combed through the foliage looking for the ripest fruit. Not far away some adults, maybe the kids' parents, were unpacking a picnic lunch; others were checking out local hand-made products for sale and tasting unusual dishes made from strawberries by the farmer's wife.

There can be few healthier ways to spend the day than a visit to Samoeng to enjoy the fresh air, sweet strawberries and the warm hospitality of those who make a living growing them.

Located in Hang Dong district, near Kilometre Post 17 on Road No.1269, is a unique homestay cum bed-and-breakfast. Called Jukawan Baandin, it offers very chic accommodation in little huts made from packed clay (baan din ). The exterior walls are painted in vivid colours and the interiors imaginatively decorated with handicrafts. This arty place attracts a steady stream of travellers who find its ambience and bucolic setting most inspirational.

Strawberry farms which cater to tourists normally erect cute-looking signs and other props for visitors to pose against while their companions snap pictures. Entry to most farms is free, but some places do charge a fee; the owners say this is to cover the cost of the rubber boots, straw hats and buckets they lend to visitors who want to look the part in photos.

Strawberry farmers in Samoeng do their best to maximise sales by creating additional products designed to pique the interest of foodies. Besides masses of the fresh scarlet berries, you are also likely to find the fruit in dried form, fermented into an alcoholic ‘‘wine’’ and preserved as tasty jams. Some of the locals have even experimented with the fruit in savoury dishes such as fried rice with strawberries and strawberry omelettes.

TRAVEL INFO

- Samoeng is around 52km from Chiang Mai city. It can be reached via Highway 1096, if you’re coming from the direction of Mae Rim, or Highway 1269 for those travelling from Hang Dong district. 

- Buses heading for Samoeng depart from Warorot Market in central Chiang Mai on a regular basis between 8am and 6pm. The one-way fare is 75 baht. Public-transport options are limited, making it difficult to get around Samoeng without a vehicle of your own; we recommend that you drive there.

- Strawberry plants in Samoeng start bearing fruit in November and continue fruiting until mid-April.

Article Soure : bangkokpost.com

Read More

King's efforts to help hill tribes are enjoying stunning success

Royal development projects have provided stable jobs and put food on the table for countless families. Their resounding success knows no bounds.

Rows of flowers carpet a field at the Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang in Chiang Mai's Fang district. PHOTOS BY THARITTAWAT SAMEJAIDEE

The projects in the far North, known for turning opium fields into lush vegetable patches and temperate fruit orchards, have provided not only food and opportunities, but also examples for others to follow.

Proof of the projects' magnetic pull and their capacity to inspire is exemplified by a recent visit to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai - home to royally initiated developmental programmes - by 56 ambassadors, charge d'affaires and representatives of international organisations and their spouses.

They were taken on a tour of the First Royal Factory and the Agricultural Station in Angkhang, both in Chiang Mai, and then to the Doi Tung Development Project in Chiang Rai from Feb 8-11. The trip was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassadors,charge d'affaires, representatives of international organisations and their spousesobserve a wide variety of cash crops cultivated at the Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang

The royal projects in the far North were principally set up to help hilltribe people, ethnic minorities and migrants in border provinces enjoy a better standard of life by ensuring secure farm jobs and related work.
Over the past 40 years, the projects have introduced the cultivation of cash crops, such as strawberry, apricot, passion fruit and plum to wean hilltribe people off growing opium on the hills.
Local villagers sell their produce to a fruit processor, the First Royal Factory in Fang district of Chiang Mai.
The factory produces dehydrated and canned fruits and vegetables, which are marketed under the Doi Kam brand.

The royal projects also educate highlanders about reforestation and sustainable tourism.
In fact, the Agricultural Station Angkhang in tambon Mae Ngon of Fang district was conceived and set up to educate the hilltribe people about growing cash crops using modern, nature-friendly techniques that increase yields, which, in turn, generate stable income for the growers and raise their standard of living.

Now, more than 2,500 families in the hills of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are involved in fruit production under the royal projects with annual produce yields of 2.5 million tonnes worth more than 25 million baht.
The Doi Tung Development Project, which was established in 1988 by the Princess Mother, has branched out into a non-perishables scheme.

It combines local people's handcraft skills and a market-driven approach to produce woven fabrics with signature motifs and colours.

The project also sells ceramics and fashion accessories to meet the demands of local and international buyers.

Handicrafts made by hilltribe and local people at the project training centre also make for popular merchandise.

At the centre, the workers acquire handicraft techniques which enable them to mix together unique products to appeal to a variety of markets.

In weaving textiles, for example, the workers are given designs drawn up by professional designers to use as guidelines to create desirable products.

The workers are paid according to their level of weaving skill. This motivates the workers to constantly improve their skills and acquire new crafts and techniques.

Numerous handcrafted items are on sale at well-known foreign stores, such as the Swedish furniture retailer Ikea.

Avast expanse of strawberry field sits onahill. Strawberries and other temperate fruits and vegetables are grown and marketed under the DoiKambrand.

The merchandise from the projects is certified by the UN Office on Drugs and Crimes, recognising that the profits earned from the products goes toward state and private campaigns to reduce the growing of illicit crops.

The label helps to increase sales as purchases help to combat drug problems.

All of the projects are directly connected to the people to improve their lives, observed Lutfi Rauf, Indonesia's ambassador to Thailand
.
"This is also relevant to our situation in Indonesia. For this visit, we have a lot of good things to learn. We want to have this kind of programme that can be adopted in certain places in Indonesia," he said.

According to Mr Rauf, the Doi Tung Project has already extended its reach to Indonesia's Aceh province, empowering people who were shown the way of growing alternative crops in area once carpeted by marijuana plants.

Lao ambassador Ly Bounkham said three aspects of the projects can be applied to his country - crop plantation, sufficiency and product improvement.

Foreign diplomats are brought to inspect a large strawberry farm on a hill slope under the royal project at DoiAngkhanginFang district of ChiangMai.

"We learn from Thailand and from the initiative of His Majesty the King, and this also benefits the Lao people," he said.

Cambodian ambassador You Ay praised the success of the royal campaign for farmers, saying the schemes do not only improve people's living conditions, but also education and public health.

"[The projects] are highly appreciated not only by Cambodia but by all countries," she said.

Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia, the Philippine ambassador, said the royal projects are economically viable and contribute to other sources of income for people in the same areas.

"I am looking at the projects very carefully. I am very interested [to know] how the projects have progressed. I am particularly interested in how tropical countries are able to grow non-tropical fruits and reduce land subsidence," she said.

The system shows that crops can be grown on terraced land for export. "That idea is what we have not yet developed. We are trying to learn," said Ms Batoon-Garcia, adding she will contact the offices handling the projects to learn more about their operation.

Dato Kamis Tamin, the Brunei ambassador, said the projects were built on a modern approach in terms of marketing and commercialising the products.

The programmes have been done for the benefit of the population, not individuals, he said.

Aweaver is busy working the loom at the Development Project in Chiang Rai where cloths with distinctive designsare produced for sale.

The projects, he observed, are not a one-man endeavour but a collaborative effort to ensure success.
"His Majesty has said we do not have to start big. We can start in a small or medium way ... That becomes an example for people to emulate or follow," he said.

Ngo Duc Thang, the Vietnamese ambassador, said the projects can be applied to his country, particularly for tribes people living in the highlands to eliminate poppy cultivation.

"This surely will be beneficial to my country," Mr Thang said. "We have to learn the best practices so that we can recommend them to our people," he said.

British ambassador Mark Kent said the Doi Tung project system is adaptable to globalisation.
People are using quite a basic technology but then the products are marketed to a specialised niche, Mr Kent said.

The projects carry out interesting marketing strategies in concert with international companies so the products become part of the global supply system, he added.

Read More

The Jewel in Chiang Mai's crown

A recent visit to Chiang Mai's newest district, named in memory of the late Princess Galyani Vadhana, proved very worthwhile. Galyani Vadhana district is the 25th to be established in Chiang Mai province, and the 878th in the country. It was named after His Majesty the King's sister.

Chiang Mai's newest district has a great deal to offer visitors and residents, especially those who want to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of nature.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand's Chiang Mai office director Chalermsak Suranan explains that the agency has organised excursions to the newest district to promote it as a tourist destination. Galyani Vadhana district has a pleasant climate, interesting landscape, abundant wildlife and, being only 164km from Muang Chiang Mai through Mae Hong Son's Pai district, it is an ideal destination for those visiting Pai, just 64km away.

Not far from Galyani Vadhana district, Suan Doi Kaew farm is a chemical-free strawberry farm approved by the Royal Foundation Project, in Bo Kaew sub-district, Samoeng district. This strawberry farm, owned and operated by Wittaya Narata, the president of Bo Kaew Agriculturists' Association, with support from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, occupies 2,500 rai (400 hectares) of land, and is one of the country's largest strawberry producers. Visitors can take a tour around the fields and eat freshly picked strawberries (in season). It is also being developed as an agro-tourism destination. Resort chalets are being built and campsites are already available, welcoming Thais and foreigners who'd like to spend their days in a cool climate and beautifully clean environment.

In Galyani Vadhana district, Pornchai Pianpla, social development officer of Wat Chan Royal Project Foundation and Development Centre, explained that the centre helps locals increase their agricultural knowledge and other occupational skills. The centre was started by the King in 1979 to help improve the living conditions of hilltribe people in Wat Chan and nearby villages.

The centre has arable and livestock farms, an exhibition of hilltribe culture, souvenirs for sale, a cafeteria, and rooms and tents for visitors to spend the night in the forest.

Other attractions and activities include the pine forests with wild orchids; bird watching; cool weather fog watching at the border between Chiang Mai province and Mae Hong Son, the Huay Horm waterfall, from which the Mae Chaem and Pai rivers flow; Huay Reservoir, and Wat Chan, which dates back to the Lawa era, one of Chiang Mai valley's earliest periods.

Spending a cool night at the peaceful Musikee Eco Lodge, set in the middle of a forest and with food for visitors from its own farms, followed a warm welcome by the staff and members of the Pakayor, a hilltribe native to the district. Musikee is the name of the Mae Chaem River in the Pakayor language, and it reflects the way of life of this hilltribe. Hiking to the junction of the Chaem Noi and Chaem Luang rivers is a popular activity for visitors. The nearby forest offers a large variety of plant life and the local hilltribe villages offer a glimpse into their native culture and arts. You can often hear locals playing the tae na, a Pakayor instrument similar to the harp, and singing traditional songs. There is often a show with the traditional welcoming sword dance.

Finally there is the Ban Wat Chan Royal Project, which with the Forest Industry Organisation of Thailand, is in charge of preserving and restoring the forests in the area and promoting farming among the locals. It's set in the country's largest pine and dry dipterocarp forest, 960m above sea level, and is being developed as an eco-tourism destination for people who love adventure and cool weather. Camping, hiking and bike riding are among the many activities on offer at this verdant destination, which can accommodate up to 500 people.

A new district office is being built to replace the temporary office, and the completion of a new road to the district _ which will make travelling here much easier _ is expected within two years.

 

Article and picture source : www.bangkokpost.com

Read More

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai (2)

Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, in Doi Suthep National Park, is one of the most popular temples in Chiang Mai with worshippers. 
Tourists travelling to this province usually come by to pay respects at this temple.
Leading to the temple, which is around 11km. from the foot of the mountain on a winding road.



Visitor can walk up 300 steps to the Naga stairs to the temple.

Read More

Chiang Mai Travel : Ratchaphruek Garden

Ratchaphruek Garden is situated 10km southwest of Chiang Mai, in Mae Hia sub-district. Nestled in a lush mountain landscape, this 400 rai (240,000m2) of land is indeed a picturesque setting -- not only the garden itself with its many plant and flower species -- but also its unique and delicate artwork and architecture which enriches the minds of its visitors with its seductive natural beauty.
The area was the site for the Royal Flora Expo 2006, the world most beautiful international horticultural exposition. This exhibition commemorated the auspicious occasion of the 60th anniversary of the crowning of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Association of International Horticultural Producers (AIPH) gave the expo A1 status, its highest honor. Ratchaphruek Garden is truly the fruit of this special event. The garden has been carefully maintained and developed, and is a splendid resource for agrotourism, as well as being a learning and research centre for the public and a meeting-place for farmers to share knowledge.

Ratchaphruek Garden offers many attractions:
Ho Kham Royal Pavilion - This pavilion is the symbol of the garden. It features traditional architecture in the style of Lanna, Northern Thailand. The Pavilion has high ceilings and steep multi-tiered roofs, exquisitely guilded in ancient technique. Visitors will be amazed by the uplifting beauty of Lanna wisdom and craftmanship.
The insides showcase paintings of King Bhumibol many activities aimed at the improvement of life for all Thai people. These works are an innovative juxtaposition of modern and traditional styles. The artists employ subdued tones of grey, red and gold, imbuing their work with a strange, dreamy quality. These paintings feature backgrounds drawn from the stylized tradition of temple mural paintings, with crisp -- almost photographic -- forms superimposed over them, imbuing the paintings with a surreal, otherworldy quality.
The Pavilion also houses the gorgeous Tree of the Ten Kingly Virtues. It is comprised of layered orbs of gold Bhodi leaves, and symbolizes the fact that the King provides a garden of spiritual shade for his people.
Corporate Gardens - Presented by various organizations and state enterprises, the Corporate Gardens showcase sustainability and eco-friendly agricultural techniques. The philosophy of these Gardens is driven by His Majesty tremendous insight and ingenuity to improve his people well-being. The idea is to spread knowledge and provide a model which can inspire those who visit the Gardens to internalize His Majesty theories and to go on to learn and care for the world.
International Gardens - This is an area where visitors can enjoy unique and innovative landscaping as well as horticultural highlights from 33 countries around the world, such as Japan, India, Bhutan, and South Africa. Not only does the International Garden include plants, but each country beautifully showcases its particular identity through architecture and art.
Indoor Exhibition - The indoor exhibit consists of hydroponics, a tissue culture nursery, as well as a dome for tropical plants and buildings for desert and temporate plants.
Outdoor Exhibition - The Outdoor Gardens includes water plants, a lotus garden, plants from each province in Thailand, plants which are believed to be auspicious, plants from Buddhist history, and plants painstakingly trained into incredibly beautiful shapes. There is also a building which exhibits information on the history of Thai horticulture. The enormous Outdoor Garden showcases the diversity of tropical horticulture.
Rare Plants - Ratchaphruek Garden displays rare plants including the 'Royal Palm' and the 'Double Coconut', which stand at the garden entrance, and ancient pine trees which species dates from 250 million years ago.
'Royal Palm' – The smooth gray trunk, which is swollen at the base when it is young and at the middle when it is mature, sculpts the palm into a bottle shape. Its strikingly tall trunk can reach up to 20 metres in height, and its deep-green leaves make for an attractive tropical look.
'Double Coconut' or 'Coco de Mer' – A native of the Seychelle Islands in the Indian Ocean, this palm is mostly grown for ornamntal reasons – the fruits resembling a double coconut contain the largest seeds in the plant kingdom – they are up to 30cm in diameter, 45 cm in length and can weigh up to 14 kg. In years past, the nuts were believed to have aphrodesiac qualities, probably owing to their similarity in appearace to the female pelvis region. In the 1700, the fruits were sold in parts of Europe for a very high price. The tree was also once thought to be the Tree of Good and Evil in the biblical Garden of Eden.

Trams are provided:
20 baht for adults, 10 baht for children. At present the garden is open only to groups and must be booked in advance. Knowledgeable guides conduct all tours. The garden is free of charge. Doors open every day except Monday, from 10:00 - 18:00. For further information call 0 5311 4110-5 fax. 0 5311 4116.
Article Source : www.tourismthailand.org

Read More

Travel Chiang Mai : San Kamphaeng

The village is located 13 kilometers the east of Chiang Mai town in a district that is famous for silk and a cotton weaving. The silk and cotton souvenirs produced in this village are high quality. Factories and souvenir shops selling woodcarving, silverware, earth ware, lacquer ware and cotton fabrics are located along the way from Chiang Mai to San Kamphaeng.
Located in San Kamphaeng is Bo Sang a village that produces handmade umbrellas. In addition to umbrellas, visitors will also be able to find various woodcarving and Thai silk products here.

Read More

Chiang Mai Travel Chiang Dao Cave

Chiang Dao Cave is a charming cave located in Amphoe Chiang Dao. It is situated 72 kilometres from Chiang Mai town, turn left at the entrance route and proceed for 5 kilometres on an asphalt road. Convenient parking is available. Climb a staircase with a zinc roof to reach the cave. The lovely cave greets visitors with various kinds of fish swimming in a stream in front of the cave.
Touring in and around Tham Chiang Dao with a local guide is possible by contacting local guides in front of the cave. A service fee is charged.

Chiang Dao Cave : Tham Chaing dao Chaing mai

Chiang Mai Travel : Chiang Dao Cave

Chiang Mai Travel : Chiang Dao Cave

Chiang Mai Travel : Chiang Dao Cave

Read More

Chiang Dao National Park

Chiang Dao National Park (Thai: เชียงดาว) is in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Established on November 2, 2000, the park covers 1,123 km² of the Doi Chiang Dao and Pha Dang mountain ranges. The tallest peak is Doi Pukphukka at 1,794 meters.
Doi Chiang Dao National Park is one of the most visited birdwatching locations in Thailandwith rare species such as Giant Nuthatch and Hume's Pheasant regularly seen.

Chiand Dao Elephant Camp

Chiang Dao National Park

 

Chiang Dao National Park

Chiang Dao National Park

Chiang Dao National Park

Read More

Thailand National Park khun khan national park

Khun Khan National Park is situated in an approximate area of 397 square kilometers or 248,125 rai, covering the areas of Pa Sa-merng National Conserved Forest and Mae-Chaem Forest in Sub-District Mae-sarb, Sub-District Bor-kaew, Sub-District Sa-merng Nua, Sub-District Sa-merng Tai of Sa-merng Tai District, and Sub-District Ban Chan, Sub-District Mae Na-jarn of Mae-Chaem District, Chiang Mai Province.

Khun Khan National Park

Khun Khan National Park

Khun Khan National Park

Khun Khan National Park

Khun Khan National Park

Read More