CHIANG RAI
Singha Park
Good for: Picking freshly grown fruit and veg before biking around the vast acres of fields blooming with colorful cosmos flowers. Other highlights include their nine-story-tall zipline tower, rock climbing wall and even an onsite zoo that’s home to giraffe, zebra and longhorn African Watusi cows. Farm-to-table enthusiasts should head over to Bhu Bhirom restaurant, which serves up delicious dishes using ingredients grown on the farm.
The site: 8,000 rai of land makes it the biggest farm in the country, growing tea and golden trumpet flowers. The few structures that are there take on a faux-European barn theme with red walls and white rafters, while Chiang Rai’s dramatic mountain range stretches out in every direction.
Stick around: Architectural masterpiece the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is just a 15 minute drive from the park. Also don’t forget to stop by Melt in Your Mouth cafe, which offers freshly brewed coffee and a wide list of homemade desserts.
99 Moo 1, Thambon Maekorn, Chiang Rai, 053-172-870. www.fb.com/SinghaparkChiangrai
Sawanbondin
Good for: Taking a tour around the farm to pick flowers while learning more about organic farming techniques. And don’t miss the pottery workshop where you can create your own clay tea cup and sip their delicate-flavored herbal teas. You’ll also be able to cook your own food using vegetables grown in the homestay’s garden (it’s complimentary).
The site: This family-run farm in Chiang Rai specializes in growing a wide array of flowers and plants, from chrysanthemum to bael fruit, using chemical-free methods. The rustic architecture embraces classic and modern Thai touches, from thatched roofs to concrete walls.
Stick around: Drive the scenic route to discover the most amazing campus in Thailand, Mae Fah Luang University. And don’t forget to stop at deceased Thai master painter Thawan Duchanee’s Black House Museum—a sinister yet beautiful reminder of his work.
171/12 Moo 4 Soi 1 Rimok, Chiang Rai. www.fb.com/Sawanbondin.farm
CHIANG MAI
Pun Pun
Good for: Those who love getting their hands dirty. This “center for self-reliance” collects seeds from Thailand and elsewhere and distributes them to the local area. Visitors are welcome to take part in outdoor workshops that include organic gardening and building your own home using sustainable materials like adobe, straw and bamboo. Don’t forget to bring home some of their homemade products such as nut butters, seasonal herbal teas, and rice husk charcoal soap.
The site: From vegetable patches to open-plan adobe huts for practicing yoga, the community farm provides a luscious but intimate environment for guests.
Stick around: It’ll take you one hour to drive to Chiang Dao, Thailand’s “Little Tuscany” known for its pristine national parks and local wines.
Po.5, Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai, 081-470-1461. on.fb.me/20V9C0R
Daradalay Banndin Farm
Good for: During this genuine “farm stay” experience, you’ll spend several days getting your hands dirty with the harvesting of baby carrots, strawberries, green oak leaves, passion fruit, rice and plenty of fresh produce before calling it a day under the stars in one of the on-site cabins.
The site: A local family runs these 20 acres of rolling hilltop farms, opening their doors to give the public a taste of the slow life and the perks of sustainable living. Take your pick between three cabin styles on offer for overnight stays, all of which are designed to bring you as close to nature as possible.
Stick around: Pop over to nearby Chiang Dao’s Makhampom Art space that promotes local theater, dance and music performances. Interactive activities are always taking place throughout the week, including painting workshops, clay making and photography classes.
RATCHABURI
Rai Pluk Ruk
Good for: Local experts conduct various agricultural and art workshops every weekend and public holiday (check out the schedule on their page in advance as the activities are not fixed) at this vast green space in Ratchaburi. After learning about the process of growing vegetables without the use of anychemicals, you’ll also get to plant your own pot plants to take home.
The site: The sustainability-obsessed Thai couple behind Rai Pluk Ruk are the same people who run Bangkok’s Anothai vegetarian restaurant. At their organic farm, you’ll be greeted by wide open fields with barely any buildings obstructing the countryside landscape
Stick around: Also check out Blooms Orchid Park, a lush 100-rai plot of land blessed with an abundance of exotic plants and rare orchid species.
Coro Field
Good for: A healthy and educational one-day trip touring the field’s massive greenhouse, planting and picking your own vegetables, buying and eating the organically grown produce and partaking in DIY workshops to bring souvenirs home. Their signature Hokkaido milk soft serve and creative desserts are two very good reason to stop by their cafe. And don’t forget to sample their farm-grown Japanese melon—you’ll definitely want to bring some back with you.
The site: This cute, Japanese-style agro tourist spot painted mostly in white brings minimal style to Thai farming, keeping a cozy, contemporary feel thanks to naturally treated woods and large windows to bring the outdoors in.
Stick around: Don’t forget to check out Suan Pheung’s major landmark, Baan Hom Tian, where you can savor exciting local dishes such as kaeng som pak kood and dok kajorn omelet, prepared the traditional way.
117 Pha Pok Rd., Tambom Pa Wai, Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi. www.fb.com/corofieldTH
Brought to you by Tourism Authority of Thailand
