Chiang Rai

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Singha Park 

Formerly called Boonrawd Farm, this park underwent a B2 million restoration and officially reopened as Singha Park this November. Set on a 8,000-rai plot of land covering nine districts of Chiang Rai province, the new eco-tourism destination comprises the original 600-rai tea plantation and many organic jujube, strawberry, star fruit and mulberry gardens. The farm is famous for its Oolong tea and is one of the largest tea producers in Thailand. 

Do: While enjoying the scenic views and fresh air, there are many fun outdoor activities you can do here from jogging and cycling to having a picnic. It’s recommended you rent a bicycle at the farm and tour around the park’s 8km beautiful bike trail. Free shuttle buses are also available. Daily farm tours run every 20 minutes from 9am to 4pm. There are also the 300-seater Phurirom restaurant and shops selling souvenirs, coffee, and other produce. Free admission. www.boonrawdfarm.com

Nakhon Ratchasima

Farm Chokchai 

Located two hours’ drive from Bangkok, Farm Chokchai is set on 20,000 rai of land in Pakchong, Nakhon Ratchasima province. Founded in 1957 by the famous Thai cowboy Chokchai Bulakul, the farm’s business has since expanded to include everything from meat, milk and steak restaurants to a popular (if slightly cheesy) farm tour. 

Do: Accommodating up to 80 visitors per trip, the two and a half hour tour begins with a rather dull presentation of the farm’s history before a tractor and trailer takes visitors around the farm and introduces various farming activities, like how they milk the cows, alongside more overblown and ethically dubious shows like a mini rodeo and an animal show. There’s also an open zoo where you get to feed the rabbits and cows, making it a great spot for those with children. You also shouldn’t miss the delicious milk ice cream at Umm..!Milk shop, but while we are quite big fans of the burgers from the fast food place, we’d say skip the less impressive steak house and its chewy pepper steak (B220). Entry fees: B300 for adults and B150 for children Tuesday-Friday 10am and 2pm. Weekends and public holidays: a farm tour runs every 20 minutes from 9-11.40am and 1-3.40pm. Closed on Monday. www.farmchokchai.com

Sukhothai

The Organic Agriculture Project 

Once you’ve landed at the petite and impeccably landscaped Sukhothai Airport, you’ll find lots of attractions within the airport complex itself, including an orchid greenhouse containing over 10,000 floral species, local ceramic-making demonstrations, Brahma and Buddha shrines, a swan pond and souvenir shop selling organic products. The highlight, though, is the organic rice farming project. Sat on a 400-rai plot of land nearby, you will get to see farmers in blue outfits conducting traditional chemical-free rice farming: ploughing the paddies with water buffalo, transplanting rice seedlings, harvesting and milling rice. The Organic Agriculture Project has grown to include paddy fields, vegetable beds and fruit orchards (mango, papaya, banana, mango plum). The farm’s renowned organic rice, Kao Hom Sukho, and other produce are distributed at local retail outlets and Bangkok. 

Do: Adjacent to the airport is the Sukhothai Heritage Resort (www.sukhothaiheritage.com), a low-rise boutique property offering 68 rooms in ancient Sukhothai architecture. The hotel offers a free bicycle service that lets you take a tour around the organic farms and gardens. Other attractions in Sukhothai include the UNESCO World Heritage sites at Sukhothai Historical Park and Sri Satchanalai Historical Park, Sri Satchanalai Town, and the local old Rim Yon Market which is open on every first Saturday of each month. www.kaohomsukhothai.in.th/eng

Nakhon Ratchasima

Jim Thompson Farm 

For just four weeks a year during the cool season, Thailand’s famous silk brand Jim Thompson opens the doors of its farm to visitors for special agricultural and cultural tours. Located in a lush part of Pak Thong Chai district in Nakhon Ratchasima province, the 600-rai farm is divided into five zones of attractions covering everything from silk production to sculptures. The farm is just over three hours’ drive from Bangkok. 

Do: Open from Dec 14, 2013-Jan 12, 2014, this year’s highlight is “On Son Lai, Lai Pha Isan,” which is a celebration of Northeastern Thai woven textiles. The project sees design students from eight Thai universities work with local weavers to produce modern designs utilizing traditional hand-woven textiles and techniques. Eleven pieces from the project will be exhibited in the Isaan Village, home to traditional Isaan houses, religious halls and buildings, as well as daily performances and cultural shows. Other attractions include a 50-rai field of pink cosmos flowers and the U-Pick Garden, where you can pick your own fresh organic vegetables. Here you’ll find works by seven Asian artists exhibited amid the serene setting of the Phrayaprab hills and Lam Sam Lai reservoir. Another highlight is the Jim Thompson Village, showcasing the silk production process from the lifecycle of silk worms to silk reeling, yarn dyeing, hand-weaving and fabric printing. Visitors can also shop for products from the farm as well as the brand’s silk products at the Jim Thompson Market. Entry fee: Weekdays it’s B120 per adult and B80 for children. Weekends and Dec 31 it’s B140 per person for adults and B100 for children. www.jimthompsonfarm.com

Chiang Mai

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Daradalay Bann Din Farm

Located just over an hour’s drive or 96km from Chiang Mai’s city centre, Daradalay is a family-run business offering a farm-stay experience on a 20-rai organic farm in Chiang Dao district. Here, you can just free your mind and pretend to be a farmer while the host, known as “Khun Mae” (mom), takes care of you as if you were a family member. The farm’s baan dins (mud huts) are surrounded by fields growing organic bananas, star fruit, mulberry and passion fruit.

Do: Here, you can learn about organic farming or participate in activities to support the local community, after which, you can sip on old Thai-style coffee while enjoying the scenery. When the temperature drops at night, you can look up at the heavens and enjoy a clear view of the stars. Just remember to take your own mosquito repellent and a torch. Before you leave, drop by the souvenir shop which sells handicrafts, postcards, and the farm’s organic vegetables and fruit. Some attractions in the area include Srisangwan waterfall, Pong Ah hot spring and Pa Daeng National Park. There are three types of accommodation available: huts on the hill for groups of 4-5 people, small rooms for two, and wooden huts for two with a farm view. All rooms are equipped with a mattress, a hot shower and a blanket, priced at B1,200 per person including homemade breakfast and authentic Northern dinner. www.daradalay.com