Cycling across a Pine Forest and Experiencing the Pakakayor Lifestyle
Galyani Vadhana District
Travel Info
From Chiang Mai town, take Highway107 and turn left at Mae Malai Market to enter Highway 1095 (Mae Malai Market-Pai). Continue along the road about 13 km. and turn left to Highway1265. The total distance is approximately 160 km.
GPS Location
N19° 7.620’, E098° 17.488’
Contact
Ban Wat Chan Royal Project
+66 5331 7606
+668 6181 3388
www.fio.co.th/travel/watchan
Facilities & Services
Guide, rental bicycle, tent camping site, accommodation, restaurant, grocery shop, restroom and parking.
In this area, you will find the largest pine forest in Thailand. There is a rumour that this forest is as breath-taking and romantic as Pang Ung. So many people call it "Pang Ung 2". Here we have a reservoir, huge pine trees and the colour of Himalayan cherry that perfectly matches with the cold weather and scenic view making you feel like exploring every point of the Ban Wat Chan pine forest. This place is also known as a new popular ecological attraction in Chiang Mai.
In the early morning, you can see the golden sky, warm sunshine and light mist over the reservoir and the pine forest without having to fly across the world to find a beautiful forest. In the late morning, you can wander and explore the nature around the Ban Wat Chan Royal Project, enjoy the scenic Merkus pine forest and winter flowers. Then you can learn the simple lifestyle of Pakakayor at Huai O village in the afternoon. In the evening, cycling around the Royal Project is a must since the cool air is so perfect for cycling. You can feel the breeze on your face while you are riding through the pine forest to the reservoir. Take a deep breath and work up a sweat against the cold weather.
If you want a wilder adventure, you can try hiking through the natural trail of Huai Hom Waterfall, the origin of the Mae Chaem River. However, to take this trail, you must contact the local staff to take you there which is about 1-hour’s driving.
Know Before You Go
"Open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m."
Recommendation
"Don’t miss the Karen’s demonstration garden of vegetables and fruits;such as, Japanese apricots, persimmons, plums and Chinese pears. For Huai Hom Waterfall hiking trail, please book the trip in advance."
Please
"Support villagers by purchasing local products and dump garbage in the specified area. Belief Pakakayor girls have a strong belief about clothes. So you should try asking them which kind of clothes suit to be a souvenir."
Belief
"Pakakayor girls have a strong belief about clothes. So you should try asking them which kind of clothes suit to be a souvenir."