Nature Travel

Sufficiency Life on Top of the Mountain
The best phrase to describe the vast spectrum experienced by the Thai economy in every era is in the words, ‘From the heights to the depths’.

When human beings are tempted with wealth and the progress of civilization, they are crazed for the rapid development that sometimes goes far beyond their control and capability. We have learnt from the memorable experience of the bubble economy crisis in 1996-97 that an economical system developing too fast can bring any of us to a state of bankruptcy. At that time, some seemed to cope with the terrible situation by following His Majesty the King’s motto that relies on a ‘Sufficiency Economy’ – a way to survive based on self-reliance. Now, it seems that the Thai economical situation could be going back to that state again, and so the Royal idea of a “Sufficiency Economy” is re-surfacing throughout our country.

Since the 1970’s, the king has frequently mentioned learning from several thousand Royal Projects for local development in which he has initiated and started with the main grounds to see his people able to stand on their own feet.

According to the Thai definition of the sufficiency economy drawn up in 1999, it stated that, “a Sufficiency Economy is an approach to life and conduct applicable at every level from the individual through the family and community to the management and development of the nation.” Three components are raised to be followed up, which are moderation, wisdom or insight and built-in resilience against risks from external and internal changes.

From His Majesty’s wide vision to help his people to have sustainable living, there had become many Royal Projects in remote areas. On the occasion of His 80th birthday anniversary and to show gratitude and high respect, we would like to raise the topic of one of His Projects that has made the lives of hill tribe people and those in the northern part of Thailand better – The Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang.

Situated 1400 meters above sea level on Tanaosri Mountain, Tambon Mae Ngon in Fang district, Chiang Mai, the Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang was the first research station of the Royal Projects and was founded in 1969 by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. He wanted his people to be self-reliant and turned the huge area of previous opium farms into areas to grow cool season plants and to have flower cultivation.

During His many visits to the remote villages, King Bhumibol (accompanied by Queen Sirikit) visited Phakphai Village in Fang District and passed through Angkhang Mountain. His and Her Majesties saw that the hill tribe villagers were living in suffering by planting opium which then had damaging effects for the environment of the whole country. He therefore graciously granted a part of his money to buy a piece of land on Angkhang Mountain and started the project by appointing HSH Prince Bhisatej RAJANI as president of the project.

The objectives and obligations of the Royal Agricultural Station at Angkhang can be divided into five main categories. The first objective was to be the main research center of many other research projects, especially those dealing with cool season plants, forests and high land agricultural research.

Secondly, the station was to be used as the place for academic seminars and training for agricultural officers and farmers. Thirdly, it serves as the development center for villagers and farmers to help improve their techniques and provide more knowledge for farmers and hill tribe villagers in groups such as the Benglong, Lahu, Shan and Haw (Chinese hill farmers). Besides this, other government organizations have given their hand in running different development projects involving water resource development, land usage planning, and the promoting of fruits and vegetable farming for the recovery of the ecosystem, for instance.

Apart from these, the fourth obligation has as well as for tourists. More importantly, this project was also supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to build the Angkhang Natural Resort at the station with the purpose of being a guesthouse for tourists who want to visit The Royal Agricultural Station at Angkhang.

The fruits from His Majesty’s wisdom not only bring progress and better lives for the villagers and farmers, but also by following his guidelines of a sufficiency economy, people then learn how to live simpler lives on their own without having to beg for help, destroy nature or even seek material progress.

How to get there:
Tourists can drive along Highway no. 107 (Chiang Mai – Fang Road). However, before you reach the entrance to Angkhang Mountain, it is recommended to hire a bus to the top of the mountain as the road is very dangerous. Approximate price for a one way trip is THB600 and THB1000 – 1200 for a return trip (THB300 extra charge for driving to other scenic points). The price can often be negotiated.

Activities and nearby sites:
10 forest trekking routes, camping, bird watching, hill tribe villages, beautiful scenic points – most tourists love to see the sun rise and set as well as the sea of fog from the mountain. Also, visit the delightful demonstration gardens of cool season plants and flowers in The Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang.

Climate:
Overall, the average temperature is 16.9 ?C. The highest temperature is 32 ?C in March with the lowest being - 3 ?C in January. (Information updated on Oct. 2007 – Please check prior to your visit!)

Accommodation:
Many guesthouses, both private and public, are available. Tents are available for rental as well as a camping area with a fee. The Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang Tel. 66 5345 0107-9 (book ahead at least 1 month in advance for a reservation) Angkhang Nature Resort Tel. 66 5345 0110

Resources for further reading:
• http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/10/30/opinion/opinion_30017429.php
• http://www.amari.com/angkhang
• http://www.angkhang.com

Special Thank :
http://www.passport2002.com for information and photos

Related Clips Video:
Angkhang
Nature

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Southern Route

The area renown for craft making in Chiang Mai is located on the southern side of Chiang Mai city. Starting from the local market at the Chiang Mai Gate , the southern city wall of Chiang Mai, head down along Wua Lai Road (Saturday walking street) to fi nd the ubiquitous but rather harmonious sound of hammers at work. This is reminiscent of the Wua Lai community’s long-standing reputation for their silverwork also with the Silverware Factory, well-known for its silver products such as; cigarette cases, spoons and forks, trays, etc. Don’t miss the Wat Srisuphan , the fi rst silver ordination hall in the world (Tel. 66 5320 0332)
A short walk away, is the village of Ban Nantharam, where lacquer ware of high quality can be found, and you can enjoy window-shopping.

Proceeding along the Wua Lai Road,with the Old Chiang Mai Culture Center (Tel. 66 5327 4093) on the left, which is especially known for its Khantoke Dinners (Northern traditional-style meals). The centre was the fi rst to organize an event of this kind in Chiang Mai and has been going for 30 years. It is now accompanied by superb classical Lan Na performances. On the other side of the road stands the Old Medicine Hospital (Tel. 66 5327 5085) that offers traditional Thai massage and herbal saunas, as well as massage courses.

Another good area for meals and movies is next - Central Airport Plaza Department Store is where you can find a food centre and a world-class cinema omplex. In this surrounding area, you will also fi nd the all important immigration offi ce, the Japanese Consulate (in Airport Business park Tel. 66 5320 3367) and the Chiang Mai International Airport

From the junction at the central Airport Plaza Department Store, heading south, the fi rst district on the way is Hang Dong. The Chiang Mai-Hot Road (Highway 108) is easily recognized on account of its numerous furniture shops. The area is well known for its fi ne wood carved masterpieces as well as antiques and interesting local wickerwork.

This road is the location of Kad Farang (Tel. 66 5327 3174) - The Lanna Cultural Tourist Center, where the History of Chiang Mai will be told at this center. The next place is Chiang Mai Speedway (Tel. 66 5336 1231), a must stop for those who love speed. Then after that, turn left at Hang Dong market to visit Baan Tawai. This village is renowned for their skills in replicating that of ancient wood products. Carved-wood pieces are produced for retail and wholesale by factories here. Take your time in bargaining for the best deal. Here you don’t have to worry about excess luggage on the way back home, since most merchants are also exporters and will have your purchases delivered right to your doorstep.

If you continue 5 km further, you will fi nd yourself in San Pa Tong district. Most famous here are the collections of traditional dolls exhibited and sold at the Chiang Mai Doll-making Centre (Tel. 66 5383 7229). Then, on to Wat Pa Charoentham temple where you’ll see sculptures with themes from Buddhist folklore on display, and you can marvel at how stuccowork can look so alive! Next, visit the San Pa Tong Cattle Market open only on Saturday from 7 am to Midday.

Then, before arriving at Chom Tong district, make a right turn at Highway 1009, This long, winding road takes you to one of the great tourist destinations in the country, Doi Inthanon (Inthanon mountain with an altitude of alt. 2,565 m.), one of Thailand’s most famous National Parks and one of the best equipped to welcome visitors. It is situated in the area of three districts: Chom Thong, San Pa Tong and Mae Chaem, and covers some 1,005 square km. It offers marvelous natural scenery. Shooting, fi shing and causing damage to trees and plants are strictly forbidden. Also, it is host to three impressive waterfalls: the Mae Klang and Wachiratan waterfalls (a big cascade with a scenic spot for picnics), and Mae Ya waterfall (one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in Chiang Mai). This area is home to the Hmong and Karen hilltribes. Yot Doi Inthanon is the ending point of this route and is the highest mountain in Thailand. The weather at the top is considerably colder all year round. As well as nice walks, some rare species of plants and birds can be seen.

Back on Highway 108, for another 300 km, you will reach Mae Hong Son. It is well worth the drive because of its picturesque scenery and offers many cultural attractions, such the world-famous long-necked Karen.

Tips for Trip: Ganesh Himal Museum Tel. 66 8 9855 5852 Ganesh Himal Museum is only 35km from Chiang Mai and on the way to Doi Inthanon (after passing San Pa Tong district). The beautiful museum is devoted to Ganesh statues, paintings, masks, and history. It was really interesting to learn how Hinduism spread throughout Asia and how it has been incorporated into Thai Buddhism.

Special Thank :
http://www.passport2002.com for information and photos