Doi Angkhang - Cherry Blossom
(ดอยอ่างขาง เชียงใหม่)
Chiang Mai
The Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang is the project from the idea of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej in order to support agriculture instead of opium planting. The project began when His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej traveled by a helicopter and passed this mountain peak. He saw a village and then made a visit. He saw opium fields, and a village of Muser tribesmen who at that time plaited side braid hair, wore black clothes, and carried sword on their shoulders. His Majesty the King planned to change the opium field into agricultural field. The Station therefore was found in 1969.
The Station is located in Baan Koom, Moo. 5, Mae Ngon Sub-District, Fang District, Chiang Mai, approximately 1,400 meters above the sea level. In the Station, there are fruit research center, winter flowers, farm plant demonstration, and oily plants. The purpose is to find efficient products that can substitute the tribesmen’s opium planting and develop agriculture for tribesmen in nearby area. Visitors can visit winter fruit trees planting demonstration (such as peaches, Chinese bayberries, plums, strawberries, Chinese pears, raspberries, persimmons, kiwis, and nectarines), winter plants (such as carrots and lettuces), and flowers such as carnations, roses, asters, and chrysanthemums). The Station also sells its products.
Getting there, Visitors can come to visit the Station by private cars and public transportation. There are three ways to come here by cars: go along Doi Angkhang at Wat Had Samran km. 137 via Chiang Mai-Fang road (Road No. 107), go along Doi Angkhang at Chiang Dao District km. 79 from the center of Chiang Mai via Chiang Mai-Fang road (Road No. 107), and the road from Fang District-Norlae village which is the shortest but the steepest and the roughest route and has a military barrier (not recommended).
For public transportation, use Chiang Mai-Fang or Chiang Mai-Ta Torn bus route to Doi Angkhang entrance in front of Wat Had Samran, km. 137. Then take a bus, van, or motorcycle to Doi Angkhang. If you came from Chiang Rai, you can use Chiang Rai-Doi Angkhang road also.
The Station also provides the accommodation from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. More information visit http://www.angkhangstation.com/
 Attractions around Doi Angkhang
 Bonsai Garden is located in front of the station. The garden comprises temperate and winter plants of Thailand and overseas, all of which are decorated, cut and planted with the Bonsai technique. Touring around Bonsai garden, visitors can also see herbal plantations. The best time to visit is from November to January.
 Mu Ban Khum is a village located near the Royal Agricultural Station. It is a small community comprising people of various races such as Burmese, Hwa, and Thai Yai. They settled in the area and run souvenir shops and restaurants.
 Kiu Lom Viewpoint is a scenic spot to watch sunrise and sunset including a sea of clouds. It overlooks the delightful ambience of the mountains. On a clear day, the Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station can be seen from here.
 Mu Ban No Lae is on the Thai-Burmese border. The people of No Lae migrated from Myanmar about 15 years ago. They speak their own language and are Buddhists. On every Buddhist day, they stay home to practice the Buddhist precepts. No Lae village offers a magnificent view of natural scenery of the Thai-Burmese border.
 Mu Ban Khop Dong is home to Musoes. The tribe believe in ghosts and spirits and still hold on to simple ways of life. The Royal Project has supported this village in promoting agriculture and handicrafts. The Young Local Guide project is underway to guide visitors on the local lifestyle and beliefs, as well as to create a non-migration awareness in local youths.
 - Birdwatching - More than 1,000 species of birds can be seen. The best spots are Mae Phoe forest station and around Angkhang Natural Resort.