Royal Project Pang Tong, also known by its full name Pang Tong Highland Service and Development Center under Royal Initiative, plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for people in Mae Hong Son province, particularly the hill tribes and various ethnic groups. This project originated from the royal initiatives of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX) and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, to address issues of forest encroachment, opium cultivation, and to promote agricultural livelihoods for highland residents.

Royal Project Pang Tong was established in 1980 with the primary objective of serving as a hub for research and development of temperate fruits and vegetables, animal husbandry, fisheries, and sustainable natural resource management. It also functions as a learning center, transferring knowledge to farmers to help them become self-reliant and improve their well-being.

One of the most popular places within the Royal Project Pang Tong area is "Pang Oung," or the Royal Forest Project Pang Tong 2. It is renowned for its picturesque landscape, often compared to Switzerland, featuring a large reservoir surrounded by two- and three-needle pine forests. Especially during winter mornings, mist covers the water's surface, creating a romantic and peaceful atmosphere. Tourists can take a bamboo raft ride to admire the scenery and observe the majestic white and black swans gracefully gliding across the water.

Within the project, there are various learning bases, such as those focusing on royal initiative forestry, highland crop cultivation, local orchid and fern cultivation, highland animal husbandry, freshwater fisheries, soil and water conservation systems management, and the production of highland plant seedlings.

• Private Car: From Mae Hong Son town, take Highway 1095 (Mae Hong Son - Pai) towards Ban Rak Thai/Pang Oung. Royal Project Pang Tong is approximately 36 kilometers from the town.

• Public Transportation: Songthaew (shared taxis) are available from "Sai Yud Market" in Mae Hong Son town to Pang Oung - Ban Rak Thai. Tourists can take a songthaew to the intersection leading to Phra Tamnak Pang Tong (Royal Project Pang Tong) and then walk for about 1 kilometer, or charter a songthaew from Sai Yud Market.

• Best Time to Visit: The winter season (approximately November - February) offers cool weather and beautiful mist, making it the most suitable time for a visit.

• Activities:

  • Pang Oung: Enjoy the morning reservoir views, take a bamboo raft ride, observe white and black swans, and capture photos of the pine forest and mist.

  • Learning Center: Visit various learning bases within the project to learn about agriculture and nature.

  • Royal Initiative Project Visit: Learn about the history and significance of the Royal Project.

• Facilities: Accommodation and camping grounds are available within the project (reservations are recommended, especially during holidays). Clean restrooms are provided.

• Preparation: Mornings in winter can be quite cold, so it's advisable to bring warm clothing, gloves, socks, and a scarf.

Admission Fees:

• There is generally no main admission fee for Royal Project Pang Tong and Pang Oung. However, there might be fees for certain activities, such as:

  • Community songthaew service fee if you park your private car at Ban Na Pa Paek School and take the songthaew in (approximately 50 THB per person).

  • Bamboo raft ride fee at Pang Oung (approximately 150 THB per raft for 2 people).

  • Some national park entrance fees (if applicable in related areas).

Operating Hours:

• Pang Tong Highland Service and Development Center under Royal Initiative: Generally open daily, approximately 08:30 AM - 04:30 PM.

• Pang Oung: Opens early in the morning (around 05:30 AM) to view the morning mist, until the evening (around 06:00 PM). (It is recommended to reconfirm the exact operating hours at the entrance, as they may change).