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Phu Ruea Highland Agricultural Research Station

“The station is located in a cool climate ideal for growing various cold-climate crops. It features beautiful seasonal flower fields, including salvia, and experimental plots of economically important fruits such as macadamia and strawberries, offering visitors both scenic beauty and educational experiences in agriculture.”

Established in 1986 by the Department of Agriculture, Phu Ruea Highland Agricultural Research Station was created to study and develop plant varieties suitable for highland cultivation in northeastern Thailand. The station covers approximately 1,500 rai (about 590 acres), divided into areas for fruit trees, vegetables, ornamental plants, and water reservoirs. It plays a key role in testing and improving cold-climate crops such as apples, plums, peaches, and macadamia, as well as other high-value plants. The station also maintains strawberry plots and greenhouses for potted plants, providing opportunities for researchers and local farmers to learn proper cultivation and care techniques.

Beyond agricultural research, the station serves as an important educational and agritourism destination. Visitors can explore seasonal flower plots, including salvia, cosmos, and hydrangea, and observe cold-climate fruit orchards while learning about planting, care, and harvesting. Special research projects include cultivating grapes for both wine production and fresh consumption, improving plant varieties to withstand climate conditions and pests, and developing sustainable highland farming systems. These efforts make the station not only a valuable research center but also an engaging agritourism destination for both Thai and international visitors.

Visitors can walk through the plots independently or use station-provided transportation to access more remote areas. They can also purchase fresh produce, plants, and processed products such as salted roasted macadamia nuts, made directly from the station’s harvest, providing an educational, enjoyable, and memorable experience.

The combination of research, experimental plots, and hands-on visitor experiences makes Phu Ruea Highland Agricultural Research Station a unique destination that combines scientific value with natural beauty.

How to Get There

By car: From Phu Ruea District, take Phu Ruea–Dan Sai Road (Highway 2013) to the intersection leading to Ban Hin So, Pla Ba Subdistrict.
By public transport: Take a bus from Loei town to Phu Ruea District, then transfer to a local minibus or taxi to the station.

Travel Tips

Best visiting time: Winter (November–February) when cold-climate flowers are in full bloom.
Accommodation: On-site cottages and camping areas are available. Advance booking is recommended.