“A famous Thailand Sakura viewing destination featuring highland agricultural plots, premium Arabica coffee, and a peaceful campsite surrounded by nature.”

Khun Chang Khian Highland Agricultural Research and Training Station (Khun Chang Khian Highland Agricultural Research and Training Station) is located in the highlands of Doi Suthep–Pui National Park and is operated by the Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University. The station was established as a center for research, experimentation, and training in highland agriculture, focusing on the cultivation of temperate fruits, Arabica coffee, cool-climate vegetables, and other crops suitable for the mountainous environment of northern Thailand. It also serves as an important learning center for students, researchers, farmers, and visitors interested in sustainable agricultural development.

The station is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful places to see the blooming Wild Himalayan Cherry, also known as "Thailand Sakura," in Chiang Mai. Every year, from mid-January to early February, thousands of Wild Himalayan Cherry trees burst into soft pink blossoms, transforming the roadsides and surrounding hillsides into a breathtaking pink landscape. This spectacular seasonal scenery attracts photographers, nature lovers, and tourists from across Thailand who come to experience one of the country's most famous winter flower destinations.

Beyond its famous cherry blossoms, visitors can explore the station's highland agricultural demonstration plots, where temperate fruits such as Japanese apricot, persimmon, peach, macadamia, and premium Arabica coffee are cultivated. These research fields demonstrate modern agricultural techniques, crop improvement, and sustainable farming practices that support local highland communities. Visitors can also learn about coffee cultivation, harvesting, processing, and the research projects that contribute to the development of highland agriculture in northern Thailand.

Within the station are coffee roasting and processing facilities, agricultural product shops, accommodation, and camping areas, allowing visitors to enjoy an overnight stay amidst the cool mountain climate. Spending time walking through the research fields, enjoying a freshly brewed cup of locally grown Arabica coffee, and admiring the star-filled night sky creates a peaceful and memorable experience that is rarely found at other tourist destinations.

Combining natural beauty, agricultural education, and seasonal flower tourism, Khun Chang Khian Highland Agricultural Research and Training Station has become one of Chiang Mai's most distinctive attractions. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, photographer, family traveler, coffee lover, or someone interested in highland agriculture, the station offers enjoyable experiences throughout the year, with the winter cherry blossom season being the most spectacular time to visit.


How to Get There
  • By Private Car: From Chiang Mai city, drive along the road to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, continue past Bhubing Rajanives Palace, and follow the route to Khun Chang Khian Hmong Village before proceeding to the research station. The total distance is approximately 30–35 kilometers. The final section of the route is a narrow and winding mountain road, so drivers should use low gear and drive carefully. Traveling at night is not recommended. During the Wild Himalayan Cherry blooming season, heavy traffic is common, and visitors are advised to avoid driving their own vehicles whenever possible.
  • By Public Transportation: Visitors can hire a red songthaew (shared pickup taxi) from the area in front of Chiang Mai Zoo or the Doi Suthep transportation point. During the peak flowering season, local shuttle services may also be available. Experienced local drivers are familiar with the mountainous route, making this a safer and more convenient option than driving a private vehicle.

Travel Tips
  • Visit from mid-January to early February, when the Wild Himalayan Cherry trees are usually in full bloom. Since the flowering period varies each year depending on the weather, it is recommended to check the latest bloom updates with the research station before traveling.
  • Leave early in the morning to avoid traffic congestion on the narrow mountain road and to enjoy the beautiful morning light, which is ideal for photography.
  • Wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes, as temperatures in the highlands can be quite cold, especially during the early morning and evening.
  • Support the local community by purchasing locally produced Arabica coffee, temperate fruits, handicrafts, and other products from Khun Chang Khian Hmong Village.
  • Help preserve the natural environment by not picking flowers, bending the branches of the Wild Himalayan Cherry trees for photographs, littering, or disturbing the surrounding ecosystem. Please follow all instructions provided by station staff.

Admission Fee:

  • Free Admission (There is no entrance fee for visiting the Khun Chang Khian Highland Agricultural Research and Training Station.)

Note: Additional charges may apply for accommodation, camping facilities, or other services provided by the station.

Opening Hours:

Tourism Area and Agricultural Demonstration Plots

  • Open daily from 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Administrative Office and Research Area

  • Open Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, unless otherwise announced.)

Note: During the Wild Himalayan Cherry blooming season, opening hours, traffic management measures, or visitor regulations may be adjusted according to announcements from the research station and relevant authorities. Visitors are advised to check the latest information before traveling.

Khun Chang Khian Highland Agricultural Research and Training Station

Share

Don Kaeo, Mueang Chiang Mai and Mae Rim, Chiang Mai 50200, 50300 Map

List 0 review | romantic,attractions,garden,Agriculture

Open now : 6.00 - 18.00

Mon6.00 - 18.00
Tue6.00 - 18.00
Wed6.00 - 18.00
Thu6.00 - 18.00
Fri6.00 - 18.00
Sat6.00 - 18.00
Sun6.00 - 18.00

053222014

6

Manage your trips

Delete

All reviews

(List 0 review)

Nearby Places

Ban Hmong Strawberry Farm Ban Hmong Strawberry Farm

(List 0 review)

Distance 0.38 Kilometer

Khun Chang Kian Khun Chang Kian

(List 0 review)

Distance 0.48 Kilometer

Doi Pui Viewpoint Doi Pui Viewpoint

(List 0 review)

Distance 2.79 Kilometer

Hmong Village Doi Pui Hmong Village Doi Pui

(List 12 review)

Distance 2.87 Kilometer

Doi Pui Research Station Doi Pui Research Station

(List 0 review)

Distance 3.45 Kilometer

Bhubing Palace Bhubing Palace

(List 802 review)

Distance 3.80 Kilometer

Doi Suthep Pui National Park Doi Suthep Pui National Park

(List 3 review)

Distance 4.13 Kilometer

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

(List 4 review)

Distance 4.64 Kilometer

Chiang Mai City Viewpoint Chiang Mai City Viewpoint

(List 0 review)

Distance 5.28 Kilometer

Huai Tung Thao Reservoir Huai Tung Thao Reservoir

(List 0 review)

Distance 5.40 Kilometer

Hotels nearby

Novotel Chiangmai Nimman Journeyhub Novotel Chiangmai Nimman Journeyhub (List 0 review)

Distance 7.98 Kilometer