Learning about the fascinating life of Thai farmers in Chang Hua Man Royal Project
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting local and international visitors, as well as parents who are looking for interesting and educational activities for their children during the summer holidays, to visit the “Chang Hua Man Royal Project” in the province of Phetchaburi.
Initiated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej back in 2010, the Chang Hua Man Royal Project originally consisted of a 250-rai plot of land that demonstrated how economically viable crops can be grown without the need for chemical fertilisers. Later on, a dairy farm was established with fields to raise cows. This was done to encourage the local farmers to expand into dairy farming. The Royal Project is aimed at improving the lives of farmers in Phetchaburi and other nearby provinces.
Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, TAT Governor, said, “Thanks to the contribution of His Majesty the King, this plot of land not only serves as a vital learning centre for farmers in the area, but has also become an attraction in its own right with people coming here from all over the country to enjoy a slice of rural life. In fact, it is one of the most visited attractions in Phetchaburi province.
“As well as simply enjoying the pleasant country atmosphere and taking part in fun activities on the farm, visitors will also learn about how His Majesty the King has devoted his time and efforts to help improve the quality of life of Thai farmers. This is why the farm offers an educational and inspirational day out for everybody.”
So a day touring the Chang Hua Man Royal project can be a very instructive excursion where everyone, young and old, can learn about the traditional life of Thai farmers over the years, as well as a little about organic farming and some of the many fruits that are grown in the kingdom; such as, bananas, papaya, pineapple and dragon fruit. There is also a demonstration on how green energy can be created by harnessing wind power.
Visitors are free to roam all over the farming area and are even encouraged to pull on some wellington boots and get their hands dirty with some real crop planting or gathering in the rice paddies. This is a great summer holiday experience, especially for city kids who so often lose touch with where their food comes from and how it is grown.
The best way to get the most out of the project is to take the guided tour and then walk, or cycle to other points of interest. Within the 250-rai are rice paddies, fruit orchards and a demonstration barn. And, at the time of writing, there were 29 cows including nine Holstein Friesians which are milked on the farm, as well as 10 pregnant cows and 10 young calves.
The farm is in quite a hilly region of Phetchaburi province and so perfectly located to harness the power of the wind. There is a demonstration of wind power where people can learn about this clean form of energy. Also on the farm is a small, two-storey villa, where His Majesty the King is said to stay when inspecting the project. Of course, visitors will want to take home some of the farm’s products for themselves, so there is a Golden Place shop where they can by fresh fruits, dairy products and even rare breeds of local flowers.
The Chang Hua Man Royal Project is located at Ban Nung Ko Kai, Khao Krapuk, Tha Yang, Phetchaburi, approximately a one-hour drive from Hua Hin. The entrance fee is 20 Baht per person.
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