Mon Cham

Outside of the city of Chiang Mai you’ll find several Royal Project Sites where Thailand’s Royal Family has instituted various agricultural and community support programs. Mon Cham, in the nearby town of Mae Rim north of Chiang Mai, is one of these sites. Though Thailand has a tropical environment, the hills of the north often sees cooler temperatures and are perfect for growing plants and produce not found in the rest of the country such as coffee, roses and strawberries. At Mon Cham, you’ll find rows upon rows of strawberry plants growing into the side of a large hill and truly awesome views. Once you get to the top of the peak, note that there’s quite a narrow, steep road to get there, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the fields as well as distant valleys and mountains. This is Northern Thailand at its finest. Go early with a driver or your own set of wheels―it’s beautiful in the morning―to wander around the gardens, grab a bit at the onsite restaurant with cabanas overlooking the hills, or sip coffee and simply enjoy the scenery. The area is especially beautiful in the cold season from around October to January.