Royal Agricultural Station Inthanon

Established in 1979 by the King to eliminate opium growing, the Station acts as a research centre for highland fisheries as a way to develop the livelihoods of hill tribe farmers nearby. Tourists can visit the beautiful gardens and greenhouses, which are located in Doi Inthanon National Park , and funds continue to support this important work.

This is a much less formal social enterprise than many, but the park makes for a wonderful (long) day trip (115 km from Chiang Mai), or overnight trip from Chiang Mai — between the highest peak in Thailand, the hiking trails, waterfalls, and nature, it’s a nice day. And if you take more formal tours you may stop to visit local tribes in the area, which now grow coffee instead of opium thanks to the King’s efforts and programs.