Ban Huai Tom Royal Project

High in the mountains of Lamphun province, the Ban Huai Tom Royal Project was established after the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej visited this Karen village community in 1978. The project covers roughly 3,940 hectares at around 500m elevation in Li district and was created to improve livelihoods, curb deforestation, and preserve the culture of the Pga Karen people — both S’gaw Karen and Pwo Karen — who live in nine villages around the station.

The centrepiece is the Karen Handicraft Research Centre, housed in a traditional bamboo structure built in the style of the local people. Here visitors can watch artisans weave cloth on backstrap looms using natural dyes derived from local plants, barks, and roots. Silversmithing and basketry are also demonstrated, and visitors are welcome to try the skills for themselves. Finished pieces — textiles, silver jewellery, and woven baskets — are sold on site.

The surrounding village of Ban Phrabat Huai Tom is a thriving Buddhist Karen community where the majority of residents follow a vegetarian lifestyle in keeping with the teachings of their revered monk, Luang Pu Kruba Chai. A short walk from the handicraft centre, Wat Phra Bat Huai Tom shelters a sacred Buddha footprint and enshrines around 84,000 Buddha images in its pagoda. The agricultural research station on the grounds maintains experimental plots of vegetables, fruit, and flowers suited to the cool highland climate.

Admission is free. The site is located about 90km south of Chiang Mai via Highway 106 to Li district; a private vehicle is recommended as public transport options are limited. Morning visits catch artisans at work. Modest dress is appropriate given the active Buddhist community.