The Royal Project at Ban Wat Chan (Forest Industry Organization) is located in Galyani Vadhana District, Chiang Mai Province. If you are traveling by private car from Chiang Mai city, there are two recommended routes:
1. Take the route heading towards Mae Rim District, enter Highway 107, and follow the road to Mae Taeng Subdistrict. Enter Highway 1095 heading towards Pai District, Mae Hong Son Province. Turn left at the intersection 13 kilometers before reaching Pai District. Take Highway 1265 through Ban Mae Raeng until you reach Galyani Vadhana District. The distance is approximately 165 kilometers and takes about 3-4 hours. This route is quite winding but is in the best condition, with asphalt roads throughout.

2. Head towards Mae Rim District, enter Highway 1096 towards Samoeng District, passing through Bo Kaeo Subdistrict, Khun Khan National Park, Ban Yang Ha, Ban Mae Ta La, Ban Mae Daen Noi, Ban Dong Sam Wan, and Ban Chaem Noi. Enter Ban Wat Chan. The road is a 42-kilometer dirt road. Before reaching the Royal Project at Ban Wat Chan (Forest Industry Organization), you must use a general pickup truck. The total distance is approximately 155 kilometers and takes about 2 hours.

If you are traveling by public bus, there are yellow songthaews departing from the Chang Phuak Bus Terminal in Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province, twice a day at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours. There is also a bus departing from Saeng Thong Market in Pai District once a day at 1:00 PM.

This trip was a long time ago during the winter season. Seeing that winter is approaching, I decided to pick up an old place to review for you.
Just in case it will be another option for the upcoming winter trip. Let me emphasize the pictures inside the project.
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This trip was a solo trip, and sometimes traveling doesn't always require a travel companion.
Like my trip this time, a 4-stroke motorcycle, turn left before reaching Pai District 13 km.
Follow the winding road up and down the mountain through countless curves to Wat Chan Village, Galyani Vadhana District.
Instead of going to the crowded city center of "Pai", a place that many people like to go to.
I rode my two-wheeler for no more than 2 hours and arrived at Galyani Vadhana District, which is separated from Mae Chaem District.
Located in the northeast of Chiang Mai Province, most of the area is on high ground.
Of course, during the winter season like this, the weather is definitely cold.
I wasted no time finding something to eat before the sun went down and then went back to pitch my tent at the "Baan Wat Chan Royal Project".

The crisp 2-degree morning air presented little challenge to rising before dawn in my chosen location.
Mist blanketed the water's surface above the Huai Or Reservoir near the Baan Wat Chan Royal Project.
Pines gradually emerged from the thin fog in the country's largest natural pine forest.
I stood waiting for the sun to slowly rise, gradually turning the sky a warm gold.
The mist, touched by the gentle sunlight, floated above the water.
Such an atmosphere, experienced alone, is not easily achieved.
A two-wheeled motorcycle, expertly navigating the curves, brought me to this spot.

I spent my time walking along the riverside, following the small paths, looking for angles to take pictures. I made the most of my time here. The mist floated against my face, cold and chilling, and the sound of the pine leaves rustling in the wind was a perfect match. I spent so much time taking pictures here that I didn't even realize when I stopped feeling cold. It must be true what many people say, that traveling can make you forget many things. Forget about the work you left behind, forget about your problems, forget about your family, forget that it's time to go home. Some people even forget about their partners! 5555....

The cool morning air, the shimmering reflection of the rising sun on the water, and the warm mist create a serene atmosphere.
I strive to blend in with the tranquility, avoiding any noise that might disrupt the peace.
However, I occasionally indulge in playing soft music to complement the ambiance. After all, I'm the only one here. 5555...
Unlike many places I've encountered, where competition for resources and space prevails, diminishing the natural essence, some locations have lost their natural state entirely. As the saying goes,
"Nature never changes humans, but humans change nature."

The shutter sound grew increasingly rapid, competing with the sun's rays as they swiftly illuminated the water's surface. I alternated between walking and running, utilizing the limited time available to capture as many diverse perspectives of the Huai Bon Reservoir as possible. Despite the urgency, I wasn't racing against time; my time continued to flow slowly and steadily as I explored and photographed various locations. "The joy of travel lies in not checking your watch."

Besides the Huai Bon Reservoir, there are also rows of maple leaves changing color, which you don't have to travel far to foreign countries.
The Royal Project Wat Chan has it for you.

I want some cool solos.

If you visit during the right season, you'll be greeted by stunning cherry blossoms that rival any other location. This area is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, including morning mist over the reservoir, colorful maple trees, the largest pine forest in the country, and a variety of winter flowers. However, during my visit, the rhododendrons were not yet in full bloom. Nevertheless, I can assure you that the rhododendrons here are abundant and just as beautiful as those found elsewhere.

The warm sunlight and the fading mist gradually disappeared along with the slowing shutter sound, signaling the approaching departure from this place. Like many visitors, I felt that time had flown by too quickly, and I was reluctant to leave. However, due to various personal reasons, including my own, I had to bid farewell to this location. Nevertheless, this is not a final goodbye. I will return again in the future to explore the many remaining places that I have yet to visit. The wait will not be too long.

Accommodation at Ban Wat Chan Royal Project

Baan Son Khao 1 – 5 (sleeps 2) 600 Baht
Baan Son Khao 6 - 7 (sleeps 4) 1,000 Baht
Baan Pakañao (sleeps 2) 1,200 Baht
Baan View Nam 1 - 2 (sleeps 2) 1,200 Baht
Baan View Nam 3 (sleeps 2) 3,000 Baht
Baan View Nam 4 - 5 (sleeps 3) 3,000 Baht
Baan Ruam 1 - 2 (sleeps 6) 2,000 Baht
Baan Ruam 3 (sleeps 10) 2,000 Baht
Baan Chang Khao 1 - 2 (NEWEST) (sleeps 2) 2,000 Baht

Extra bed 200 Baht per person, Camping fee 50 Baht per person

"My photographs may not be as beautiful as others, but they are filled with memories every time I press the shutter. The resulting images may not be beautiful enough to show off to everyone, but they always make me smile when I look at them."

Thank you all for visiting.

You can also follow my journey on my Facebook page, สะพายเป้ เท่ทั่วไทย.
https://www.facebook.com/saphipae