Ban Mani Phruek Security Development Project of Nan


Nan Province

Ban Mani Phruek Security Development Project of Nan is an agro-tourism attraction where there is an experimental project for growing temperate plants. Moreover, there is Siao Khao or mountain ebony tree – Bauhinia variegate., the symbolic flower of the province, and Nang Phaya Suea Khrong – Prunus cerasoides D.Don. Inside the project are the Hmong and Lua hill-tribe villages. What is interesting is that the project is located on the Doi Phu Kha Mountain Range, where many groups of Chomphu Phu Kha – Bretschneidera sinensis Hemsl. are standing. However, the ones in perfect condition and location for visitors to pay a visit is 3-4 kilometres from the Tourist Information Centre. There is transportation to its entrance. Then, visitors have to walk further for 30 metres.

Interesting Attractions within Ban Mani Phruek are as follows:

Tham Pha Phueng is on the way to Mani Phruek 1 Village, 1 kilometre from the Office of the Security Development Project (Pho Mo Pho) and 100 metres from the road. The condition of the forest along the walking trail is still perfect. It is an evergreen forest, with a lot of Tao Rang – fishtail palms standing. The entrance of the cave is 40 metres wide and 20 metres high. Visitors have to descend for 25 metres to the cave floor. The first part of the cave is a spacious hall with a height of 20 metres with water dropping from the ceiling and creating stone layers, similar to the waterfall continuously running down. Moreover, there are beautiful stalactites. The distance to the deepest part of the cave is 400 metres. There is still air for breathing. At the end of the cave is a channel with a width of 20 -30 centimetres. Underneath the channel, visitors will be able to hear the sound of running water to the deeper part, creating a very strange phenomenon. In the past, this cave was a refuge for villagers with a containing capacity for hundreds of people.

Doi Pha Phueng is situated in Mani Phruek 3 Village. It is a limestone mountain with a height of 1,600 metres above sea level. There is not many trees, but mostly a Ya Kha or lalang field. Its characteristics are similar to Doi Phu Wae, where the atmosphere of the sunrise and sunset can be admired. Moreover, the scenery of Bo Kluea district and the ridge of Doi Phu Wae and Doi Cho can be seen. From the entrance, visitors have to walk for 20 minutes along the shoulders of the mountains amidst the beautiful nature.

Furthermore, at Phu Hua Lan Viewpoint Spot, various districts can be viewed such as Chiang Klang, Thung Chang and Chaloem Phra Kiat districts.

Tham Phu Hua Lan was also a habitation site of Thai soldiers in the past, located near the Operational Base.

To get to the Office of the Security Development Project: Take Highway 1080 from Ban Na Nun, at Km. 77 - 78. Turn right into the route to Mani Phruek Village. The road is curving along the shoulder of the mountains. It is also a laterite road alternating with the asphalt one. A four-wheeled-drive vehicle in good condition is recommended. It takes 2 hours for the trip.