Published by Settle in Abroad – Your Relocation Experts in Thailand
One of the things many people grow to love about living in Thailand is the food, especially in the north. Fresh produce is everywhere, and local markets are part of daily life. Seasonal fruits, crisp vegetables, and locally grown coffee and tea are easy to find, and much of that has a deeper story behind it.
If you’ve spent time in Chiang Mai or the surrounding areas, you’ve probably come across Royal Project produce without even realizing it. From market stalls in the city to farms in the mountains, their influence is woven into everyday life across Northern Thailand.
Where the Royal Projects Began
The Royal Projects started in 1969 with a very practical goal: to support highland communities through sustainable agriculture. At the time, many farmers in the mountains relied on crops that were hard on the land and offered little long-term stability.
The idea was simple but forward-thinking, introduce crops suited to the cooler mountain climate, help farmers earn a more stable income, and protect forests and water sources at the same time.
Royal Project Produce Today
Today, Royal Project farms grow a wide range of products, including:
Fruits and vegetables
Tea and coffee
Herbs and specialty crops
These products are distributed across Thailand and can be found in local markets, grocery stores, restaurants, and homes — not just in Chiang Mai, but throughout the country.
For many people living in Northern Thailand, buying Royal Project produce is simply part of daily shopping. It’s affordable, high-quality, and locally grown.
Why This Matters for Life in Northern Thailand
For foreigners thinking about living in Chiang Mai or nearby areas, the Royal Projects offer a good example of how community support, sustainability, and long-term planning shape everyday life here.
The projects show how agriculture, environmental care, and economic stability can work together. They also explain why Northern Thailand has such strong local food systems and why fresh produce is so accessible.
It’s one of those quiet successes that doesn’t always stand out, but once you notice it, you start seeing its impact everywhere.
A Part of Daily Life You’ll Quickly Appreciate
Whether you’re shopping at a local market, ordering food at a neighborhood restaurant, or visiting farms in the hills, the Royal Projects are part of the rhythm of life in Northern Thailand.
They may not always be visible at first glance, but they play a big role in what makes living here feel grounded, connected, and sustainable.
