Sarae Athitaya

Believing that the term “Sufficiency Economy” from the Royal Speech of His Majesty King Bhumibol the Great (Rama IX) was profound and could be applied to agriculture to achieve genuine happiness from living sufficiently and being self-reliant, Sarae Athitaya was established as part of the “Athitayathon Agricultural Project”. It focuses on providing agricultural knowledge for older generations and producing a new generation of “Smart Farmers” following the highly treasured Royal Initiative. In addition, it operates as a cool, left-field agro-tourism destination where visitors can gain both knowledge and some great memories while demonstrating their responsibility towards the culture and way of life of the local community.

“Sarae” is a local Cambodian word for “rice field”, so it’s no surprise that the tourism model here places its emphasis firmly on the rice farming processes in Surin, one of the world’s best jasmine rice cultivation sources. A brief training course is organized by the Agricultural School with up to six interesting learning bases: rice and culture and traditions, soil resources, ecological balance development, harvesting and seed storage, organic fertilizer production, and rice processing to increase potential economic value. The highlight there is the experimental activity of “transplanting paddy sprouts” in a simulated rice field and this enjoyable process allows visitors to wade into the paddy fields and experience the farmers’ way of life with their own eyes and hands.

Aside from the knowledge and new experiences they gain, visitors will be delighted by the warm, convivial atmosphere and there is the option of an overnight stay where they can bask in the breathtaking scenery of the moonlit paddy fields before waking up to the beautiful sunrise and the refreshing scent of morning dew and moist soil. It is a brilliant place to spend time with family and build up an appreciation for responsible traveling amongst younger generations by observing and learning, respecting the farmers’ way of life, and helping to generate income for the locals by shopping for some excellent local products selected by Sarae Athitaya.

Highlight Activities

Join a brief training course at Agricultural School to learn about rice, a major economic crop of Thailand according to the Royal Initiative on “sufficiency economy” in an in-depth way.
Experience “transplanting paddy sprouts in the rice field” to better appreciate the underlying values and the farmers’ way of life.
Rest among rolling rice fields and experience the warmest of hospitality at Sarae Athitaya.