Suan Sampran, Nakhon Pathom

If you’re seeking something a little different on your next trip to Bangkok, consider a day trip to Nakhon Pathom province, a 45-minute drive west of the Thai capital. The province is home to impressive sites like the 120-metre high Phra Pathommachedi and the colourful Wat Sam Phran (‘Dragon Temple’). And less than 10 minutes away from the dragon temple is the award-winning Suan Sampran.

Suan Sampran is a family-run eco-cultural destination which has become well-known in Thailand for its sustainability initiatives. Situated on a 50-acre plot by the Tha Chin River, visitors to Suan Sampran can learn about the Thai way of life, enjoy traditional Thai hospitality and stay in an antique Thai house. There is also the opportunity to sample Thai cuisine made with locally sourced organic ingredients, relax at the Patom Organic Spa, and enjoy cultural workshops.

Previously known as the Rose Garden, this was originally established as a family retreat in 1962 by Khun Ying Valee Yuvaboona and her husband, Dr Chamnan. They wanted to preserve and promote Thai culture and bought traditional Thai houses from local people and rebuilt them as accommodation. Suan Sampran remains in family hands with the grandson of the original owners, Mr Arrut Navaraj, now managing director. Several changes have been made to enhance responsible tourism, and Khun Arrut is also head of the ‘Suan Sampran Model’, which promotes sustainability and organic farming. 

The Suan Sampran Model

Speaking to Fan Club Thailand, Khun Arrut said, “It was really by chance that I joined the family business. I graduated with a master’s degree in chemical engineering and never planned to work in the hospitality industry. But after having worked for several companies in Bangkok for 12 years, I had tired of the city life and decided to join the family business, hoping to do some health-related projects.”

The Sampran Model is an inclusive business model with a vision of a sustainable food system based on building an organic community

Khun Arrut Navaraj, Managing Director of Suan Sampran

The ‘Suan Sampran Model‘ has now become a recognised example of sustainable community tourism, which supports farmers to switch from conventional to organic farming. Khun Arrut explained, “Since Suan Sampran’s branding has always been associated with Thai culture, we thought that the ingredients of our foods should be organic and sourced locally. So in 2007, we started working with some local farmers and asked them to stop using agrochemicals and become our suppliers. “

“We also established the Sookjai Organic Farmers Market. To date, there are approximately 130 families of farmers converted to organic practices in our vicinity. They supply us, and we also introduced them to other businesses in Bangkok. On weekends, they sell at the farmers market located at our entrance. This market attracts approximately 500 regular customers each weekend and has formed a sustainable community for the last 15 years. Many farms have also become learning centres and organic tourism destinations.”

Khun Arrut added, “The Sampran Model is an inclusive business model with a vision of a sustainable food system based on building an organic community. It involves a long-term partnership between Suan Sampran and local organic farmers based on transparency, trust and fair trade. For example, our chefs would communicate with farmers and adapt the menus according to whatever was growing in season. The transparency of ingredients would be communicated to our guests, informing them about their origins. We agree on a fair pricing structure with the farmers. This is higher than what they used to receive when middlemen were involved, while our food cost remains steady. As a result, farmers’ incomes increase, harmful agrochemicals do not pollute the environment, and everyone benefits from improved health. So it’s a win-win for everyone.”

Activities at Suan Sampran

There is a host of family-friendly activities at Suan Sampran, where visitors can try their hand at planting rice, making handicrafts, or simply strolling through the picturesque gardens.

Sookjai Organic Farmers Market

Sookjai is a Thai philosophy that can be translated as ‘happy heart’. Open Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm, the Sookjai Organic Farmers Market was established to promote organic agriculture and serve as a channel to connect organic farmers in the Sampran Model network with consumers. There are dozens of vendors at the market selling quality organic produce at reasonable prices.

Patom Organic Village

Follow the journey of raw materials from farm to product at Patom Organic Village, where you can participate in traditional Thai activities through hands-on workshops. For walk-in visitors, the village is open every weekend from 10 am to 4 pm.

Patom Organic Cafe

Adjacent to the Sookjai Farmers Market, the Patom Organic Cafe offers a range of organic and sustainable products in addition to food and drinks. There is also a branch of Patom Organic Cafe in the Thong Lo area of Bangkok.  

Visit Suan Sampran

Although Suan Sampran isn’t easily accessible by public transport, you can hire a car with a driver relatively cheaply from Bangkok. You can visit Suan Sampran as a standalone destination or combine it with a day trip that includes Phra Pathommachedi and the ‘Dragon Temple’ of Wat Sam Phran. Alternatively, visit Suan Sampran as part of a day trip en route to or from the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

While Nakhon Pathom isn’t on the radar of most tourists, destinations like this show another side of Thailand. Take the advice of Khun Arrut from Suan Sampran who advises anyone visiting Thailand to, “Get off the beaten path, meet the locals and try local food. That’s how you can experience the real Thailand.”

Visit the Suan Sampran website and social media channels to discover more.

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Photo credits: Suan Sampran Facebook page

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