Mon Mai in Nong Khai: the little-known Queen Sirikit Sericulture Center
Mon Mai, also known as the Queen Sirikit Sericulture Center, is a large natural park located near Nong Khai. Dedicated to silk production, this rarely visited site offers unexpected forest and wetland landscapes.
Silk production in the middle of the forest near Nong Khai
The Queen Sirikit Sericulture Center – Mon Mai – is located about thirty kilometers from Nong Khai, in northeastern Thailand’s Isan region. Few travelers are aware of this place entirely dedicated to silkworm cultivation.
While silk fabrics and scarves are often associated with major names such as Jim Thompson, information about sericulture sites remains scarce. At Mon Mai, silk production is deeply integrated into a preserved natural environment.
Upon arrival, the guards are often surprised to see visitors. They open the gates with a smile and allow complete freedom of movement. A motorbike or car is essential, as the park is far too large to be explored entirely on foot.
Discovering silk cultivation at Mon Mai
Visitors quickly encounter extensive mulberry fields, essential for feeding silkworms, alongside other cultivated plants. Scattered throughout the park are flowers with unusual shapes and striking colors, adding to the site’s distinctive atmosphere.
Small workshops located at various points explain the stages of silkworm breeding: selection, feeding, and processing. Due to the very low number of visitors, these spaces are often deserted. This absence of supervision reinforces a strong sense of freedom: paths can be followed or ignored, and visitors wander through trails covered with leaves and bark at their own pace.
A dark and living lake in the heart of Mon Mai
One of Mon Mai’s most striking areas lies at the edge of the forest. Here, visitors discover a dark lake dotted with water lilies and dried tree trunks. After kilometers of dense vegetation, the landscape suddenly opens up, allowing light and distance to reshape the scenery.
The atmosphere is unusual, almost timeless. From there, it is best to wander without a fixed route, while keeping in mind that other interesting sites can be visited not far from Mon Mai.
Practical information – Queen Sirikit Sericulture Center (Mon Mai)
- Official name: Queen Sirikit Sericulture Center – ศูนย์หม่อนไหมเฉลิมพระเกียรติสมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถ หนองคาย
- Address: Moo 11, Lao Tang Kham Subdistrict, Phon Phisai District, Nong Khai Province 43120
- Access: motorbike or car only (no public transport)
- Opening hours: daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Entrance fee: free
- Directions from Nong Khai:
- take Highway 212 (Phon Phisai Road),
- after the 21 km marker, turn right toward Ban Kole Sawang village,
- follow the signs to “Queen Sirikit Sericulture Center”.
- Asking for a detailed map at your guesthouse is recommended, as well as planning other nearby visits for the same day.
FAQ – Mon Mai and the Queen Sirikit Sericulture Center
Where is Mon Mai located in Thailand?
Mon Mai is located about 30 kilometers from Nong Khai, in Nong Khai Province, northeastern Thailand (Isan).
What can you see at the Queen Sirikit Sericulture Center?
Visitors can explore mulberry fields, silk-related workshops, dense forest areas, and a unique lake surrounded by wetlands.
How much time should you plan for visiting Mon Mai?
At least two to three hours are recommended, more if you wish to explore the park freely.
Is there an entrance fee for Mon Mai?
No, entry to the park is free.
Can Mon Mai be visited without a vehicle?
No, the park is very large and not accessible by public transportation.
