Mon Jam

Mon Jam, also spelt Mon Cham (Thai: ม่อนแจ่ม), is a scenic highland destination located in the northern region of Thailand. Originally established to help local Hmong villagers cultivate profitable crops instead of opium, it has grown into a major destination known for its scenic flower gardens, panoramic mountain views, and cool climate.^[1]

Mon Jam is located approximately 40 kilometers from the city of Chiang Mai on a ridge in the Nong Hoi (Hmong Village) village. It sits at an altitude of about 1,350 meters (4,430 feet) above sea level.^[2] Mon Jam lies on the same mountain ridge as Mon Long (also known as Doi Kwam Long), which is the highest point in Mae Rim District at about 1,450 metres above sea level. The Mon Jam area was later developed as a tourist destination accessible by road from Mae Rim, while Mon Long remains a nearby natural summit.^[3][4]

Before it became Mon Jam, the area was a ruined forest that Hmong hill tribe villagers used for slash-and-burn farming and growing opium. King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) started the Nong Hoi Royal Project in 1984 to solve these problems by encouraging the growing of other cash crops. The project brought in temperate-zone fruits, vegetables, and flowers, which gave the local communities a steady source of income. By the end of 2009, the area was developed into a tourist attraction. The mountain ridge was renamed "Mon Jam" to correspond with Mon Long (ม่อนล่อง), the highest point in Mae Rim District at an elevation of 1,450 meters, located nearby.^[5][6]

Mon Jam's popularity has grown so quickly that it has caused many problems with business and the environment. Since the late 2010s, there have been many resorts, restaurants, and other tourist facilities. Many of these were supposedly built illegally on protected forest land and agricultural zones without the right permits. The Thai government, including the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and local forestry officials, has done a lot of inspections and taken legal action against people who are illegally taking over land. Several resorts have been told to tear down because they are too close to the Mae Sa forest reserve.^[7]