learning center and conservation site for durians
Suan Takan is a learning center and conservation site for durians in Nonthaburi province, with the first durian trees planted in 1967. Our orchard follows traditional practices — using raised‑bed gardening, growing mixed crops, and preserving a wide range of heritage durian varieties. Currently, there are over 80 varieties of durian grown here.Our orchard area consists of:
1. Learning Center Building: Built in 2012, this building is constructed from durian wood taken from trees in the orchard that were lost to the 2011 flood; the wood was approximately 45 years old.
2. Durian Sapling Nursery : Our orchard maintains over 2,000 young durian trees representing more than 60 varieties. All young trees are healthy, robust, and ready for planting.
3. Learning Trail: Our orchard spans 7.2 rai (2.8 acres) and features a nature trail that guides you through the durian garden. Along the path, you’ll find many different durian varieties, each accompanied by educational signs that explain the trees and other plants in the area. You’ll also see a diverse mix of crops—such as durian, mangosteen, coral trees, pomelo, and bananas.
4. Baan Suan Takan: A lecture building and creative activity hub for those interested in durian. The front and back of the building are planted with vegetables, fruits, and edible flowers.
Origin of Durian Varieties in Thailand
Durian is a fruit native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. It is believed to have originated in the rainforests around Borneo, Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, and southern Thailand.
Evidence suggests that durians were introduced for cultivation in central Thailand around the year 1657, or approximately 300-400 years ago. Important cultivation areas include Nonthaburi and Bangkok. Commercial cultivation began there, followed by continuous development of durian varieties. It is estimated that there were once around 300 durian varieties, with approximately 150 remaining today, categorized into the following groups:
Classification of Nonthaburi Durian Varieties (6 Main Groups)
1. Kopan Group
Keywords: Wide canopy, large fruit, high pulp-to-seed ratio, small seeds.
Origin: No exact records; estimated to be over 100 years old.
Tree: Broad, spreading canopy.
Fruit: Medium to large (approx. 2–4 kg).
Flesh: Abundant flesh with small seeds.
Flesh Color: Varies from white and pale yellow to deep yellow.
Harvest Period: 110–130 days.
Examples: Monthong, Kopan Lueang (Chao Krom), Kopan Khao (Original), Kopan Ta Phae, Kopan Dam, Dao Krachai, Chai Maphai, Kopan Phuang.
2. Thong Yoi Group
Keywords: Drooping base, large fruit, thick rind, deep-colored flesh.
Origin: No exact records; estimated to be over 100 years old.
Tree: Broad canopy, tall and large structure.
Fruit: Medium to large (approx. 3–4 kg), pointed/drooping base, widely spaced thorns.
Flesh: Abundant flesh with medium-sized seeds.
Flesh Color: Yellow to deep orange-yellow.
Harvest Period: 110–130 days.
Examples: Thong Yoi Chat, Thong Yoi, Chat Si Thong, Chat Si Nak, Chomphunut, Phuang Chat.
3. Luang Group
Keywords: Elongated shape, thick flesh, irregular trunk.
Origin: No exact records; estimated to be over 100 years old.
Tree: Moderately wide canopy, relatively short height.
Fruit: Varied sizes (small to large, approx. 2–3 kg), blunt base.
Flesh: Fibrous and somewhat coarse texture, slightly pungent aroma.
Flesh Color: Pale yellow to deep yellow.
Harvest Period: 100–110 days.
Examples: Luang, Chanee, Yam Mawat, Chomphu Si, Daeng Ratsami, Sai Yud.
4. Miscellaneous Group (Bet-ta-let)
Keywords: Diverse, ancient, varied characteristics.
Origin: No exact records; estimated to be over 100 years old.
Tree: Highly varied.
Fruit: Small to large (approx. 2–4 kg).
Flesh: Mostly fine-textured.
Flesh Color: Diverse; e.g., white (Kathoey Nuea Khao) or deep yellow (Med Nai Yai Prang, Kradum Thong).
Harvest Period: 100–110 days.
Examples: Med Nai Yai Prang, Kathoey Nuea Khao, Kathoey Nuea Lueang, Kradum Thong, Krapuk Thong Dee, Karaket, Bang Khun Non, Kleeb Samut, Bat Thong Kham, Taphab Nam.
5. Kan Yao Group
Keywords: Long stem, elegant shape, mild aroma, balanced creamy sweetness.
Origin: No exact records; estimated to be over 100 years old.
Tree: Tall and upright, tend to shed lower branches.
Fruit: Distinctly round shape with a long stalk, medium-sized (approx. 2–3 kg), relatively thick rind.
Flesh: Fine, smooth texture with a unique, non-pungent aroma.
Flesh Color: Yellow to orange-yellow.
Harvest Period: 100–120 days.
Examples: Kan Yao Song Huat, Kan Yao Si Nak, Thong Suk, Chomphu Phan.
6. Kob Durian Group (Frog Group)
Keywords: Fine texture, unique aroma
Group Characteristics
Origin: Developed from the Karaked durian variety.
Tree: Medium-sized canopy.
Fruit: Medium-sized, weighing approximately 2-3 kg.
Flesh: Fine-textured with medium to large seeds.
Flesh Color: Varies from pale yellow to orangey-yellow.
Harvest Period: Approximately 100-110 days.
Examples : Kob Mae Tao, Kob Chai Nam, Kob Pikul, Kob Ta Kham, Kob Suwan, Kob Ta Nuan, Kob Ta Tao
Traditional practices in Nonthaburi
1) Raised‑Bed Gardening (Yok‑Rong) : We use a traditional raised‑bed system called yok‑rong. It’s a method where farmers elevate the soil into high beds and create drainage canals to keep water from pooling around the roots. This approach is especially suitable for planting in clay soil. It’s commonly used in Central Thailand and remains essential today for managing seasonal floods and keeping the roots well‑aerated.
2) Mixed‑Crop Ecosystem (Traditional Multi‑Crop Farming) : In our orchard, durian is grown alongside compatible crops such as mangosteen, pomelo, and bananas. These companion plants help improve soil fertility, maintain moisture, reduce pest pressure, and naturally minimize chemical use. They also allow us to harvest a variety of fruits throughout the year. One highlight species unique to Nonthaburi orchards is Thonglang (coral tree). Its leaves and biomass enrich the soil, and the fallen leaves that collect in the canals are dredged annually and used as nutrient‑rich compost around durian trees. Thonglang also creates a cooler, more humid microclimate during the dry season and, as a nitrogen‑fixing tree, supports long‑term soil fertility and year‑round orchard productivity.
Major Durian Planting Areas in Thailand
Thailand benefits from diverse climates across its regions, allowing the country to supply fresh durian for many months each year.Every area has a slightly different harvest time depending on the weather, soil, and local farming practices. When we understand these regional seasons, it becomes easier for buyers, exporters, and visitors to see how Thailand can supply durian almost all year round.
Eastern Region: Chanthaburi, Rayong, Trat, Prachin Buri, etc.
Peak harvest: April – July
Western Region: Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, etc.
Southern Region: Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, etc.
Northern Region: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, etc.
Central Region: Nonthaburi, Phitsanulok, Uthai Thani, etc.
Popular Durian Varieties Internationally (Thailand's Main Export Varieties)
1. Monthong Variety
Keywords: Small seeds, thick flesh, large fruit.
Characteristics:
Origin: Developed from the Kampan Lueang or Kampan Chao Krom varieties in Bang Rak Noi Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nonthaburi Province.
Tree: Large, broad, and strong canopy.
Fruit: Medium-to-large size, approximately 3-4 kg. Strong, large stem.
Flesh: Thick, yellow flesh, mild aroma, small seeds.
Harvest Period: Approximately 110-130 days.
Price (Approximate):
In Nonthaburi: 26-40 USD per kg
Elsewhere: 4-10 USD per kg
2. Kanyao Variety
Keywords: Long stem, fine texture, mild and unique aroma.
Characteristics:
Origin: Developed from the Thong Suk variety around 1954 in Bang Kruai District, Nonthaburi Province.
Tree: Relatively broad canopy, tall and slender tree.
Fruit: Long, slender "whip" shape, long stem, dense sharp thorns.
Flesh: Fine texture, yellow color, mild aroma.
Harvest Period: Approximately 110-130 days.
Price (Approximate):
In Nonthaburi: 100-160 USD per kg
Elsewhere: 4-10 USD per kg
3. Kradum Variety
Keywords: High yield, large seeds, early harvest, very sweet.
Characteristics:
Origin: No definitive evidence; expected to be over 100 years old.
Tree: Narrow canopy, small trunk.
Fruit: High yield in bunches, round shape, relatively small size.
Flesh: Deep yellow, large seeds, pungent aroma.
Harvest Period: Approximately 90-110 days.
Price (Approximate):
In Nonthaburi: 26-40 USD per kg
Elsewhere: 4-10 USD per kg
4. Chanee Variety
Keywords: Very sweet, deep color, pungent aroma.
Characteristics:
Origin: Developed from the Luang variety.
Tree: Narrow canopy, unorganized branches.
Fruit: Long shape, sparse thorns, short stem.
Flesh: Deep yellow, medium seeds, pungent aroma.
Harvest Period: Approximately 100-120 days.
Price (Approximate):
In Nonthaburi: 26-40 USD per kg
Elsewhere: 4-10 USD per kg
Why Nonthaburi Durian (Duriannon) is very expensive?
1) Unique Environment & Rich Sedimentary Soil
Nonthaburi’s orchards sit along the Chao Phraya River, where the soil is enriched by centuries of natural sediment. This creates a flavor profile that is richer, creamier, and more refined than durian from other regions. Nonthaburi durians are also known for their distinctive taste — dense, aromatic, and uniquely fragrant
2) Limited Farmland and High Land Value in Nonthaburi
Durian-growing areas in Nonthaburi are also very limited, and land prices are extremely high. With scarce farmland and rising urban development pressure, only a small number of traditional orchards remain, making genuine Nonthaburi durian even more exclusive and valuable.
Challenge of plating durian in Thailand
Across Thailand, durian farmers are facing more challenges than ever before. Climate change is the biggest issue. Extreme heat waves, unpredictable rainfall, and longer drought periods all affect flowering, fruit set, and overall yield. Durian has very shallow roots, so even a short drought or sudden heavy rain can damage the trees. Many orchards now struggle with water scarcity in the dry season and flooding during storms. This instability makes it harder to maintain consistent quality, especially for premium‑grade durian.
As we look to the future, the story of Nonthaburi durian is shaped not only by heritage but also by innovation. With emerging technologies—from smart irrigation and climate‑adaptive farming to digital traceability—we can reduce production costs while improving quality and sustainability.
Meanwhile, we continue to share knowledge through Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, and we offer young durian trees online.
And as farmland in Nonthaburi continues to shrink, the next generation will carry this legacy forward by seamlessly blending modern technology with traditional wisdom.
