Enjoy a Relaxing Weekend Close to Nature at This Hidden Gem in Thailand

(SPOT.ph) Ecotourism has become a buzzword that is sometimes thrown about willy-nilly, without actually meeting international standards. However, Dubua Cafe and Smart Farm, about an hour’s drive outside of Bangkok, Thailand, is an example of an ecotourism project that combines attractions for people of all ages in one place in a way that actually validates the label. Opened in 2018, this huge farm is working proof that human creature comforts do not have to encroach on natural landscapes and that projects of this scale can be sustainable.

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As you approach Dubua Cafe and Smart Farm, you’ll be struck by the rustic setting. Be on the lookout for the Dubua sign on the left when you enter the property and traverse the paved road leading to the vast parking area, lined with tropical plants. An imposing concrete-glass-and-wood edifice will welcome you, with a map (there are English translations) of the vast property.

Dubua is most notable for being a place that brings harmony between man-made buildings and nature, especially with its labyrinth-like landscape of  either manicured grass or overgrowth. A pond is right at the center of the complex, surrounded on four sides by built structures and walkways. These walkways, in turn, are also surrounded by waterways dotted with various colors of lotus. The central feature is a wide boardwalk traversing the middle of the property where you can take in the picturesque 360-degree views.

Here are the things you can do at this Thailand tourist spot:

Feast on local dishes or sate your coffee craving

There are several food establishments within this idyllic farm-turned-tourist destination. Most of them boast spacious hotspots with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that not only let natural light in, but also give diners fantastic views of the trees and lake outside. Restaurants MeeMeMee and Dubua Kan serve huge portions of traditional Thai dishes including pomelo salad, khao soi, gai tod, and isan sausage; as well as fusion dishes like spaghetti bolognese with breaded pork chop. For a healthy, delicious, and refreshing drink, we highly recommend that you order a carafe of their fresh-squeezed orange juice. Meanwhile, the Secret Backyard is a Western-style steakhouse partially hidden behind decades-old trees. Here, you can sink your teeth into steaks, as well as salads and pasta.

You can get your caffeine and sweets fix at Dubua Coffee-Drink-Cake—we recommend the iced citrus Americano and coconut cake, as well as the Coffee Courtyard. The latter also has a photo booth where you can have your photos printed out or immortalized in a keychain, and stacks of gashapon or toy vending machines with an infinite number of designs. There are also branches of national chains Inthanin (for coffee), Yoguruto (for yogurt drinks), and Croffle Studio by Moo Yoo (for waffles).

Shop for knick-knacks

Aside from being a foodie haven, Dubua is also a treasure trove of local products, like pasalubong, trinkets, and clothes. The tourist destination became an opportunity for small neighborhood businesses to display their wares for guests of the farm. Browse through unique mommy-and-mini-me dress-up designs made of cotton and snack to your heart’s content on varieties of takoyaki, tom yum, crepes, and smoothies. If you buy just one item here, let it be their signature coconut milk ice cream dessert. It’s similar to the Filipino halo-halo in that it is layered with colorful, sweet treats like colored sticky rice, sweet potatoes, pandan strips, lotus root, and toasted sweetened grated coconut. You’ll find respite in each cup, especially on muggy days.

You can also check out the Dubua Shop for pasalubong items, from handwoven hats to toasted garlic butter bread that is baked in-house.

Bond with the goats

Dubua's petting zoo is a hit with children of all ages. Fish, ducks, and geese inhabit the ponds. On land, there are dwarf horses and water buffalo, goats, deer, meerkats, parrots, silkie chickens, and peacocks. There are different kinds of food prescribed for each animal, and you can purchase them from a nearby vending machine or stall. Don't miss out on getting to watch them interact, and being able to interact with them on some level, too. 

You’ll also delight in meeting Tue, the resident pot-bellied pig who, when he’s not taking his naps, happily lets people pet him.

Bike around in a bright yellow two-wheeler

Guests can borrow bright yellow bicycles and use them along the designated paths around the Dubua complex. If you prefer to coast on the surface of the water, you and a partner (we do not recommend doing it alone, unless you've got Hulk strength) can borrow one of their bright pink pedal boats to tour the waterways around Dubua for great fun and a monster leg day workout.

The areas accessible to the public are easy to navigate, so children can bring their balance bikes and scooters. There are also wheelchairs available for guests to use while at Dubua.

Bring out your inner child

There are also stalls where you can play carnival-type games and earn prizes like stuffed toys. Plus, give in to your nostalgia and buy small sweet treats and plastic toys. Kids and kids-at-heart can also ride swings and see-saws.

With all of these activities and attractions, you can easily spend the entire day at Dubua Cafe. For an approximately 50-kilometer distance from central Bangkok, you will be transported to a breezy, lush landscape where you can take your time and move according to the rhythm of nature. As long as the sun is up (or at least, it’s still daytime), their gates are open. When you find a flock of ducks crossing the parking lot, then you'll know it’s time to call it a day, too.

Dubua Cafe and Smart Farm is in Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand.