School of Engineering, University of Phayao, as part of its initiative to develop Learning Spaces aimed at strengthening area-based community industries, was represented by Assistant Professor Dr. Natthanon Phongphanich, Deputy Dean for Student Affairs and Industrial Collaboration Development, at the Test Trip “Rest, Rejuvenate, and Embrace Well-being @ Nan” held on 28 August 2026 at Chiwaviti Herb Wellness Hotel, Mueang Nan District, Nan Province.

The event was organized by Mae Fah Luang University in collaboration with the Chiwaviti Community Enterprise, Nam Kian Subdistrict, with the objective of testing and evaluating a prototype wellness tourism route. The initiative sought to explore the potential of locally rooted wellness experiences while strengthening collaboration among academic institutions, community enterprises, and local entrepreneurs.

The activity was designed to promote interdisciplinary knowledge integration and facilitate knowledge exchange between the academic sector and local practitioners. Participants experienced a creative service model based on the concept of “Wellness Meeting” at the Chiang Da Meeting Room, alongside a range of experiential activities, including:

Herbal foot soaking and a healthy welcome drink, designed to promote relaxation and well-being.

·       An organic farming study visit and vegetable harvesting activity, followed by a cooking class featuring food prepared according to individual ธาตุเจ้าเรือน (traditional Thai elemental constitution).

·       Hands-on herbal and wellness workshops, including the preparation of gold-leaf facial cleansing soap, turmeric body scrub salt, and auspicious herbal tea.

·       Relaxation massage and traditional herbal steam treatments based on the Chiwaviti wellness formula.

The participation of the School of Engineering in this Test Trip forms part of the ongoing development of its Learning Space initiative, through which the School works closely with the Chiwaviti community-based industry. Direct engagement in the field provides an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the value chain and actual operational processes within the community enterprise.

The insights and real-world challenges identified through this field-based engagement can subsequently be translated into opportunities for system design, process improvement, and the application of appropriate engineering knowledge. In particular, the initiative supports the enhancement of production process management and the development of shared learning spaces that respond effectively to local needs and contribute to sustainable community development.

Through this collaborative approach, the School of Engineering seeks to bridge academic knowledge and community practice, transforming authentic local challenges into learning opportunities and practical engineering solutions while contributing to the sustainable development of the local economy and community.