Oil Rig at Fang

Oil Rig at Fang: A firsthand story by mr.hotsia

If anyone has had the chance to drive through Fang District, Chiang Mai Province, you might have noticed a replica oil rig standing by the main road. My first impression when seeing this was, “This is... a story rarely talked about in Chiang Mai.” When I had the chance to take a closer look, I realized that this place not only has a replica but also real oil rigs that are still in operation.

As a traveler who enjoys following history and local stories, I, mr.hotsia, did not miss the chance to explore this area myself. I intended to capture the atmosphere, knowledge, and the lifestyle of the workers who still maintain this oil rig so I could share it further.

Atmosphere at Fang Oil Rig: Real Machinery and Life

At the oil rig site in Mae Sun area, I walked a short distance from the main road and found two oil drilling machines. These machines are quite loud. The sound of engines and the rotating drilling mechanism clearly convey the heaviness of the work here. The rig drills approximately 2 kilometers deep underground to extract crude oil.

What I saw in front of me was a crude oil storage tank recently filled. The oil is thick and black, similar to the tar oil seen in movies or documentaries. This is the “crude oil” that most people may have never seen in its real form before. The crude oil is stored in tanks before trucks come to transport it to the refinery.

Walking further from the first rig, I came across the workers’ living and working area. Here, another oil rig is in operation. I saw a sign detailing the history of the Fang oil rig, which is over 100 years old. This made me feel that this place is not just a tourist spot but an industrial heritage deeply connected to local history.

History of the Fang Oil Field

The story of Fang oil began over a hundred years ago when villagers in Mae Sun Subdistrict, Fang District, discovered black oil seeping to the surface. Some believed this oil was sacred and could be used to treat various illnesses. The ruler of Chiang Mai at that time ordered the digging of wells to collect this oil, called “Bo Luang” or “Bo Chao Luang.”

In 1922, the Railway Department hired an American geologist named Mr. Wallace Lee to survey oil in the Fang area and discovered natural gas at a depth of 185 meters but had to stop due to a broken casing pipe. Later in 1934, the Army Fuel Department hired two Swiss geologists to study geology and dig shallow wells but stopped because they had not found suitable oil.

In 1932, the Department of Royal Highness ordered M.L. Kri Detchiwong to survey oil sands here to use as asphalt substitute for the Highway Department. Using a hand-powered rotary drill, they drilled 10-20 meters deep and found 38 million cubic meters of oil sand. At 200 meters depth, natural gas was also found. Small-scale refining experiments made Fang oil known in the industry later.

Between 1949-1956, the Department of Metallurgy continued operations using German rotary drilling machines, drilling about 230 meters deep and building a small experimental refinery at Ton Kham well. Crude oil production and refining were done occasionally, focusing on developing Fang’s oil resources.

Journey to Fang: A New Destination for Deep Travelers in Chiang Mai

From my experience, mr.hotsia, visiting the Fang oil rig not only allowed me to see the machinery and drilling process but also to experience the lifestyle and dedication of the local workers who continue this profession for future generations to learn from.

Fang District is located at the northernmost part of Chiang Mai, near the Myanmar border. The surrounding atmosphere remains natural with warm local communities. I often recommend those interested in exploring local stories and industrial history to visit here because besides learning about crude oil, they can also connect their journey to other attractions in Chiang Mai such asSan Thong Omkoi TempleorDoi Tao Lake Remainswhich I have previously written about in other articles.

Personal Experience: The Sound of Machinery and the Scent of Oil-soaked Earth

What impressed me most was hearing the oil drilling machines working continuously 24 hours a day. The smell of earth mixed with crude oil in the air gave me a feeling of traveling back to the era when the oil industry began in Thailand.

I toured the rigs with workers who did not mind tourists like me. Instead, they proudly shared knowledge and stories about the oil rigs. This is the charm I love about deep travel—not just taking photos but learning new things from real locals.

Recommendations for Travelers

If you plan to visit the Fang oil rig, I recommend preparing photography equipment and suitable footwear because the ground around the rigs is uneven and can be slippery in some spots. Also, be ready for loud machinery noise and possibly hot weather on some days.

For those interested in a different perspective of Chiang Mai, I suggest you visit the Fang oil rig at least once. This place is not just an ordinary oil field but the starting point of industrial and economic transformation in Northern Thailand.

Closing Words from mr.hotsia

The Fang oil rig is a hidden secret in Northern Chiang Mai that many may not know. Seeing the real thing, hearing stories from workers, and learning the long history of this oil field made me confident that Chiang Mai is not only about beautiful nature or temples but also full of stories waiting for us to explore.

If you are looking for a unique journey and want to experience another side of Chiang Mai’s charm, don’t forget to visit the “Fang Oil Rig.” You will bring home stories just like I, mr.hotsia, have experienced.