Sobkorn Tobacco Incubation Plant in Nan Province, Northern Thailand has an important history reflecting the local’s way of live, which blends their culture and architectural forms with individuality. These heritages are still passed on, by the older generations and small amount of young people.  Nowadays, the economic condition of this community is stagnant and the plant is changing from a large source of curing tobacco for domestic sales to a deteriorated place. However, the characteristics of the architecture are still beautiful, even after many years have passed.  It is still the representative telling of the story in the past, including the culture of the place.  This study of architectural conservation and development methods for ecotourism is the integration of community, and the surrounding area, which mean the social conditions, way of life,  and the cultural and natural environment.  They are all concerned in the physical design that lead the project, to the area-based learning for architectural curriculum.  The primary data collection method is collected by surveying in the actual area, and recording physical data of the general environment, within the tobacco storing area, such as taking pictures of buildings and the surrounding of the area, and also making the discussions with the owners of tobacco storing businesses. For the secondary data is the researching on social, economy and the environmental conditions for the analysis and the design guidelines. The analytical method for the formulation of guidelines consists of:

1. Heritage value, we have to value the significance of tangible and intangible heritage for the best solution of the development project.
2. Quality integrity, the goal is to improve the quality of life of the local people, as well as the environment.
3. Quantitative change control and any changes that affect the existence of the quantity and quality of cultural important elements should be avoided, unless those changes will improve the restoration and preserve the quality and cultural values
4. Connection context which is the context that should be considered holistically, and is related to economic and social conditions.The road structure, society and cultural diversity should be respectfully taken into account.
5. Finding the balance between conservation and development, that must cover physical, environmental, social, cultural, and economic harmony. Well-executed plans are needed to allow local people to participate in welcoming of visitors, and to encourage joint development without any conflict.

The guidelines invented for the development of ecotourism are presented, in the form of master plan. They promote sustainable tourism, in participation of stakeholders, the generating of income for the people in the community and the conservation of the natural environment,  with the historical stories, at the same time.