The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek was originally a celebration hosted by the Royal Thai Government in honor of King Bhumibol Adulyadej for his 60th anniversary of accession to the throne and his 80th birthday. The first exhibition was held from November 1, 2006 to January 31, 2007 and the second one from December 14, 2011 until March 14, 2012. After the success of the two world-class horticulture expo, Thai government decided to retain the condition of the park as an addition to Chiang Mai's travel destination.
The park was named after the national flower of Thailand, the Ratchaphruek or Golden Shower Tree.
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| Ratchaphruek Tree or Golden Shower Tree |
The Royal Park Ratchaphruek is located at the Royal Agricultural Research Center in Mae Hia sub-district, Mueang district, Chiang Mai Province in Northern Thailand. It covers 240,000 sq meters.
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| The Royal Pavillion |
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| The Royal Pavillion |
At the center of the park is an authentic Lanna architecture of Ho Kham Luang Royal Pavilion, actually it is the most beautiful thing in the park for me. Inside you will find a painting exhibition about the life and works of King Bhumibol.
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| Inside the Royal Pavillion |
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| The Royal Pavillion from afar |
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| the entrance to the park |
They have corporate and 22 International Gardens inside the park, 2 to 3 hours is just enough to see everything. We tried to walk but it's just not possible due to the heat so we just took the tram ride on some areas to see the whole park.
Sharing here some pictures of the gardens:
Other zones include the World of Insects and Rare Plants.
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| Bug World |
It is advisable to hire a private driver so you can take your time roaming the place. The park is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. Entrance fee is 100baht for adult and 50baht for children.
There is just so much to see here. You can roam around the park by foot, by bike (20baht per hour) or by tram (20baht for adult and 10baht for children). Make sure to visit early morning or late afternoon as it can be really hot during the day, bring an umbrella, a bottled water and your camera with fresh batteries! Make sure to eat also before you come and visit, they have limited stores inside the park.
Enjoy Ratchaphruek Royal Park! Ciao!
I've been here once before, for a high school field trip. Can't believe it's been seventeen years since!
ReplyDeleteI've been to Thailand before, for a high school field trip. Can't believe it's been seventeen year since! It would be nice if I could visit the country again and see this place.
ReplyDeleteGlad I found your blog. I'll be going to Chiang Mai next week. Hope I could add this in my itinerary. :)
ReplyDeleteThis place is indeed once of the most visited here in Thailand, well because it is located in Chiang Mai which is also a top tourist destination in the country. Truly a must see place when you are here in the Land of Smiles.
ReplyDeleteNice place!
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