Chiang Mai

Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden

Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden covers a mountainous area of 560 acres. It is located around Km. 12 along the Mae Rim-Samoeng route. This international botanical garden was established to honor Queen Sirikit in 1992. It has a fine collection of Thai and foreign plants. The garden is set up to exhibit plants according to species and climate. Visitors can drive around the area. Places to see include the Tourist Information Centre, the Thai Orchid Breeding Centre, Herbs Museum and Research Centre. The garden offers 3 walking trails:
1) Rock Garden-Thai Orchid Nursery, takes around 30-60 minutes on foot;
2) Arboreta (plant study trail), showing more than 10 species of plants including banana, palm, fern, and ginger. This trail takes around 45-60 minutes;
3) Climb takes around 1-2 hours to climb the mountain.

It is open daily to the public from 8.30 a.m. 5.00 p.m. For more information, contact Tel: 0 5384 1000 Fax: 0 5329 9754 Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden >> Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

Huai Kaeo Arboretum

Situated next to the famous Chiang Mai University and the Chiang Mai Zoo, Huai Kaeo Arboretum, is a mixed blessing of landscaped gardens with many kinds of tropical trees and exquisite flowers. Locals love to relax and do morning and evening exercise in the compound.

Huai Phak Phai Royal Project

This is at Ban Mae Ha, tambon Ban Pong along the Samoeng-Hang Dong route. It is approximately 300 metres from Km. 17. From Chiang Mai, it can be reached via 2 routes: Chiang Mai-Mae Rim-Samoeng-Hang Dong route which is 32 kilometers in length and Chiang Mai-Hang Dong-Samoeng route that is 43 kilometers in length. The project is responsible for collecting, researching, and breeding roses. One of the highlighted attractions in this project is the Royal Rose Garden, which covers an area of 8.4 acres where various kinds of roses have been planted along the mountain ranges. The best time to visit is from October to February.

A number of pretty resorts decorated with highland flowers are located along the route to Huai Phak Phai Royal Project and are open to the public and for camping. Accommodations are available at Kritsada Doi and Lanna Garden. Please refer to the accommodation sheet for more information.

Bo Kaeo Botanic Research Station

This station, which plants pine and eucalyptus on an area of 828 acres, has a cool and moist climate throughout the year.

Ratchaphruek Garden

Ratchaphruek Garden is situated 10km southwest of Chiang Mai, in Mae Hia sub-district. Nestled in a lush mountain landscape, this 400 rai (240,000m2) of land is indeed a picturesque setting -- not only the garden itself with its many plant and flower species -- but also its unique and delicate artwork and architecture which enriches the minds of its visitors with its seductive natural beauty.

The area was the site for the Royal Flora Expo 2006, the world most beautiful international horticultural exposition. This exhibition commemorated the auspicious occasion of the 60th anniversary of the crowning of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Association of International Horticultural Producers (AIPH) gave the expo A1 status, its highest honor. Ratchaphruek Garden is truly the fruit of this special event. The garden has been carefully maintained and developed, and is a splendid resource for agrotourism, as well as being a learning and research centre for the public and a meeting-place for farmers to share knowledge.

Ratchaphruek Garden offers many attractions:

Ho Kham Royal Pavilion - This pavilion is the symbol of the garden. It features traditional architecture in the style of Lanna, Northern Thailand. The Pavilion has high ceilings and steep multi-tiered roofs, exquisitely guilded in ancient technique. Visitors will be amazed by the uplifting beauty of Lanna wisdom and craftmanship.

The insides showcase paintings of King Bhumibol many activities aimed at the improvement of life for all Thai people. These works are an innovative juxtaposition of modern and traditional styles. The artists employ subdued tones of grey, red and gold, imbuing their work with a strange, dreamy quality. These paintings feature backgrounds drawn from the stylized tradition of temple mural paintings, with crisp -- almost photographic -- forms superimposed over them, imbuing the paintings with a surreal, otherworldy quality.

The Pavilion also houses the gorgeous Tree of the Ten Kingly Virtues. It is comprised of layered orbs of gold Bhodi leaves, and symbolizes the fact that the King provides a garden of spiritual shade for his people.

Corporate Gardens - Presented by various organizations and state enterprises, the Corporate Gardens showcase sustainability and eco-friendly agricultural techniques. The philosophy of these Gardens is driven by His Majesty tremendous insight and ingenuity to improve his people well-being. The idea is to spread knowledge and provide a model which can inspire those who visit the Gardens to internalize His Majesty theories and to go on to learn and care for the world.

International Gardens - This is an area where visitors can enjoy unique and innovative landscaping as well as horticultural highlights from 33 countries around the world, such as Japan, India, Bhutan, and South Africa. Not only does the International Garden include plants, but each country beautifully showcases its particular identity through architecture and art.

Indoor Exhibition - The indoor exhibit consists of hydroponics, a tissue culture nursery, as well as a dome for tropical plants and buildings for desert and temporate plants.

Outdoor Exhibition - The Outdoor Gardens includes water plants, a lotus garden, plants from each province in Thailand, plants which are believed to be auspicious, plants from Buddhist history, and plants painstakingly trained into incredibly beautiful shapes. There is also a building which exhibits information on the history of Thai horticulture. The enormous Outdoor Garden showcases the diversity of tropical horticulture.

Rare Plants - Ratchaphruek Garden displays rare plants including the 'Royal Palm' and the 'Double Coconut', which stand at the garden entrance, and ancient pine trees which species dates from 250 million years ago.

'Royal Palm' The smooth gray trunk, which is swollen at the base when it is young and at the middle when it is mature, sculpts the palm into a bottle shape. Its strikingly tall trunk can reach up to 20 metres in height, and its deep-green leaves make for an attractive tropical look.

'Double Coconut' or 'Coco de Mer' A native of the Seychelle Islands in the Indian Ocean, this palm is mostly grown for ornamntal reasons the fruits resembling a double coconut contain the largest seeds in the plant kingdom they are up to 30cm in diameter, 45 cm in length and can weigh up to 14 kg. In years past, the nuts were believed to have aphrodesiac qualities, probably owing to their similarity in appearace to the female pelvis region. In the 1700, the fruits were sold in parts of Europe for a very high price. The tree was also once thought to be the Tree of Good and Evil in the biblical Garden of Eden.

Trams are provided:
20 baht for adults, 10 baht for children. At present the garden is open only to groups and must be booked in advance. Knowledgeable guides conduct all tours. The garden is free of charge. Doors open every day except Monday, from 10:00 - 18:00. For further information call 0 5311 4110-5 fax. 0 5311 4116.

Mae Chon Luang Agricultural Experimental Station

Nestled in the beautiful valley of Amphoe Mae Chaem, the Experimental Station is situated in an ideal site for agro-tourism. Its hill slopes have been developed into stepped plantations, which provide serene mountain panoramas.

Temperate plants researched in the area blossom alternately and produce fruits all year round. It is especially impressive in the cool season of December when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and when the area is covered in lovely pink and white petals.

Visitors will also enjoy exploring cool-climate flower beds, organic vegetable plantations, as well as fruit orchards of various kinds, such as pear, strawberry, passion fruit, chestnut and maccadamia.

Another highlight, particularly for tea lovers, are the tea plantations, with various kinds of tea growing, where visitors will delight in tasting premium quality Chinese and Green teas, while traditional tea brewing demonstrations are performed. Last but not least is Yam Bai Cha, or traditional Thai spicy sour tea leaf salad, a specialty available to visitors only here at this agricultural station.

Accomodation and Facilities A big bungalow for 40-50 persons is available, as well as 2 separate lodging dorms for men and women, including cooking areas. In addition, two campgrounds for about 100 persons are available at the lookout point, which is situated on a well-developed landscape among the breathtaking mountainous scenery and is surrounded by colourful flowers and pine trees. Add to this the relaxing pavilions and beautiful eating places, and you have a vacation truly made to please. The accommodations and facilities are well-developed and blend into the natural landscape with a facility inherent only in Thai culture, offering natural ambiance without sacrificing comfort for atmosphere. Here at Mae Chon Luang you really feel a part of the natural environment. Meals will be provided by staffmembers with advance reservation, or visitors can also prepare food themselves (the station itself is a source of fresh ingredients such as vegeatable, fruit, etc) For more information, call 0 5343 2207.

Getting There:
At present, there is no public transportation to the station, which is located in the area of Ban Hmong Khun Wang (a Hmong hilltribe village), Mu 6, Tambon Mae Na Chon, Amphoe Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai. Visitors are recommended to use 4-wheel drive cars, or to rent a song thaeo (a pickup truck with two rows of bench seats down the sides) from Doi Inthanon foothill (at the base of Doi Inthanon).

There are two routes to the station:
The first route is about 120 kilometres long and takes 3 hours. From Chiang Mai town, take the Chiang Mai Hot route, via Amphoe Chom Thong, and turn right towards Doi Inthanon till you arrive at km 31. Then, turn right and drive past the Royal-Initiated Doi Inthanon Development Project. Continue for about 16 kilometres. Visitors will arrive at the Chiang Mai Royal Agricultural Research Centre (Khun Wang). Turn left and continue for another 6 kilometres.

The second route is about 92 kilometres long and takes approximately 2 1/2 hours from Chiang Mai Town via Amphoe San Pa Tong. Take the right turn at San Pa Tong to Highway No.1013 to Amphoe Mae Wang. When passing Mae Wang, take the left turn, and this winding road will lead up through the mountains, via Ban Nong Tao, Ban Pa Kluai and Ban Pong Lom Raeng. Turn right and continue for another 9 kilometres.

Nearby interesting attractions are:
Mae Khun Wag, a Hmong hilltribe village situated to the north of Mae Chon Luang Agricultural Experimentation Station, within a 20 min drive. Visitors can experience the Hmong hilltribe lifestyle and admire their finely intricate sewn cloths.

Sirirat Waterfall From the station, drive westward. Visitors will find a separate turn to the Waterfall, which is accessible only by foot, and which requires only a 10 min walk from the parking area. The pleasurable walk along this developed trail will bring visitors to the waterfall which perennially has a heavy flow of water. Visitors are recommended to wear proper shoes because the trail is slippery and steep.

Royal Agricultural Research Centre, Chiang Mai

The Royal Agricultural Research Centre in Chiang Mai consists of 2 sub-stations. The first station is composed of demonstrative fields for research, collection, and breeding of various plants. The second station, located at Mae Win sub-district, mainly deals with research of temperate fruits, flowers and coffee (Arabica). The centre also serves as a source of information complete with lecturer for educational tours and training. Accommodations and basic facilities are available. Advanced contact is recommended. Location: - Mu 1, Ban Tong Kai, Nong Khwai sub-district, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230 and Mu 10, Tambon Mai Win, Amphoe Mae Wang, Chiang Mai, Tel. 0 5343 2275; Fax. 0 5343 2276

Tweechol Botanical Garden

Tweechol Botanical garden is a place to visit, relax, rejuvenate, and experience the beauty of nature. The garden was founded in 1997 (BE 2522). It has one of the largest plant collections in Thailand.

The purpose of the garden is for display, education, research, conservation and enjoyment. Tweechol Botanical Garden consists of 114 acres (285 rai) of outdoor display gardens and recreation areas.

The garden is located 10Km NE of Chiang Mai near the village of Doi Saket in Chiang Mai province Thailand.

Huen Chaiharn Museum There are 4 rooms in the collection house. The Buddha room has a display of Buddha images for viewing and prayer. Visitors can also pay respect to the late wife of King Rama V in the Chaodara room. The Chaiham room displays a collection of ancient Lanna weapons. In the Tamsin room are a large number of artifacts from Mr. Sesaweechs personal collection.

Center Point This place is one of the most interesting points of the botanical garden. The visitor who does not have much time to spend in the garden should come here first. There are 4 domes displaying various kinds of plants such as orchids, bromeliads, anthurium, colocasia, monotera, cacti and succulents. There is also a waterfall and various other tropical plants reliant on a humid ecosystem. In front of the domes are two dragon topiaries which measure 130 meters in length.

Palm Garden There are approximately 58 kinds of palm in the palm garden. Included are Cocothrinax crinata, Coppercinia macrogalossa, Bismarckia, Latania Loddigesi and many more. Some species are from Cuba, South America and Japan.

Horizon Village-Family Hotel The hotel in the botanic garden with Lanna style and tranquility, is definately a good place for people who like to take a break from the busy lift to relax, enjoy and rest in the nature atmosphhere.

Open daily at 8.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Admission fee is 100 baht for adult and 50 baht for children.

For more information please contact at Tel. 0 5386 7151 Fax. 0 5386 7151, E-mail: info[at]tweecholbotanicgarden.com, ǹġʵժ TWEECHOL BOTANIC GARDEN § ٹѹ Ѵ ҡ ǹѵ ԾԸѳ кԡçѡ Ъ

Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Centre

Located in the forested area of Khun Mae Kuang, Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province, the Study Centre covers an area of over 3,000 acres. It was established on His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadejs initiation in order to conduct studies and research on various development patterns such as forest development. The Royal initiative includes three classes of tree cultivation: those cultivated for fruit, those for firewood, and those cultivated for sale and purely economic benefits. This cultivation yields benefits according the value produced in each case, as well as a more diffuse benefit in terms of increased moisture retention in the soil and a general increase in the health of the land itself.

At the entrance to the Study Centre, the area begins with a forestry study project which has served to improve the environment in the Centre area, eliminate forest fires, and produce a moist climate bursting with fertile water sources. Subsequently, visitors will come upon facilities for ongoing studies of industrial agriculture and fishery studies at check dams, as well as farms for livestock and dairy cattle.

The Study Centres main aim is to function as a complete one-stop service centre replete with practical wisdom aptly demonstrated for farmers to learn and apply the model into practice. It also provides services, such as supporting animal husbandry activities and providing seeds, and giving advice and guidance on techniques which farmers can adopt in their daily lives. The Study Centre promotes the coexistence of man and land involving the distribution of the water supply to agricultural areas and the establishment of forest and fishery stations.

In the words of HM King Bhumibol, Let this Study Centre function as living museum of Mother Nature.

The Study Centre is open every day from 08:30-16:30, but visitors are advised to call ahead in order to obtain bungalow reservations and camping permission. Visitors must supply their own camping gear. Contact: Tel. 0 5338 9228 or 0 5338 9229

Getting There:
By car
Drive along Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Road for approximately 23 kilometres, then turn right and continue for 1 kilometre to the Centre.

Ang Khang Royal Project

Doi Ang Khang is on Highway No. 107 (Chiang Mai-Fang). Turn left at an intersection around Km. 137 (at Mae Kha Market) and proceed to Doi Ang Khang for a further distance of 25 kilometres. It is a steep zigzagging asphalt road. Therefore, only vehicles in good condition and experienced drivers can make the trip. The local truck (Song Thaeo) from Mae Kha Market offers chartered service to the splendid mountain. The area has a cool climate all year round, particularly from December to January, when much of the area is frosty. During that period, visitors should be prepared to cope with cold weather. Accommodation is available.

Attractions on Doi Ang Khang
Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station is a demonstration site for planting and researching flowering plants, temperate fruit trees, vegetables and other crop under the patronage of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. For more information, visit สถานีเกษตรหลวง[at]่ งขาง

Bonsai Garden is located in front of the station. The garden comprises temperate and winter plants of Thailand and overseas, all of which are decorated, cut and planted with the Bonsai technique. Touring around Bonsai garden, visitors can also see herbal plantations. The best time to visit is from November to January.

Mu Ban Khum is a village located near the Royal Agricultural Station. It is a small community comprising people of various races such as Burmese, Hwa, and Thai Yai. They settled in the area and run souvenir shops and restaurants.

Kiu Lom Viewpoint is a scenic spot to watch sunrise and sunset including a sea of clouds. It overlooks the delightful ambience of the mountains. On a clear day, the Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station can be seen from here.

Mu Ban No Lae is on the Thai-Burmese border. The people of No Lae migrated from Myanmar about 15 years ago. They speak their own language and are Buddhists. On every Buddhist day, they stay home to practice the Buddhist precepts. No Lae village offers a magnificent view of natural scenery of the Thai-Burmese border.

Mu Ban Khop Dong is home to Musoes. The tribe believe in ghosts and spirits and still hold on to simple ways of life. The Royal Project has supported this village in promoting agriculture and handicrafts. The Young Local Guide project is underway to guide visitors on the local lifestyle and beliefs, as well as to create a non-migration awareness in local youths.

Mu Ban Luang comprises of Yunnan Chinese who migrated here during World War II. They earn a living from agriculture.

Activities on Doi Ang Khang are varied. Presently, Ang Khang Natural Resort offers the following activities:
- Natural Study Trek, a 2-kilometre trek showing small but beautiful waterfalls and Rhododendron.
- Mountain biking: Ban Khum-
- No Lae, Ban Luang-Ban Pha Daeng.
- Birdwatching - More than 1,000 species of birds can be seen. The best spots are Mae Phoe forest station and around Ang Khang Natural Resort.
- Mule riding This is best done by sitting facing sideways because the wide saddle will not allow a horseback-riding style. Booking must be done at least one day in advance with the resort as mules are normally used to carry agricultural produces.

Huai Luek Royal Project Development Centre

The center serves as a demonstrative development model for the hill tribe people based on the philosophy of promoting proper agricultural technology to hill tribe farmers. The site is open for the public to explore pilot plots of vegetables, flowers, fruits, Hmongs plantation and the Poi River. In addition, the Royal Project Foundation has its own shop selling daily fresh produce. Tours complete with a lecturer can be arranged in advance and advanced reservation is recommended for group visits. Toilets and parking areas are also available.

Location: Ban Huai Luek, Bueng Khong sub-district, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai
Tel. 0 5345 1116
Fax. 0 5322 9635

Pa Kia Doi Chiang Dao Agricultural Research Station

This research station is under the Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University. It is situated in a beautiful area from which visitors can clearly view magnificent Doi Luang Chiang Dao Mountain. The area is full of bird life, making it a great spot for bird watching. In the cool season the mountains are blanketed by a sea of fog in the mornings, and evening skies are dark and clear and full of stars. The lights from Chiang Dao Town shimmer far below.

Getting there:
Take Highway 107 from Chiang Mai via Mae Rim and Mae Malai (visitors can buy supplies here at Mae Malai market), and Mae Taeng. Continue till you reach Ban Mae Na, where there is a separate left turn with a sign for Mae Taman Watershed Management Unit. After about 21 kilometres there is an intersection. Turn right. This road is steep and unpaved and leads to Pang Hong Village and Pang Hang Village. The road continues and becomes steeper. Go straight past the turnoff for the Pa Den Ya Khat Ranger Station. Turn right towards Ban San Pa Kia School. From there, continue to the Mae Taman Watershed Management Unit. The Research Station is about 500 m up the road, which is very steep.

Getting back:
From the Station, visitors can get back on Highway 107 via Kaeng Phan Tao Village. Approximately 12 kilometres from the Station, visitors will find an intersection. Turning either right or left will bring you to the main road. Going right, the road passes Pak Iak Village, tea plantations and a hilltribe community. The road is paved but is still rather steep. It leads to Kaeng Phan Tao Village and Highway 107.

Accommodations and facilities:
Dorms for students of the Agriculture Faculty, Chiang Mai University are available, as well as bathrooms and kitchens equipped with utensils, but visitors have to bring their own food. The fee is 50 baht per person per night.

Visitors are advised to request permission from the Faculty in advance by contacting the Pa Kia Doi Chiang Dao Agricultural Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University at least 10 days in advance. Tel. 0 5322 2014 or 0 5394 4052.