Approximately a 45-minute drive from the city of Chiang Mai, the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden is a beautiful location for a day trip. Formerly known as the Mae Sa Botanic Garden, the garden received the royal honour in 1994.
Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden is a world-class conservation centre for indigenous Thai plants as well as other exotic varieties from around the world. The garden also provides an educational role for school children and students and is an important resource centre for academics and scientists. However, for many visiting the garden the main role is a recreational one and local and overseas tourists visit here to simply enjoy what is a stunning setting. If you are interested in horticulture and gardening this is a must-see attraction along with the gardens at Bhuping Palace. Of course, you don’t have to be a botanical expert to enjoy the mountain backdrop, fresh air and the riot of colour that welcomes you. With walking trails, picnic spots and salas dotted amongst the flower gardens this is a truly wonderful place to spend some time.
The garden covers a large area with a number of slopes and so the most comfortable and convenient way to explore the grounds is by car. There are a plenty of resting places and car parks where visitors can get out and walk around and enjoy the beauty of the gardens. There is also a trolley bus service in operation.
If you don’t have your own transportation you can always hire a car and driver or a tuk-tuk from Chiang Mai. If you do visit Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, I would also recommend a visit to the Pongyang Angdoi restaurant which also has a wonderful natural backdrop and is just a few minutes’ drive further on from the botanic garden
Entrance fees to Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden are:
Adults 40 Baht
Children 10 Baht
Car 100 Baht
Bus 200 Baht
Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden is located in Mae Sa and is open daily from 08.30 to 16.30.
photos © thaizer.com
