Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens Attractions & Landmark
A Mountain Escape
At the edge of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
Mae Rim,
50180
Thailand
+66 53 84 1000
+66 53 29 8177
http://www.qsbg.thaigov.net/
qbg@chmai.loxinfo.co.th
Overview
In the 1930s, Englishman Dr. Kerr started a small botanical garden in this location 12 kilometers along the Mae Sa Valley. The current garden was opened in 1992 and covers a large area that incorporates many vegetation types, including some rare species. It also houses research facilities, student accommodation and an information center. The mountain location makes it an enjoyable escape for everyone, particularly nature enthusiasts. The best time to see the flowers in bloom is during the cool season. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the many winding nature trails and generally get away from it all.Open Hours
Mo to Su from 08:30 AM to 04:30 PM
It is a really beautiful place up in the hills where the air is fresh. There are buggies with english speaking guides to bring you around for a small fee if you don't want to walk that much. Its worth it as it saves time, energy and the visit is more focused. You can see the Thai people's love for their Queen, as there are various parts of the Garden (eg the fountain pond) build by the people for the Queen. A half day trip here should also be made together with a trip to Wat Phrahat Doi Suthep as it is along the way.
Thailand's first true botanical garden situated in the lushness of the Mae Sa Villey just 27 km from the heart of Chiang Mai city. The complete route through the garden takes up to two hours. This is a beautiful place and perfect for half day trip.
To any person with an interest in horticulture this place is a dream. I only spent two hours there but when I return to Chiang Mai this will be a day visit for me. The grounds are extensive, as are the greenhouses. All plants are labelled in Latin, Thai and English. The are about 6 walks which each take up to 45minutes and have specific themes. The entrance fee was 30 Baht and when I visited in Dec was not crowded. Make sure you take your camera or video.
Perfect for a half day trip, plenty to see and plenty to photograph at the centre is a large greenhouse with very high humidity and it's own waterfall to recreate a tropical rainforest. Other greenhouses have cacti, orchids and ferns. After here travel a few metres down the main road and you come to a group of small restaurants on the bank of a stream at the roadside, excellent food and not expensive!
