Flying Over the Tree Top canopy walkway
Upper part of the garden
A steel walkway high above the forest canopy with views over the Mae Sa valley; part of it has a glass floor.
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Chiang Mai, Thailand
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
Thailand's first international-standard botanic garden, in the Mae Rim hills: glasshouses, forest trails and a canopy walkway above the trees.
Favourite places
Glasshouse complex
Upper slopes, near the canopy walk
A group of glasshouses for rainforest plants, desert plants, aquatic plants and more, built to recreate different climates.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Orchid collection
Glasshouses and nursery
Thai and tropical orchids, including wild native species the garden works to conserve.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Forest trails
Throughout the garden
Shaded paths through natural forest, with streams and labelled trees.
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Local food
Khao soi
Chiang Mai, Thailand
The signature noodle soup of northern Thailand: egg noodles in a rich coconut curry broth, usually with chicken or beef, topped with crispy fried noodles and served with pickled mustard greens, shallots and lime.
Sai ua
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Grilled northern Thai pork sausage packed with lemongrass, kaffir lime, chilli and herbs. Sold in coils at markets and eaten with sticky rice.
Nam phrik noom
Chiang Mai, Thailand
A smoky dip of roasted green chillies, garlic and shallots, eaten with sticky rice, steamed vegetables and crispy pork skin (khaep mu).
Where to eat
Mae Sa valley restaurants
Along the road through the valley
Garden restaurants and cafés along the valley road between Mae Rim and the botanic garden.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Mae Rim town
On the main road back to Chiang Mai
Local noodle shops and market stalls in the district town.
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Where to stay
Mae Rim and Mae Sa valley
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Garden resorts surrounded by hills, 30 minutes from the city — good for a quiet stay close to the garden.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Nimmanhaemin (Nimman)
Chiang Mai, Thailand
A modern area west of the old city near Chiang Mai University, full of cafés, restaurants, malls and condo-hotels. Closest to the road up Doi Suthep.
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Culture
The garden is a research and conservation centre as much as a park — many of the plants are rare. Stay on the paths, do not pick flowers or seeds, and keep quiet on the forest trails to see birds.
History
Founded in 1993 and named after Queen Sirikit, the garden conserves Thai plants and runs research. Its glasshouses show rainforest, desert, aquatic and orchid collections; the Flying Over the Tree Top canopy walk is the favourite.
Tour plans
Mae Sa valley half day
Half dayStep 1: Drive north to Mae Rim
Leave the city in the morning by car or Grab.
Step 2: Canopy walkway and glasshouses
Walk above the trees, then visit the glasshouses.
Step 3: Mae Sa Waterfall
Cool off at the multi-level waterfall nearby.
Step 4: Lunch in the valley
Eat at one of the garden restaurants on the way back.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
November to February is coolest and driest; arrive in the morning to walk the canopy walkway before the midday heat.
How to get there
About 30 minutes north of Chiang Mai in the Mae Sa Valley; often combined with Mae Sa waterfall.
Getting around
The garden is large and hilly; a car (your own or with driver) is the easiest way to move between the canopy walk, glasshouses and lower gardens. A Grab can bring you from the city, but arrange the return trip in advance as rides are scarce in the valley.
Travel tips
A car or tour helps — the garden is large and hilly.