Ho Kham Luang
Centre of the park
The royal pavilion, a golden-teak hall built in traditional Lanna style, with a tall layered roof and fine carvings. A centrepiece for photographs.
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Chiang Mai, Thailand
Royal Park Rajapruek
Large landscaped gardens built for the 2006 Royal Flora expo, with themed international gardens and the Lanna-style Royal Pavilion Ho Kham Luang.
Favourite places
International gardens
Around the park
Gardens designed by different countries for the 2006 expo, each in its own national style.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Orchid and flower pavilions
Exhibition halls
Halls and greenhouses with orchids, bromeliads and seasonal flower displays.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Ratchaphruek trees
Throughout the park
The park is named after the golden shower tree (ratchaphruek), Thailand's national tree, which flowers bright yellow in the hot season.
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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.
Khanom jeen nam ngiao
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Fresh rice noodles in a tangy tomato and pork broth flavoured with dried red cotton-tree flowers — a Lanna favourite for breakfast or lunch.
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.
Where to eat
Park cafés
Inside Royal Park Rajapruek
Simple cafés and snack points inside the park for drinks and light meals.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Nimmanhaemin Road
West of the old city
Dozens of cafés and restaurants in the lanes (soi) off Nimmanhaemin Road, from northern Thai food to international dishes.
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Where to stay
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.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Old City (inside the moat)
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Quiet lanes of guesthouses and boutique hotels between the temples, within walking distance of Tha Phae Gate and the Sunday Walking Street. The easiest base for first-time visitors.
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Culture
The park honours King Bhumibol, and the Ho Kham Luang is treated with respect — dress modestly and follow any signs about shoes or photography inside the pavilion.
History
The park was created for the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek international horticultural exhibition held for King Bhumibol's 60th year on the throne. The golden-teak Ho Kham Luang pavilion is a showpiece of Lanna architecture.
Tour plans
Gardens and night safari
Half dayStep 1: Afternoon at Royal Park Rajapruek
Take the tram around the park, then walk around Ho Kham Luang.
Step 2: International gardens
Explore a few of the national gardens as the heat drops.
Step 3: Chiang Mai Night Safari
The night safari park is next door — combine it for the evening.
Travel information
Best time to visit
November to February, when the flower displays are at their best and the heat is low; visit in the morning or late afternoon.
How to get there
About 20–30 minutes south-west of the old city by car or Grab.
Getting around
The park is south-west of the city at the foot of the hills. Use Grab or a hired songthaew to get there and back. Inside, the tram saves a lot of walking in the heat.
Travel tips
Tram tours help in the heat; the gardens are best in the cool season.
