Mae Fah Luang University Botanic Garden
A breathtaking mountain sanctuary created by Her Royal Highness, blending stunning gardens with inspiring community development.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pink Sakura in bloom
Mae Fah Luang University Botanic Garden
Best Time
Pink Sakura in bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking mountain sanctuary created by Her Royal Highness, blending stunning gardens with inspiring community development.
"This is a dream place. My favorite activity in Chiang Rai for sure."
🚗 Motorbike to the Garden
Easy and fun to reach by motorbike from Chiang Rai. Google Maps is your friend!
♿ Free Wheelchairs Available
Explore the grounds comfortably with complimentary wheelchairs if needed.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Royal Lodge & Audio Tour
Royal Lodge
Discover the inspiring life and work of Her Royal Highness through a captivating audio tour.
Pink Sakura Blooms
Various garden sections
Witness the stunning spectacle of Thailand's 'Pink Sakura' (Nang Phaya Sua Krong) in full bloom.
Expansive Gardens & Views
Throughout the garden
Wander through meticulously curated gardens offering breathtaking mountain vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Pink Sakura
Embrace the Royal Legacy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Motorbike to the Garden
Easy and fun to reach by motorbike from Chiang Rai. Google Maps is your friend!
♿ Free Wheelchairs Available
Explore the grounds comfortably with complimentary wheelchairs if needed.
⛳ Rent a Golf Cart
For easier exploration, rent a golf cart for 500/1000 baht per 30 min/hour.
☕ Sip Macadamia Coffee
Try delicious on-site coffee and treats that support local people and land.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Motorbike to the Garden
Easy and fun to reach by motorbike from Chiang Rai. Google Maps is your friend!
♿ Free Wheelchairs Available
Explore the grounds comfortably with complimentary wheelchairs if needed.
⛳ Rent a Golf Cart
For easier exploration, rent a golf cart for 500/1000 baht per 30 min/hour.
☕ Sip Macadamia Coffee
Try delicious on-site coffee and treats that support local people and land.
🕒 Park Open Past 5 PM
Even if closing time is 5 PM, you can often continue walking around the park later.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Mae Fah Luang University Botanic Garden for its stunning beauty, serene atmosphere, and the inspiring legacy of Her Royal Highness. The 'Pink Sakura' blooms are a major highlight, and the Royal Lodge tour offers profound insights. Some find the walking challenging, but the availability of wheelchairs and golf carts mitigates this.
"A beautiful garden located in the hills outside of Chiang Rai. The creation of the wife of King Rama IX, you can spend hours in the stunning gardens as well as visiting the lovely royal lodge. Make sure you add this to your itinerary, you won’t regret it
!"
Bryan D
"We've been there many times but never miss the chance when in Chiangrai. There is a bit of walking up and down. Free wheelchairs are available. This time, you could also rent a golf cart for 500 baht for 30 minutes or 1,000 for an hour."
Tom Sorensen
"The ambiance is quite appealing, and it's worth a visit. The transportation is quite convenient, with parking, restaurants, and low prices."
coeur heureux
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can easily reach the garden by motorbike from Chiang Rai, which is described as fun and straightforward with Google Maps. Taxis or private car hire are also options for a more comfortable journey.
Yes, transportation is convenient with parking available at the garden.
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed, renting a motorbike or hiring a car are common and recommended methods for reaching the garden from Chiang Rai.
The garden is located in the hills outside of Chiang Rai, suggesting a scenic drive of moderate distance.
While many visitors opt for independent travel via motorbike or car, tour packages to Doi Tung, which includes the garden, are also available from Chiang Rai.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entry fee, and discounts are available for residents and seniors. The Royal Lodge tour is included with the entry fee. +1
The park is typically open until 5 PM, but visitors have noted that you can sometimes walk around later. It's advisable to check the exact hours before your visit.
Advance booking is generally not required for the garden itself, but it's always a good idea to check for any special events or peak season recommendations.
Yes, discounts are offered for residents and seniors.
Yes, the free audio tour of the Royal Lodge is included with your entry fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore stunning gardens, visit the Royal Lodge with its inspiring audio tour, enjoy cafes and shops, and take in expansive mountain views.
There is a bit of walking up and down hills, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Free wheelchairs are available, and golf carts can be rented for easier navigation.
Yes, you can rent a golf cart for 500 baht for 30 minutes or 1,000 baht for an hour to explore the grounds.
Yes, there are restaurants and cafes on-site where you can enjoy food and drinks, including locally produced macadamia coffee. +1
The best time to visit is during the 'Pink Sakura' season, typically in January and February, when the Nang Phaya Sua Krong flowers are in full bloom.
📸 📸 Photography
The garden offers numerous picturesque spots, especially during the 'Pink Sakura' bloom. The manicured flower beds, scenic viewpoints, and the Royal Lodge itself provide excellent photo opportunities.
Information regarding drone usage is not readily available. It's best to check with the garden administration upon arrival to confirm their policy on drones.
Nature photography, landscape shots capturing the mountain views, and close-ups of the vibrant flowers are very popular. Capturing the essence of the Royal Lodge and its history is also a common theme.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always wise to be respectful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially near the Royal Lodge.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer, more appealing atmosphere.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, although there are cafes on-site. The cool mountain air makes it a pleasant escape, and the overall serene atmosphere can be a refreshing change of pace. Encourage children to observe the different types of plants and flowers, turning the visit into a fun learning experience about nature and the impactful work of the Doi Tung Project.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Adventurers
Don't miss the free audio tour at the Royal Lodge, which provides a deeply inspiring narrative about Her Royal Highness's life and her dedication to community development.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision Behind the Gardens
The project focused on reforestation, agriculture, and education, providing locals with alternative livelihoods and improving their quality of life. The gardens themselves were designed to be both aesthetically pleasing and educational, demonstrating innovative horticultural practices and the cultivation of various plants, including those native to the region and exotic species. Visitors can learn about the Princess's life and work through an engaging audio tour at the Royal Lodge, which offers profound insights into her humanitarian endeavors.
Today, the gardens continue to thrive, attracting visitors who are inspired by the story of Doi Tung and captivated by the natural beauty. The revenue generated from tourism, including the sale of local produce and crafts, directly supports the ongoing development projects and the welfare of the local communities, making a visit a meaningful experience that contributes to a worthy cause.
Exploring the Gardens: Tips for Visitors
Beyond the stunning floral displays, the garden offers a complete visitor experience. You can savor locally produced macadamia coffee and delicious treats at the on-site cafes and shops. These offerings not only provide refreshment but also contribute to the sustainability of the Doi Tung Project, supporting the local people and the land.
While the official closing time is often cited as 5 PM, some visitors have noted that the park remains accessible for walking later, allowing for a more extended appreciation of the serene mountain atmosphere. Planning your visit during the 'Pink Sakura' season (typically January-February) will reward you with the spectacular sight of the Nang Phaya Sua Krong flowers in full bloom, adding an extra layer of magic to your experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit