Royal Park Rajapruek Mae-hia, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, 66 (0) 53 114110-5 www.royalparkrajapruek.org – royalparkrajapruek2011@gmail.com http://www.royalparkrajapruek.org/main/eng/index.php Royal Park Rajapruek in Chiang Mai needs to thank its homonymous festival (the Royal Flora Rajapruek, that was held between 1 November 2006 and 31 January 2007) for its existence. This international horticultural festival was one of the grand celebrations hosted by the Royal Thai Government through the Thai Department of Agriculture and under Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in honor of King Bhumibol of Thailand, the world’s longest reigning monarch, and of his 60th anniversary of accession to the throne. The exhibition was extremely successful and it drew nearly 4 million visitors. Thanks to the success of the exhibition, The Thai government then proposed transforming its site, 80 hectares of land at the Royal Agricultural Research Center in Mae Hia, into a park and a permanent training center, arguing that Royal Flora Rajapruek achieved its goals of promoting tourism and developing Thai horticultural industries. The park was open to the public in 2008 with many of the past highlights still very much in evidence, including the international exhibits. Royal Park Rajapruek is managed by the Highland Research and Development Institute and is a learning centre for botanical agriculture and the site for agro-tourism and culture at an international level. Royal Park Rajapruek is bound to remain open indefinitely, and it is now an addition to things to do in Chiang Mai, I would say a must-see, receiving 500-1000 visitors per day on average. My visit was a pleasure, well worth the trip. I immediately felt happy as the place does not look like a tourist trap. Bikes for rent can be found near the main entrance, and electric buses are available to take you around for 20 thb – you can hop on and off where you wish, visit the garden of your choice, and wait for next bus to come around. There are also golf carts available for private rental at 600thb per hour. The park is huge and there’s lots to see; I managed to walk around and do a few stops from the bus. A good hat or an umbrella and plenty of water are advisable for the hot sunny days. There was a lot of people at the entrance, yet once everyone spread out on foot, bus or bicycle, it did not feel busy at all. I bought the 20thb ticket, boarded the bus and was on the way to discover the park. The grounds are superbly laid out and the selection of flowers in the expansive gardens is incredibly picturesque. The gardens are small and well maintained, and each garden has a theme. The international gardens offer other countries a chance to join in, and altogether there are 21 countries from 3 continents (Asia, Europe and Africa) that participate in the project, exhibiting amazing theme gardens. Other areas include Word of Insect, Rare Plants and Corporate Gardens. 19 organizations participate in the Corporate Gardens to pay homage to His Majesty the King, and these include some of the big players in the banking and telecommunication sectors, as well as provinces administrations. But the two highlights have to be the orchid garden – the best display amongst various orchid gardens I have seen so far – and the Ho Kham Luang Royal Pavilion, perched at the park center and built in Lanna architecture, the architectural style of northern Thailand, inside which you can marvel at a painting exhibition about the life and works of King Bhumibol. If you are a nature enthusiast, this is the place to go. You need to allow a few hours to visit the whole place properly and leisurely, or you can visit it over two days. Bear in mind there is not a lot of shade around so try to avoid the peak sun hours. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times of course, and the good light and lack of crowd will allow for lots of great pictures. There are some food stalls scattered around the park, though they are a bit on the fast food type. The admission is a reasonable 100thb per adult, 50thb for kids, and Thais pay only 20/10thb respectively. If you plan to stay in Chiang Mai for a while and wish to visit Royal Park Rajapruek often, then purchase the annual visitors card for 400thb. And if you were wondering what Ratchaphruek means, it is the Thai name of the national flower, the Cassia fistula, or Golden Shower Tree (it is also named Khun or Chaiyaphruek in Thai); its yellow blossoms correspond to Monday, the birth day of King Bhumibol. I loved my extensive visit to Royal Park Rajapruek, and so will you! Accommodation was kindly provided by nearby Prat Rajapruek Resort: www.pratrajapruek.com

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Prat Rajapruek Resort  123, Moo 12, Nong Kwai, Hang dong, Chiang Mai, Thailand Tel: +66 (53) 114 006, Fax: +66 (53) 114 007, Mobile: +66 09 4706 3334 Email: info@pratrajapruek.com   –   Website: www.pratrajapruek.com facebook.com/pratrajapruek   –   twitter.com/Prat_R Prat Rajapruek Resort & Spa is a boutique establishment that boasts a nicely decoration in colonial style. I had an awesome stay there during my recent visit to Chiang Mai. Guests can choose from 35 well decorated rooms with terraces and balconies, all with pool and garden views, all exuding an atmosphere of total peace and harmony. I chose a deluxe room; the size was comfortable and the washroom absolutely clean with a rain-shower as well as a good bathtub size that allows a couple to enjoy a romantic bath. The room had all the comforts you would need, including air conditioning with individual controls, a fully stocked mini bar and refrigerator, color LCD and cable TV, a hair dryer, slippers, a personal safety box, and coffee and tea making facilities, which I immediately took advantage of after eating the complimentary fruit basket I received upon arrival. This was followed by checking my email, only to find out that the free Wi-Fi access within the resort is fast and is connected to the TV, so you can watch your Youtube favourites right from bed. The facilities and services provided by Prat Rajapruek Resort & Spa ensure a more than pleasant stay for guests. The hotel offers access to a vast array of services, including a free valet parking, a bar, laundry service with ironing, a fitness center, free bicycles, complimentary round trip transfer service to airport and night bazaar, luggage storage facilities, and of course a stunning swimming pool. Other facilities offered at Prat Rajapruek Resort & Spa include meeting facilities and wedding services, providing solutions to fit every need, from seminars, to workshops, to business conferences or events like annual dinner and dance, karaoke parties or even school’s prom nights. The seminar and function rooms, with their high–ceilings and grandeur entrance, can accommodate up to 80 people and are equipped with a complete set of modern audiovisual facilities. Prat Rajapruek Resort & Spa also offers a wedding package Thai Lanna style. For any special event or requirement you can contact sales.pratrajapruek@gmail.com Prat Rajapruek Resort & Spa restaurant offers a good menu with a great choice of traditional Thai and Western cuisine, as well as a variety of morning breakfasts that include American, English, continental, Thai fried rice, porridge and more. The dining at Prat Rajapruek Resort & Spa restaurant is indeed more than just the cooking. Their menu is simple and uncomplicated, combining the best, freshest and most authentic ingredients so they can achieve a traditionally Asian dining experience you will not be disappointed about. Cocktails themselves are an art affair, with the mixologist creating special signature drinks mixing the best brands of beverages with home-made syrups and pairing them with the restaurant dishes. Last but not least, thumbs up for the hotel friendly staffs as they attended our requests without any issue and we felt well looked-after. Prat Rajapruek Resort & Spa is a great base from which to explore the vibrant city of Chiang Mai and its must-see attractions. It is conveniently located just 12km from the city center and only 7km from the airport. Prat Rajapruek Resort & Spa is a stone’s throw from popular Royal Flora Garden and Chiang Mai Night Safari. SPECIAL OFFERS Book before 31 Jul 2014, check in before 31 Oct 2014, and get a 50% discount on room rates. Book before 31 Aug 2014, check in before 31 Oct 2014, stay a minimum of 3 nights and get a 10% discount on room rates.    

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