Despite its comparatively small size, Chiang Mai today is where past and present blend seamlessly, as ancient temples stand alongside contemporary buildings and structures. Besides all the ancient temples and beautiful arrangements, the city is also home to numerous parks where one can sit back and relax after a long day of exploring. Some of them are listed below:
Nong Buak Haad Park
Nong Buak Haad Park is located on the southwest side of the historic city of Chiang Mai and offers a beautiful setting where you can enjoy tranquility. Every garden corner has been artistically designed with numerous seasonal flowers, lawns, food stalls, and water features. Whether you want to enjoy a picnic with your family or sit back and relax, Nong Buakhad Park offers endless opportunities.
Bhubing Palace Park
A few kilometers from Doi Suthep Temple is Bhubing Palace, or the Royal Winter Residence, where the Chiang Mai royal family stayed during their seasonal visits to northern Thailand. The palace also serves as a royal guesthouse residence for distinguished visitors abroad. One of the main attractions here is the rose garden known as Suan Suwanee. At the same time, many other plant species can be found, including ferns, camellias, giant bamboo, colorful orchids, and more. The park is filled with abundant plants and flowers and the cool breeze from the hilltop makes for an unforgettable experience.
Royal Park Rajapruek
About 10 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai lies the Royal Park Rajapruek, nestled in a lush and scenic landscape. The intricate art and architecture of the park mesmerize visitors for hours. Royal Flora Expo in 2006, and since then, the park has done very well and grown in popularity. It is an excellent resource for agritourism and a unique research and learning center for people. Visiting the park in December and January would allow one to see Ratchaphruek fully bloom.
In addition to visiting the park, consider driving three kilometers to Wat Doi Kham Temple, which offers stunning views of the garden and its surroundings.
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
On the outskirts of Chiang Mai is the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, which features an enchanting mountain setting and is home to a vast collection of exotic flowers and tropical plants. This garden was established in 1992 and covered an area of 560 hectares. There is a wide range of foreign and Thai plants, all displayed according to climate and species. People can ride one of the three beautiful hiking trails or walk.
Buak Hard Park
The Remains of Suan Buak Hard, tucked away in the southwest corner of the old town, is a sizeable park with a relatively large pond in the center, still surrounded by grass. The paved path around the park is excellent for jogging and is even marked every 50 meters, so you know exactly how far you’ve walked. You’ll find numerous food stalls near the park entrance and a few vendors who rent wicker mats for people who want to enjoy a picnic. The park can get busy on weekends and evenings when locals come to play and relax.
