Bhubing Palace Gardens

Bhubing Palace was built in 1961 on Doi Suthep at around 1,370 metres as a residence for the royal family during northern visits and for hosting state guests, and it is a working royal residence - which is the main practical fact, since the grounds close entirely when the family is there, usually in January, and dates are announced with little notice. When open, what visitors see is the gardens rather than the house: a large rose garden holding varieties bred for the altitude and named for members of the family, water features, a fern garden, temperate flowers that do not grow in the lowlands, and views down over Chiang Mai. Dress code is enforced strictly - long trousers or skirts and covered shoulders, with clothing rented at the gate for those who arrive unprepared, which happens constantly. It is a short drive above Doi Suthep temple and is usually done in the same trip.

History

The palace was built in 1961 to house the royal family on visits to Chiang Mai, with a guesthouse for foreign dignitaries, high in the mountains for the cool air. It follows the central Thai style called ruean mu, a group of houses on stilts, with the royal residence upstairs and the entourage below; Prince Samaichalerm Kridagara drew up the master plan, Mom Rachawongse Mitrarun Kasemsri designed the building, and the Crown Property Bureau built it. The foundation stones were laid on 24 August 1961, construction took five months, and the first royal guests, in January 1962, were King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid of Denmark (Wikipedia, Bhubing Palace).

What's there

• The rose garden - varieties bred for the altitude, named for the royal family.
• The temperate planting - flowers that will not grow in the Thai lowlands.
• The mountain setting - at 1,370 metres above Chiang Mai.
• The residence - viewed from the grounds; the house itself is not open.

When to go

December to February for the flowers; the palace closes when the royal family is in residence, usually in January, with little notice - check before travelling.

Things to know

Closes without much warning during royal visits. The house is not open - the gardens are the visit. Dress code is strictly enforced and clothing rental at the gate is common. Ticketed.

Nearby

Doi Suthep temple is below on the same road; Doi Pui Hmong village is above.

Key facts