“Sujarinee Rose Garden with many rose varieties, reservoir and musical fountain, cool weather all year at 1,373 m, Phlapphla Pha Mon pavilion”
Bhubing Palace (Bhubing Palace) was built in 1961 during the reign of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX) with the main purpose of serving as a winter residence when the royal family visited northern Thailand, as well as a place to receive foreign dignitaries and support royal development projects in highland areas.
The palace area was designed to blend harmoniously with the terrain of Doi Suthep, using Thai contemporary architecture. The main building is a two-storey structure; the lower floor is made of reinforced concrete suitable for mountain conditions, while the upper floor is a traditional Thai-style wooden structure that is open and airy, allowing cool mountain breezes and surrounding forest views. The layered gable roof helps with rain drainage and enhances the Lanna-inspired architectural identity.
Inside the compound, there are several key zones, including the residential royal building, Sujarinee Rose Garden, greenhouse for winter plants, and seasonal flower display areas. These areas are carefully maintained and regularly changed throughout the year, allowing visitors to enjoy different types of winter flora in every season.
One of the most popular highlights is the Sujarinee Rose Garden, which collects rose species from both Thailand and abroad. During the winter season, roses and other cold-climate flowers bloom beautifully, filling the area with vibrant colors and fragrance. It also features rare ornamental plants such as begonias, salvias, hydrangeas, and other temperate plants.
Another highlight is the reservoir and sandstone musical fountain, designed to blend with the mountainous landscape. The surrounding area is decorated with colorful winter flowers, and the fountain performs synchronized movements with music, creating a relaxing and scenic atmosphere for visitors.
Within the area is also Phlapphla Pha Mon, a wooden pavilion built on a hillside used for royal relaxation. It features natural-style landscaping and offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding forested mountains.
With an elevation of approximately 1,373 meters above sea level, Bhubing Palace enjoys cool weather throughout the year. In the winter season, morning mist often covers the area, making it one of Chiang Mai’s most popular destinations for experiencing nature, winter flowers, and learning about royal highland development projects in Thailand.
How to Get There
- Private car: From Chiang Mai city, take Sriwichai Road passing Chiang Mai Zoo and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, then continue uphill for about 4 km. The road is winding and narrow in the final section, so drive carefully.
- Public transport: Red songthaew (shared taxi) is available from Chiang Mai Zoo or Chiang Mai University area, and can take you directly to the palace entrance.
Travel Tips
- Dress modestly as it is a royal area; shorts, sleeveless shirts, and inappropriate clothing are not allowed. Rental clothing such as skirts and long pants is available at the entrance.
- No loud noise, no entering flower beds or lawns, and no picking flowers.
- Pets are not allowed in the palace area.
- Drones are strictly prohibited.
- The best visiting period is November–January, when winter flowers and roses are in full bloom.
Admission Fee:
Thai visitors
- Adults 20 THB
- Students 10 THB
Foreign visitors
- 50 THB
Opening Hours:
- Open daily: 08:30 – 16:30
Note:
- Ticket counters open 08:30 – 11:30 and 13:00 – 15:30 only.
- The palace may be temporarily closed during royal visits (usually January to early March each year).
- Visitors are advised to check updates before traveling.