“Be amazed by giant animal-shaped topiary gardens, rare plant greenhouses, the Lanna Museum, and activities like cycling, tram rides, along with a mini zoo for families.”
Tweechol Botanical Garden is a large private botanical garden covering over 300 rai in Doi Saket District, Chiang Mai Province. It was founded from the love and passion for collecting plants by Mr. Thaweesak Sermsrisuwan before being developed into a renowned natural tourism, learning, and plant conservation center in the North. It is designed as a beautiful garden, a relaxing destination, and a plant study center suitable for tourists of all ages.
A key highlight of the garden is the Topiary Garden, an art form crafted from trees meticulously trimmed into large animal shapes such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, dinosaurs, birds, and various other creatures. Some pieces are life-sized or even larger, creating an astonishing sight and becoming a popular photo spot for tourists, especially families and children.
Another popular zone is the Cactus Greenhouse and Bromeliad Greenhouse, which house a vast collection of plant species from around the world, including many rare and cultivated varieties. The garden also features palm gardens, ornamental plants, tropical flowers, and native plant species systematically displayed, making it a popular place for students, researchers, and botany enthusiasts to study and learn.
Beyond its natural prominence, the garden also features Hor Kham Tweechol which showcases artifacts, antique utensils, Buddha images, silverware, lacquerware, Lanna woven fabrics, agricultural tools, and the traditional way of life of the Lanna people in the past. This allows tourists to learn about the history, culture, and local wisdom of Northern Thailand while exploring the garden.
For families with children, there is also a Mini Zoo, a small animal park featuring various species such as deer, ostriches, rabbits, goats, sheep, white buffalo, horses, and other pets. Visitors can purchase food to feed the animals and interact with them up close, making it a popular activity for children and youngsters.
The garden's extensive grounds offer various amenities, including bicycles, quadricycles, guided tram tours, and golf carts, allowing visitors to explore the entire garden conveniently. Additionally, there is a lake, a large lawn, wooden bridges, relaxation pavilions, and scenic viewpoints beautifully landscaped, perfect for strolling, photography, and relaxing amidst nature.
Within the same area is also home to Horizon Village & Resort, a standard resort surrounded by the botanical garden. This allows guests to conveniently stroll through the garden, along with comprehensive facilities including restaurants, cafes, meeting rooms, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and event spaces for seminars, weddings, or corporate activities. It is popular among both general tourists and corporate groups.
Tweechol Botanical Garden also emphasizes natural resource conservation, cultivation of rare plant species, and dissemination of environmental knowledge. It hosts study visits from schools, universities, and various organizations throughout the year, thus serving as both a recreational tourist destination and a significant natural learning center in Chiang Mai Province.
With its diverse plant species, beautiful landscape, activities suitable for all ages, comprehensive facilities, and its location just about 15–20 minutes from Chiang Mai city center, Tweechol Botanical Garden is one of the ideal destinations for families, couples, friends, students, and tourists who wish to experience nature and learn about Lanna culture in one place.
How to Get There
- From Chiang Mai city center, take Highway 118 (Chiang Mai–Chiang Rai) heading towards Doi Saket District for about 10–11 kilometers. Tweechol Botanical Garden will be on your right. There is a large, easily noticeable sign. The journey takes approximately 15–20 minutes. There is ample parking available for both private cars and tour buses. Additionally, you can take the Chiang Mai–Doi Saket public bus or hire a taxi from the city center.
Travel Tips
- The garden spans over 300 rai; it is recommended to rent a bicycle, golf cart, or use the tram service to explore thoroughly.
- It's best to visit in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler and ideal for photography.
- If traveling with children, allow extra time for the Mini Zoo zone and animal feeding activities.
- Photography enthusiasts should not miss the topiary garden, tree tunnel, wooden bridge, and lake, which are popular spots.
- For groups or study tours, it is advisable to book in advance to arrange for a guide and facilitate your visit.
- Guests staying at Horizon Village & Resort can plan a full day visit to the garden, utilizing the restaurants and cafes within the area.
Admission Fee:
- There is an admission fee (Adults approximately 80–100 Baht, Children approximately 40–50 Baht). However, prices may change according to activities, packages, and promotions offered by the garden. It is advisable to check the latest information before traveling.
Opening Hours:
- Open daily from 08:30–17:00.