Picture by marhasBanana flower on Banana Avenue in Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden
Just a short trip from Chiang Mai, on the Mae Rim-Samoeng road, you will discover Thailand's oldest botanic garden: Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden (สวนพฤกษศาสตร์สมเด็จพระนางเจ้าสิริกิติ์), previously named Mae Sa Botanic Garden, ranges between 600 and 1,200 meters across 2,600 forested acres, clinging to the foothills of Doi-Suthep-Pui Mountain and National Park. Dedicated to the conservation of Thai flora, it holds collections of, and carries out research on rare, endemic and endangered species as Thai orchids, cycads and palms and is a centre centre for scientific research.
You will not only find four exhibition conservatories and eight glass houses, but also a network of trails for walks through the forested area. There are three trails, each one for 30 to 60 minutes long walks, taking you to the Thai orchid nursery and a rock garden, passing by the Mae Sa stream and Mae Sa Noi waterfall, or taking you to an arboretum (banana, palm, pine) and a collection of vines or climbers (weak-stemmed plants that attach themselves to other plants or objects). Along the trails you will see many of Thailand's flowers, trees, plants and herbs in their natural surroundings.
Picture by marhasAt the top of the hill lies the vast Greenhouse complex, opened in 2001 by HRH Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, and comprising four exhibition conservatories and eight display glasshouses containing a myriad of indigenous and other exotic plants.
The Tropical Rainforest House: Native palms, ferns and plants of the ginger family.
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhasThe Aquatic House: Over 100 species of water plants that grow in water or at the edge of the lakes, rivers, streams and marshes, for example water lilies, aquatic ferns and water hyacinths.
Picture by marhasWater lilies
The Arid House: Here you see impressive Cacti collections and agaves from America, euphorbias and aloes from Africa and native euphorbes as well as a collection of Cycads.
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhas
Picture by marhasThe Orchids and Ferns House: The main focus is on the native orchid species for which Thailand is renowned, with more than 350 species on display.
Picture by marhasFerns
Picture by marhasCarnivorous orchid
Picture by marhasThe name Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden has been established in 1992.
The newest attraction is the Canopy Walkway with a height of over 20 meters and a length of more than 400 meters. It snakes its way along the treetops in the forest area. The iron grating walkway has steps at some points, two observation places with glass floors, four gazebos on the ground as well as restrooms. It has been opened on Dec 1 2015. The aim is to educate visitors about the variety of plants in this rainforest. Also bird watchers will like the way. The QSBG plans to add a suspension bridge.
Located directly across from Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, the Botanic Resort offers 60 rooms. Quite good reviews on tripadvisor.com.
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