Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden is a renowned botanical garden in northern Thailand, celebrated for its diverse plant collections, beautiful landscapes, and cultural exhibits. It offers visitors a tranquil outdoor experience with opportunities to explore rare flora and traditional hill tribe influences.
Located in the cool mountainous region of Doi Tung in Chiang Rai Province, Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden is set at an elevation of approximately 1,150 meters, providing a temperate climate ideal for a wide variety of plants. The garden covers an area dedicated to conserving native and exotic plant species, with a strong focus on highland and temperate flora. Established in 1993 as part of the Doi Tung Development Project initiated by the Princess Mother of Thailand (the Gardens’ namesake), it plays a crucial role in environmental conservation, sustainable development, and community upliftment for the local hill tribes.
Visitors can wander through themed gardens such as the Ang Khang Royal Project Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Orchid Greenhouse, which showcase unique species and beautifully curated landscapes. The garden also features scenic walking paths, ponds, and cascading waterfalls that create a peaceful atmosphere. Cultural displays include traditional Thai and ethnic hill tribe architectural styles, adding local heritage value to the garden.
Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden is a year-round destination ideal for hiking leisurely along well-maintained trails, photography of rare plants and scenic views, and learning about botanical conservation. It also serves as a hub for environmental education and research. The cool climate and flowering seasons in late winter to early spring attract many visitors seeking an escape from the tropical lowlands. This combination of natural beauty, cultural significance, and ecological importance makes Mae Fah Luang a notable protected botanical area in northern Thailand.
Orchid Greenhouse featuring rare and exotic orchid species
Ang Khang Royal Project Garden showcasing temperate flora introduced to the region
Japanese Garden with authentic landscaping and traditional structures
Scenic views of the surrounding Doi Tung mountain ranges
A climate-controlled facility housing a vast collection of orchids, some native to northern Thailand and others from around the world.
This section displays temperate plants introduced through royal agricultural initiatives, demonstrating successful adaptation of exotic species in northern Thailand's climate.
A traditional Japanese landscaped garden area complete with koi ponds, stone arrangements, and native Japanese plant species.