Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden is a park that keeps on giving with waterfalls, flowers, and a walk in the clouds
Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in Mae Rim offers so much for your family! You can take it easy and stroll around this incredible garden, or you can attempt to do everything it has to offer. There are three hiking trails, a canopy walkway, greenhouses, and a natural science museum.
In addition, there are a few other gardens in Chiang Mai to visit each with something different to offer.
Here are the 8 experiences you shouldn’t miss at the Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens!
1. Banana Avenue
The first stop is Banana Avenue where you and the kids can explore a banana forest! Did you know that banana trees aren’t actually trees at all, but one of the largest species of herbs?! The pinkish-purplish things you see above are actually banana “flowers” and they are considered a local delicacy. While you’re here, you’ve got to try banana flower salad.
2. Rose garden
Next stop is the outdoor rose garden. When the roses are in full bloom, they can be bigger than your face! Kids will love sticking their noses in the roses and taking big sniffs (and so will you!) There’s a large variety of roses and they are picture-perfect.
3. Canopy walkway
Take a walk on the wild side! Feel what it’s like to live among the wildlife of the canopy as you stroll high above the jungle below. The canopy walk is included in your ticket price and eventually leads to a stunning viewpoint.
Keep an eye out for the “flying dragon” along the way. We didn’t see any our trip, but it’s fun to look! There’s plenty of other wildlife to keep an eye out for too, especially under your feet.
The canopy walkway goes on for quite a while. At first, it is quite stroller and wheelchair friendly and you can access nearly the entire pathway with wheels, however, once you turn back from the viewpoint, the way to the exit has 2 steps of steep stairs. You will need help lifting a stroller, and it’s definitely not wheelchair accessible at this point. Head back to the entry point instead! You aren’t missing anything except the gift shop.
4. The clock and fountain
A very popular spot for a family photo (selfie time!) is by the outdoor clock – and yes, it works! It is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds and a fountain to stand near and get hit by the cooling mist. It’s also a nice spot for a snack or impromptu picnic.
During high season (October -March), there is a lovely outdoor market with family seating. Here you can get cold drinks and snacks. On the day we were there, there just happened to be live music too! The kids enjoyed dancing while running over the grass and around the clock.
5. The glasshouse and indoor waterfall
Located just up from the fountain is the famous glasshouse. It houses the rainforest and all its delights. There’s a walkway where the kids can run up, around, and down to you, over and over again. It’s a great energy waster! Sometimes you just need to tire those kids out. There’s also a tunnel and a beautiful indoor waterfall to take more family photos in front of.
6. Greenhouses
During our visit, most of the greenhouses were being re-landscaped and re-purposed. They are always up-keeping around here, which encourages you to return because there will be something new to experience. The ‘favourites’ however, were still open. The arid climate greenhouse full of alien looking cacti, and the orchid garden were stunning.
Up above the greenhouses is where you’ll find a great gift shop. There are one of a kind souvenirs that you cannot get anywhere else, so if you are looking for that special gift for a family member, you just may find it here!
7. Natural Science Museum
Located 200 metres from the fountain is the Natural Science Museum. Besides the Chiang Mai Art and Cultural Centre, this is one of the best exhibitions we’ve seen. There are interactive displays which provide information in both English and Thai. The kids can learn about human history from the beginning of time up until the first bicycle was invented. In addition, they can learn about agriculture in relation to its importance on local economies and how to live a sustainable life.
There’s even an extra bonus section – a 3D art exhibit! You and the family will have so much fun capturing the perfect photos!
8. Hiking trails
Looking for more adventure?! Queen Sirikit Garden has the perfect hiking trail for your family. Here they are in order of difficulty from easy (and short) to difficult (and time consuming).
The fern garden trail
Accessible all year, this trail is a rarely discovered gem. Enjoy this shady, moss covered wonderland of ferns of every shape and color.
Approximate walk time is 20 minutes.
The waterfall trail
Walking along this fairly flat trail, you will pass by a stream and Mae Sa Noi Waterfall where you can dip your tired feet! The trail will lead to the garden’s ornamental flower beds and the Thai Wild Orchid Nursery.
Time to enjoy this walk is about 30-45 minutes and is accessible all year.
The arboretum trail aka pill millipede trail
This trail passes through a showcase of trees and shrubs. Most visitors enjoy this walk in the dry season which runs from November to May.
Approximate walk time is 45 minutes to an hour, and portions of it are uphill.
The climber trail
The best time to take this trail is from November to February, but it is open year round. Here, you can see more than 200 species of vines and climbing plants on this 800 metre trail.
Expect it to take between 1-2 hours and it’s all uphill!
Queen Sirikit Garden entrance fees
Spending a few hours here will be well within your family budget, especially since all children under 12 are free! Grandma and grandpa are also free, as long as they’re over 60. Adults are 100 baht and children or teenagers aged 13-18 are 50 baht. You can get Thai price if you have a Thai ID card – yes, dual pricing exists here too. Thai price is 40 baht for adults and 20 baht for children.
Getting around the gardens
The garden covers a massive area of land. When we went, we decided to take our car for convenience. There was plenty of free parking inside at each attraction, however we had to pay 100 baht entry for the car. If you are on motorbikes, the fee to drive inside is 30 baht. Alternatively, if you are arriving by grab or songtaew, your family can get around Queen Sirikit Garden on a tram. Tickets are an additional cost of 30 baht per adult and 10 baht for children under 135 cm. Still, with the little extras it adds up to an affordable family day out!
How to get to Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
From the centre of town it takes about an hour to get here depending on traffic. The drive is a straight short north from Chiang Mai up Road 107 (Chang Phueak Road) and then a left turn onto the 1096 Road.
If you are visiting and haven’t got your own transport, learn all about the many ways you can get your family around Chiang Mai and discover what best suits your family’s needs.
Hours: Open 8:30 am – 5 pm daily
Entrance fee:
Tourist price:
Adult 100 baht
Adult over 60 years old FREE
Child 50 baht (aged 13-18)
Children under 12 FREE
Thai price:
Adult 40 baht
Adults over 60 years old FREE
Child 20 baht (aged 13-18)
Children under 12 FREE
Transportation fee:
Car entry 100 baht
Motorbike entry 30 baht
Tram ride – all adults 30 baht, all children under 135 cm 10 baht
Recommended for: All ages and fitness levels!
Accessibility: Partial stroller and wheelchair access
Parking: Parking is located at the entrance or within the garden
Website: http://www.qsbg.org/QSBGenglishweb/visit.html?activepage=visit#hours
Phone: 053-84-1234
Location: Google Maps
Things to consider
With so much to do up in the Mae Rim area, you could easily combine the Queen Sirikit Gardens with the nearby Mae Sa waterfall, visit the Siam Insect Museum, and have lunch at one of the lovely local restaurants such as the Zombie Cafe.
