Attraction
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Hilltop Lanna temple about 15 km from the city, with a gilded 24-metre chedi, a long naga staircase and wide views over Chiang Mai.
Bhubing Palace
Royal residence built in 1961 on Doi Buak Ha above Chiang Mai, with gardens known for their roses and temperate plants.
At a glance
- Type
- Royal residence and gardens
- Area
- Doi Buak Ha, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Good to know
- Rose garden
- Mountain setting
Why we recommend it
Bhubing Palace, also written Bhuping or Phu Phing Ratcha Niwet, is the royal residence on Doi Buak Ha, a peak in the mountains above Chiang Mai. It was built in 1961, with the foundation stones laid on 24 August and construction completed in about five months. It is used by the royal family when they stay in Chiang Mai, and it also contains a guest house for foreign dignitaries.
For visitors the main attraction is the gardens. Thanks to the altitude, they grow temperate plants that are uncommon elsewhere in Thailand, and the rose garden, Suan Suwaree, is the best known part. The grounds are landscaped and well kept, with mountain views between the trees. The residence buildings themselves are generally seen from the outside.
The palace is open to the public except when members of the royal family are in residence, which is usually from January to March. Because closures can happen at other times too, check locally before making the trip. As a royal property it calls for respectful dress, so wear clothes that cover shoulders and knees, and follow the instructions of staff and signs on where you can and cannot go.
Bhubing Palace suits garden lovers, families looking for a gentle walk and anyone wanting a cooler half day out of the city. Allow an hour or two to walk around the gardens without rushing.
A paved road leads up to the palace from the area near Chiang Mai Zoo, passing Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on the way, so most people combine the two in a single trip. Hiking trails also climb towards the palace from the Mae Hia campus of Chiang Mai University and from the Suthep area, though these are for experienced walkers.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the gardens, and bring water and a hat. If you are visiting in the first months of the year, when closures are most likely, have Wat Phra That Doi Suthep as your main goal so that the trip up the mountain is worthwhile either way. Allow time for photographs in the rose garden, and check the latest opening information before you set off.
Bhubing Palace FAQs
When was Bhubing Palace built?
In 1961, with foundation stones laid on 24 August and building finished in about five months.
Can tourists visit?
Yes, the palace grounds are open to the public except when the royal family is in residence.
When is it usually closed?
Typically from January to March, when the royal family may stay, and at other times at short notice.
What is there to see?
Landscaped gardens with temperate plants, including the Suan Suwaree rose garden.
Is there a dress code?
Dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees, as it is a royal property.
How do I get there?
By road from the Chiang Mai Zoo area, passing Wat Phra That Doi Suthep on the way.
Can I combine it with Doi Suthep?
Yes, the palace is further up the same road and most visitors see both on one trip.
How long should I allow?
One to two hours for the gardens.