Chiang Mai, Thailand's second city, will be the stage for a truly world-class floral exposition by way of a dual tribute in celebration of H.M King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 60th anniversary or the "Diamond Jubilee of Accession to the Throne" together with His Majesty's 80th birthday in January of 2007.

From the 1st of November 2006 until the 31st of January 2007 an 80 hectare site on the outskirts of the city will be home to more than two and a half million plants and flowers, creating an explosion of colour; attracting bees to international botanists, tourists from throughout the Kingdom and across the world. Tropical plants, flowers, trees, exotic fruits, vegetables and herbs will be on display throughout the 92 day fair which has been divided into three distinct sectors. In Chiangmai, buy entrance tickets at special price Until September 30, 2006 from:
1.Krung Thai Bank : Tapae Road Branch, or, 2.Direct 2U at Central Airport Plaza (Tel 053-903961), or for more information call Bangkok : 02-6867272

Gardens for the King

The International Garden

This stimulating panoply of fragrance and colour comprises a series of international and domestic gardens, each displaying with pride the finest species of flora.

Each participating country has, in honour of His Majesty, presented the best and most beautiful flora from its native soil. As the English county of Kent bears proudly the title, "Garden of England.", Chiang Mai is equally proud of its sobriquet-"Rose of the North." As Thailand is the world's "rice bowl", being the largest exporter of rice to the world, then it is entirely accurate to describe Northern Thailand as the garden of the Kingdom.

Chiang Mai, for many years, has attracted visitors from around the world, and indeed provides a cool refuge at this time of the year for the thousands of Thais hoping to escape the oppressive heat elsewhere in the country. It follows, therefore, that this Royal Expo will truly be an international event not to be missed.

The Corporate Garden

Here is where the foreign visitor, in particular, will undergo not simply an enjoyable, but educational experience; for it is here, that one can admire the more than 80 agricultural theories by His Majesty the King, that have successfully spanned the gulf between theory and reality. Domestic and independent agricultural and horticultural departments have collaborated to display the results of this royal inspiration.

The Tropical Garden

This is where the very best of Thailand awaits the visitor, containing a collection of the finest of Thai plants, agronomy and horticulture go hand-in-hand here to display the scientific and hands-on connection enjoyed by the best of the best employed in those industries in Thailand.

Here you will find exotic fruits: mangosteens, rambutans, durians, longans, strawberries, bananas, mangoes et al. Here you will experience with awe, the varied and colourful trees native to each Thai province, from the overpowering flame-tree to the gushing golden-shower, The Ratchaphreuk (pronounced Rajapreuk) -- our national tree, the ubiquitous Indian devil, the royal palm and the Casuarina. In greenhouses you will be shown how to nurture and culture in the climate of your own country, the most exotic shrubs and plants Here you will read and be told of the plants, trees and flowers that hold a significant connection to the world of Buddhism.

The Royal Plaza

Towering over the entire exposition will be the Royal Plaza, crafted in the finest tradition of ancient Lanna architecture. Within its courtyard the visitor can sample the best of Thai food, buy locally produced goods, and make use of the latest in hi-tech communications.

The city of Chiang Mai has, for many decades, been a magnet for international visitors; it is, after all, a city of culture, and a springboard to the vast hill country of northern Thailand, with its white water rafting, hill tribe visits and unique rural experiences. A photographer's dream, travel writer's challenge and historian's Nirvana, the Rose of the North will bid you a very warm welcome during this unique, Royal Exposition. No longer a backpacker's stopover, Chiang Mai can today boast an international airport, accommodation from cheap and cheerful to luxurious; food as diverse as Thai, Western, Middle Eastern, Indian, Chinese, Japanese-you name, it we have it! You can reach us by train, plane, bus, car or motorcycle. Chiang Mai is a destination once reachable only by horse or camel. I know many visitors to this great city who would gladly hitchhike to experience its unique blend of history, modern communications, wide choice of accommodation, culinary expertise, and peace of mind.

Bug World

The public and private sectors of the Department of Agriculture concurrently create "Bug World", a center aimed at enhancing the study of insects, on 400 square meters of the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 Exposition site. More information.