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Chiang Mai is proud of its reputation as ‘The Rose of
the North’, and it is only fitting that the Kingdom’s
second-largest city was selected to host the biggest horticultural
exposition ever seen in Southeast Asia. The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek
is Chiang Mai’s tribute to King Bhumibol Adulyadej in
the year of His Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations,
and will be a three-month long event from November 1 until
January 31, 2007. The colourful spectacle will showcase 2,200
species of tropical flowers and 2.5 million tropical plants.
A total of 30 nations representing five continents —
Asia, Europe, Africa, North and South America — will
participate in Southeast Asia’s largest outdoor exhibition
of flowers and nursery plants. Covering an area of 21,000
square metres, it is already being tipped as one of the world’s
finest horticultural shows along the lines of the famous Chelsea
Flower Show in England. After the show, the site of the exposition
will be utilised as a new tourist attraction for Chiang Mai
and a knowledge center for Thailand’s horticultural sector.
Royal Flora Ratchaphruek will highlight Thailand’s
charm as a tropical country with one of the largest plant
biodiversity in Southeast Asia. The three-month long expo
is expected to attract over two million visitors with an average
of 20,000 each day. With such in influx of visitors from all
over the word it will be vital to secure accommodation early.
Have a look at the variety of hotel deals we have to offer,
and make a reservation as early as possible.
The Highlights
The most prominent part of the expo will be the Hor Kham
Royal Pavilion showcasing HM the King’s activities as
one of the foremost agriculturalists in the world. There will
also be an Orchid Pavilion displaying thousands of rare and
beautiful orchids, as well as a Herbal Garden showcasing the
diversity of local herbs and delicious fruits from all over
Thailand. The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek will be open daily
from 9:00 am to 20:00 pm. The 470 rai (185 acres, 80 hectares)
exposition site is located at the Royal Agricultural Research
Center, in the Mae Hia district outside Chiang Mai.
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The International Gardens zone will feature national blossoms,
blooms, horticulture, as well as the culture, art and architecture
of the participating countries from around the world. Each
garden will reflect historic, diplomatic, cultural and trade
ties between nations, people or, where possible, royal families
of the two countries. Among the countries which will be showing
off their finest blooms and greenery are Japan, Vietnam, India,
Bhutan, Qatar, Iran, Brunei, Turkey, The Netherlands, Mauritania,
Gabon, Morocco, Trinidad and Tobago, Bulgaria and Brazil.
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The Hor Kham Royal Pavilion will be constructed in the exquisite
Lanna architectural style, right in the heart of the event
site. Inside, visitors will be awestruck by the countless
ways in which the lives of the people have been positively
affected by His Majesty the King’s work and dedication
to the Thai people. The Thai Tropical Garden will be a colossal
100,000 square metre area where visitors will be able to witness
first-hand an extensive variety of tropical horticulture encompassing
fruits, plants, flowers and herbs. Apart from examples of
floral, decorative and rare plants, plants of different species
showcased by participants will also be on display.
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Visitors will also be presented with ample opportunities
to purchase products from the Royal Projects as well as excellent
local handicrafts noted for its uniqueness and exceptional
quality.
In addition, several sections have been allotted for a variety
of fun-filled activities that will be both informative and
entertaining. There will be 45 cultural shows from 26 of Thailand’s
provinces, including a cultural performance from Kanchanaburi,
folk shows from Chiang Mai, cultural shows from Nong Khai,
traditional dances from Phuket and Phayao, a folk martial
arts display from Krabi, stick fighting from Sa Kaeo, a Loy
Krathong cultural show from Sukhothai, long drum performances
from Ang Thong, and dances from Trat.
Experience the splendour of Lanna
To promote knowledge exchange and technology transfer, a
total of three international conferences and workshops will
be held in conjunction with Royal Flora Ratchaphruek .
Topics are the International Workshop on Tropical and Sub-tropical
Fruits, the International Workshop on Ornamental Plants, and
the International Conference on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.
A one-of-a-kind event, Royal Flora Ratchaphruek presents
a wealth of opportunities for visitors to Thailand to experience
the spell-binding natural and cultural splendour that represents
the finest of ‘Lanna heritage’ that can still be
found in Chiang Mai and further beyond in the Greater Lanna
provinces. All offer a diverse choice of tourist attractions,
particularly the many breathtaking horticultural and botanical
gardens and parks that include Doi Tung, home to the Mae Fah
Luang Garden, the Mae Fah Luang Arboretum on Doi Chang Mub
mountain peak, the botanical gardens that are part of the
Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park in Chiang Rai province,
and the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens in Mae Sa.
And if you’re still not convinced that Chiang Mai is
‘the’ place to visit over this period, also have
a look at its lively nightlife scene, shopping highlights,
dining experiences and the exciting eco-adventures that await... |
