Bhubing Palace, Chiang Mai | Timings, Entry Fee, Bhubing Garden

Bhubing Palace, Chiang Mai Overview

The grand Bhubing Palace is the royal residence located in Doi Buak Ha, Muang District, Chiang Mai Province. This is the regal winter residence in the Chiang Mai where the royal family stays during their season visit to the people in the region. Also spelt as Bhuping Palace, it also serves as the royal guesthouse for dignitaries visiting from abroad. The palace building is not open to the public, but gorgeous gardens can be visited when the Thai royal family is not staying here.

Officially called as Phra Tamnak Phu Phing, the Bhubing Palace makes for a serene, quiet and cooling atmosphere, and a well-needed respite from the concrete jungle, i.e. Bangkok. The palace’s traditional architecture, exquisite flora and fauna and tranquil atmosphere make it the perfect location for adults and children alike. Even though the landscaped gardens of the Bhuping Palace are a beauty at any time of the year, the best time to visit it is during the winter months when the flowers are in full bloom.

Bhubing Palace Garden

The Bhuping Palace has a majestic garden space with rose shrubs and temperate plants, uncommon to Thailand. The palatial compound was built in the typical Thai architectural style, in groups of houses. These were houses on stilts, where the upper floor was occupied by royals, and the lower level by the helping staff.

The compound includes the Phrueksa Wisuitthikhun Palace, Siri Song Bhubing Palace, where eucalyptus wood was used for the construction of a log cabin, and Thai-style houses used by foreign dignitaries. The palace itself is not accessible to the tourists since it is still occupied by the royal family, however, one can visit the foggy gardens. A trek up the hill leads one to a reservoir and bamboo groves.

History of Bhuping Palace

The royal Bhubing Palace was constructed on the orders of King Rama IX, to house the royal family when they visited the Chiang Mai province. The building was designed by Prince Samaichalerm Kridagara and Mom Rachawongse Mitrarun Kasemsri, and construction was overseen by the Crown Property Bureau. The foundation stone was laid on 24th August 1961 by General Luang Kampanath Saenyakorn, and construction was completed in five months. The first visitors and guests at the royal palace were the monarchs of Denmark.

Best Time to Visit

The royal family is usually in residence from January to March. Therefore, if you wish to view the accessible palatial buildings, it would be advisable to visit the Bhubing Palace during the later half of the year.

Tips

1. Families should be careful about not walking in the garden. There is a track, which one is supposed to follow.
2. Visitors are only allowed on the grounds and not into the palace buildings.
3. The security at the Palace is exceptionally particular about clothing. Since April 2017, Bhubing Palace’s clothing service has been cancelled. So, be sure to dress appropriately. Make sure that the ankles and shoulders are covered. Ripped jeans and see-through shirts are not allowed either.
4. Most palatial buildings are not accessible, so be careful about the time you are visiting, to make the most of your trip.
5. There is a Thai restaurant in the parking lot, which provides great food at reasonable prices.
6. Be sure to maintain the decorum on the palace grounds.