Chiang Mai: Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 清迈皇家花艺世博会

Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 was one of the most grandeur celebration ever happen in Thailand, held from 1st November 2006 to 31st January 2007 in the city of Chiang Mai, to mark His Majesty King Bhumibol 60th Anniversary of Accession to the Throne in 2006 and His Majesty's 80th Birthday in 2007

My Recollections of my 2 visits on 1st November 2006 and 2nd January 2007.

Upon Arrival 

Greeting visitors at the main entrance stood the 1st sculpture of a symbolic metallic umbrella entitled “Under Prestige of Our Highness” by Saravudh Duangjumpa.

Five enormous ancient "Bottle Trees" from Australia, aged more than 300 years stood firmly across the main entrance.

My Family members from Miri, Malaysia at the Welcome Plaza, behind "The Longest Lettering Fountain" designed by Montri Kamchuu. 



The Elephant Gate Main Entrance (view from inside out) where visitors were warmly greeted with cultural performance that set a mood of delight.



Daily colourful cultural shows, graceful traditional and classical performances from Thailand and other various countries were listed on the Programme Chart

The Highlights of the exposition were:

1. GARDEN FOR THE KING comprises of:

Corporate Garden  

There are 22 corporate gardens by leading Thai organizations: 8 public organizations, 3 enterprises, 3 banks and 8 private companies paying homage to His Majesty the King.

Toyota Garden by Toyota Motors Thailand



Shin Garden by Shin Corporation

International Outdoor Garden 

Exhibitions of national blooms and horticulture as well as arts and architecture of about 30 countries from around the world.

Belgium's elegant Garden of Northern European Blooms was created by world-renowned floral artist Daniel Ost who created a garden that reflected novelty and creativity with a giant cone-shaped art piece - 10 meters long and 5 meters high slightly buried in the wave-shaped grass. (referring to the hilly countryside of Belgium) on an area of 659 sq meters with a checkerboard of stacked rock and grass as the background. 

The flowers inside the cone were red, orange and yellow Bromeliads which were arranged with black charcoal to form the colours of the Belgium flag. The black hole depicted the unknown future.

In the evening, the sunlight brought glows to the inside of the cone, turning the colours into a truly magnificent view, which left a special impression to the visitors.

The wave-shaped grass- the newest generation of hi-tech artificial grass (Belgium is the world's leading developers and producers) gave the same visual impression as traditional grass, but doesn't need watering or pesticides to grow. The type of grass used in the world-class soccer fields and now first time in Asia. 

This Netherland's Living Postcard Garden had 5,000 tulips with a  giant windmill rotating and creaking away in the background was designed by Niek Roozen, a landscape architect from Netherlands whose work can be seen across Europe and increasingly around Asia. 

Beautiful tulips under shade cloth to protect them from the harsh sun. Wish I could pluck some home...

Other International Outdoor Gardens:

 YES.. MALAYSIA!! our beloved country

2. ROYAL PAVILION ZONE comprises of:

The Ho Kham Royal Pavilion

The focal landmark of the exposition was a two- storey teak pavilion constructed in exquisite Lanna (northern Thai) architectural style, stood tall, afloat in seas of colourful flowers on an area of 3,000 sq.meters. It was designed by local architect, Rung Jantabuun and took more than 60 skillful carpenters to build. Inside the pavilion showcased paintings of King Bhumibol many activities aimed at the improvement of life for all Thai people.

Homage Garden

Located in front of the Royal Pavilion with The Bhodi Tree for the King surrounded by 4 canals and a enormous "Coin for the King" for all visitors to pay homage to the King.

Bhodi Tree for the King

A symbol on His Majesty's influential benevolence over the country. Constructed in clusters of lotus blossoms, 9 blossoms per cluster, in bundles of 9 clusters each (4 bundles of copper at the lowest level, 4 bundles of gold at the middle level and 1 bundle of silver at the top) attached with a total of 21,915  Bhodi leaves (the number of days of His Majesty's reign) made of brass. 

3. THAI TROPICAL GARDEN

The enormous 100,000 sq meter garden showcase the diversity of tropical horticulture: fruit varieties, plants, flowers, herbs, and rare plants divided into different zones: Shaded Paradise, Grower House, Thai Horti Sky Walk, BioTech Greenhouse, Desert Plant Greenhouse, Soiless Greenhouse, Temperature Greenhouse, Tropical Dome, Sunken Garden and Lotus Garden.

4. EXPO CENTER

An exhibition zone for delightful plant and flowers exhibits, technology and competitions divided into 2 parts comprising of International Indoor Garden and Revolving Indoor Exhibitions Hall 1 -2.

Other sceneries around the Exposition:

 Tight Security

 Elephant Sculptures 

 New Theory Agriculture Garden

 Information Desk Station 

 CoOL Shade SaiLs 

 Royal Project Garden

 Royal Project Shop - Souvenirs, Gifts and Handmade products 

Wonder What's inside?

The Royal Floral Ratchaphruek was the most extravagant exposition i had ever been, thanks to my brother. Will certainly be back for The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2011 as it promised to be more Grand and more spectacular that should not be missed.

Chiang Mai:Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 清迈:皇家花艺世博会

Ho Kham Royal Pavilion, the centrepiece of the Expo

The Royal  Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 was an International Horticultural Exposition held for the first time in Chiang Mai from 1st November 2006 to 31st January 2007.

Hosted by the Royal Thai Government to mark and celebrate HM King Bhumibol's 60th Anniversary of His Accession to the Throne (2006) and His Majesty's 80th Birthday (2007).

Long Live His Majesty King Bhumibol of Thailand

The Thai people come together to express their utmost gratitude for His Majesty's benevolence that was reflected by his unconditional love and care for his people and his country. Thus, the conceptual designs and layouts of the event was carried out with the theme "To Express the Love for Humanity".

Located at The Royal Agricultural Research Center in Mae Hia sub-district nestling amidst the evergreen mountains with cool environment and spreading over 80 hectares of land. 

Golden Shower Tree

Ratchaphruek or Golden Shower is the national flower of Thailand. It was used as a symbol because it's name has a noble meaning - 'A Royal Tree' and its other name -  Chaiyaphruek means 'A Tree of Triumph'. Secondly, its yellow blossoms is regarded as the colour of glory and the colour of Buddhism. Lastly, all Ratchaphruek trees bloom at the same time which symbolizes unity and harmony - the identity of the Thai people.

Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 was the first ever international horticultural exposition with A1 status recognized by The Association of International Horticultural Producers (AIPH) and the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) to be held in Thailand. The exhibition was divided into 14 weeks with different themes of competitions and display of over 2.5 million plants of 2,200 species whereby 32 countries participated. It was an overwhelming success that had attracted about 3.7 million visitors.

Calling ALL Horticulturalists, Plant Enthusiasts, Garden Fans, Flora Lovers, Bees and Butterflies!

If you have missed the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006, don't despair, Thailand has received the International Association of Horticultural Producers' permission to revive the grand flora exposition in Chiang Mai from 14th December 2011 to 14th March 2012.

This time, the event is to mark and celebrate three auspicious occasions: 

1. HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 84th birthday in 2011

2. Queen Sirikit’s 80th birthday in 2012 

3. Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 60th birthday in 2012.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has planned to spend 500 million THB (RM 50/USD 16.8 million) with an expectation of generating at least 400 million THB (RM 40/USD 13.5 million) in income.

There will be a grand-scale celebrations, featuring spectacular flowers and plants in the aspects of magnificent gardens and competitions with the theme "Greenitude: Reducing Global Warming to save Planet Earth and to improve the Quality of Life" with the 3 Gs (Generation, Garden, Greenitude) and 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) concept.

Activities will be divided into three categories: national and international horticulture, exhibitions and competitions in relation to tropical flora.

You will get to see the world's smallest lotus that can only be seen here in the expo. The miniature lotuses are one of the tropical species and can be planted in a rice bowl or a coffee cup!! 

Over 2.5 million trees and plants will be displayed and more than 30 countries around the world will join the exhibition; demonstrating their horticultural excellence at the expo.

There will be Technology Exhibitions and Demonstrations, seminars, including a summit on rubber trees, the production of silk, orchids, tropical fruits and decorative flowers. And contests involving 51 types of vegetables and plants.

Visitors will enjoy strolling among the myriad of flower and other garden settings, while also having a chance to enjoy a number of international cultural performances throughout the 99 days of the event.

Highlights will include:

1. The Giant Flora Wheel - 40 meter high Ferris wheel where visitors can enjoy the panoramic scenery of the entire park. 

2. Imagination Light Garden - a creations of millions lighting spots and luminous dancing butterflies to the accompaniment of music. 

3. Kids’ Eco Park - exhibitions and fun activities to inspire the new generation to care for nature, responsibility towards the green healthy environment and protect the earth for the awareness on global climate change.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Expo Name: Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2011

Theme: The Greens to Reduce Global Warming

Date: 14 December 2011 - 14 March 2012

Time: 9am - 10pm (ticket counter closed 6pm. Entrance gate closed 7pm)

Venue: Royal Park Ratchaphruek, Chiang Mai, Thailand 

Exposition Size: 80 hectares (7.2 km walking track) 

Viewing Duration: 6 hours (select your walkway if you have less than 6 hours)

Scope of Exhibition: All kinds of plants, flowers, horticulture, horticulture related technique, supplies and trade. 

Services and Facilities: Guest Service center, Media Service center, Information  Kiosk, Locker Room, ATM & Money Exchange, Post Office, First Aid, Telephone booths, Snack and Drink Kiosks, Food Center, Cafeteria, Restaurant, Noodle Pavilion, Food Hall 1-3, Souvenir plaza, Picnic Area, Royal Project shops, Digital Photo lab, Toilets, Smoking Area, Bus Stops and Special Program Walking Tour (in Thai and English)

Security Safety System of international standard in addition to a police and security force of more than 200 person per shift to ensure visitors safety.

Special Service for the Disabled and Elderly are available. *Wheelchairs for rent.

ENTRANCE FEE: in Thai Baht (for foreigners and Thais)  

Ticket purchase in advance (from 8th August to 8th November 2011 at booths outside the royal park, Krungthai

Single Pass: Adult 100/Child 50
Multiple Entry Pass: Adult 400/Child 200
Group Pass (15-50 pax): Adult 70/Child 30 

Ticket purchase at venue
Single Pass: Adult 200/Child 100
Multiple Entry Pass: Adult 800/Child 100
Group Pass (15-50 pax): Adult 150/Child 60 

Students (less than 25 years old with students ID), Disabled, Monks and Novices and Senior Citizens (over 60)  will be charged half the price of adult admission.

Entrance is limited to 25,000 visitors a day and tickets must be used on the published date. Multiple-entry passes have the names of holders. As for the Group Pass, there is only one ticket- group members must enter at the same time.

GETTING AROUND THE EXPO
In-Show Transit - Adult 30/Child 10
60 seaters with narrator, 30-40 mins round trip, every 12 mins

Electric Golf Cart - Adult 50/Child 30
11 seaters, 30-40 mins round trip, every 3 mins

The Transit Bus - FREE
For the disabled and elderly-accommodates 4 wheelchairs and 12 passengers.

Next to the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek is the Night Safari. A day at the Royal Flora Expo and an evening at the Night Safari will perfectly fit into a day's itinerary! You can go on your own or take a combine package local tour from a travel agency. 

 The Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2011-2012 is eagerly awaited. Don't Miss it!!

For more info: http://www.royalflora2011.com/2011_en/

Chiang Mai: Night Safari 清迈:夜野生动物园

Upon arrival (in front of entrance hall)

The first in Thailand and the world's third (after Singapore and Guangzhou, China) Nocturnal zoo. The Chiang Mai Night Safari was designed and constructed as a World class nature theme park standing on 300 acres (2 times larger than Singapore Night Safari) of mixed deciduous forest and dry dipterocarp forest. It was officially opened on 6th February 2006 and is considered 'The Most Beautiful Night Safari in the World!'

Night Safari immaculate landscaped Gardens

Located at Doi Suthep-Pui National Park covering Tambon Nhong Kway, Hang Dong District and Tambon Mae Hia in Chiang Mai Province.

The Park can be explored either on foot via walking trails, or by tram. Although named Night Safari, you can visit during the day too, however, limited to The Jaguar Trail only.

The Jaguar Trail:  (Mon-Fri 11am-11pm  Sat-Sun 10am-10pm) 
A 1.2km walking trail that encircle the lovely swan lake. There are about 400 animals which include Camels, Monkeys, Brazilian Tapirs and Malayan Tapirs, Malayan Porcupines, Jaguars, Leopards, Llamas, Lemurs, Sun Bears, White Tigers, Bengal Tigers, Indo-Chinese Tigers, Fallow Deers, Flying Squirrels, Sloths, Pygmy Hippos, Mouse Deers, Horses, Kangaroos, Wallabies and such. 

Enjoy the day wandering along at your own pace while watching these animals. There are many exotic birds too in the Walk through Aviary.

Camel with no hump, 1 hump and 2 humps

Remind me of Timon in The Lion King

Graceful Red and Yellow Golden Pheasants

The other two trails are open only at 6pm to 12 pm:-

The Predator Prowl

Excitement and heart racing experiences begin with a journey filled with over 200 carnivorous animal of 27 species in action! Animals like Asiatic Black Bears, African Hunting Dogs, Wolves, Tigers, Lions, Cinereous Vulture, Crocodiles and such.

Don't worry, the 52 seater tram is well equipped with a safety system. The distance for this zone is 2.13 km and takes about 45 minutes to complete.

African Savanna Safari

Feel the African savanna to fully connect with over 320 animals of about 34 species whose habitat is in their native Africa but live freely in an open environment in this safari park. Animals include Antelopes, Elephants, Giraffes, Gorals, Gaurs, Rhinoceroses, Zebras and such. You can purchase Feeding food  (20 baht per bucket) to feed the animals.

The distance for this zone is 2.43km and takes about 30 mins to complete in a tram.

Spotted Jaguar Snoring..Zzz

Spotted Hyena Laughing...

Lanna Village 

An Afro-Lanna fusion styles collections of buildings for food and souvenir shops. For 250 baht (RM25/USD9) you can have your photo taken by a professional photographer with baby animals like lions, tigers and bears.

Over-looking the Lanna village is the Swan Lake where the most beautiful and biggest Musical Fountain Laser Water Show in South East Asia are held nightly.

Lanna Village (inside the Safari Park)

The Swan Lake

ENTRANCE FEE: In Thai Baht 

Day Time:  Jaguar Trail only (Mon-Fri 11pm-5pm / Sat-Sun 10am-5pm)

Adult 100/ Child 50

Night Time: Daily  (6pm- 12am) (ticket counter closed -11pm)

Adult 500/ Child 300

English Version Guides

Predator Prowl Zone: 7.45pm and 9:30pm
Savanna Safari Zone: 8.30pm and 10:15pm

Musical Fountain Water Laser Show: 8pm and 9pm 

GETTING AROUND THE SAFARI

Day Tram: 3pm-5pm  

Night Tram : 7pm-1030pm (every 15 mins)

English-language tram starts: 7:45pm

HOW TO GET THERE: Chiangmai Night Safari - 33 Moo 12, Nhongkway, Hangdong, Chiangmai. (About 12 km from the city, sw of airport - 20 mins drive) 

1. By car - Drive along Hangdong Road (Road 121) for about 12 km. Turn left.

2. By taxi - about 150-250 baht from the city

3. By Red songteow (red pick-up taxi) from the city

4. With Travel Agency - about 650-900 baht per person (inclusive of transport and entrance fee only. However, note that time is beyond your control)

If you've NEVER been to a Night Safari, a visit to the Chiang Mai Night Safari should NOT be misS!