Monday, September 19, 2011

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!!


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