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Bhubing Palace
Temples & Culture
Chiang Mai

Bhubing Palace

4.3(5,441 reviews)

Perched in the hills above Chiang Mai in the Su Thep area, this royal winter residence opens portions of its carefully maintained grounds to the public, offering a quieter and more contemplative experience than many of the city's busier attractions. The site is particularly known for its rose garden, greenhouses containing rare Thai plant species, and a large reservoir with distinctive aeration features. The hilltop elevation keeps temperatures noticeably cooler than central Chiang Mai, making it an appealing destination for those who enjoy unhurried garden walks in pleasant surroundings. Visitors should come with realistic expectations about access. The palace buildings are sometimes closed or restricted, particularly when the royal family is in residence, and several areas within the grounds remain off-limits at all times. Some visitors find the site closed on arrival, so checking locally before making the trip is worthwhile. On quieter days the grounds feel peaceful, though walks between areas can be fairly long. The entrance fee is 50 baht for adults. A few practical details are worth noting before visiting. Bhubing Palace sits around 15 minutes beyond Doi Suthep temple, and rideshare pickups can be difficult from this location, so arranging return transport in advance is strongly advisable. Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is required, as is standard for royal and religious sites throughout Thailand. Those primarily interested in formal garden landscapes are likely to get the most from a visit here.

Experience hints

Visitor Reviews

Beautiful gardens surrounding the winter residence for the Thai royals. Big rose garden, greenhouses with rare Thai plants and a big reservoir with innovative aeration devices.

This place was beautiful but you have to take a bit long walks. Nice and cool weather tho

Difficult to Grab from. Around 15 minutes further than the main temple. Well maintained but lots of places were off limits. Fairly quiet on a Monday afternoon and pleasant to explore

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – February

Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)

Rainy season

June – October

Avg. temperature

15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)

Crowds

High

Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)

Getting there

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.

Getting around

  • Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
  • Grab (available in city centre)
  • Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
  • Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)

Where to stay near Bhubing Palace

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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture

Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.

Mind Your Feet

Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.

Ask Before Photographing

Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.

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