Royal Park Rajapruek
We woke up early the next day for another trip to the park–the Royal Park Rajapruek located at Mae Hia, Mueang, Chiang Mai, around one hour from the city. We rented a red taxi to take us there.
We got there a little bit early so we decided to get a meal first going in. There are food stalls just outside the park.
FLORALS IN ROWS. One of Rajapruek's flower gardens. In these soil beds, they grow daisies of different colors, and other plants with small flowers.
Herbal garden
Probably the most photographed part of the park, the walkway to the Royal Pavillon, where there is a temple. A lot of visitors are having their photos taken here, so you have to be patient if you want a photo without photobombers. It was high noon when we were there but that didn't stop us from waiting until we could take our solo photos with this view.
MESSAGES OF LOVE AND THANKS. Inside the temple in Rajahpruek is a board where visitors can leave their messages for the late King Bhumibol.
We stayed inside the temple for a while before going to the museum which is located at the ground floor of the pavillon. Exhibited in the museum are all things about King Bhumibol. Photos and stories from his childhood, until he becomes an adult and take over the reign to becoming one of the most loved kings of Thailand.
ROYAL PROJECTS/programs in photos. Inside Rajahpruek is a museum exhibiting the life and Royal projects/programs in photos.
ROYAL RED. The bridge at the back of the temple at Rajapruek.
Straight from a fairy tale. A spectacular view of the temple taken from one side.
Shaded paradise
When we decide to leave though, finally after many hours at the park, we couldn't find a vehicle that will take us back. Our fault, we didn't contact anyone to take us back. Apparently, visitors usually hire a vehicle to take them back and forth because there are no regular trips from the area. We spent probably an hour looking like lost tourists at the parking lot waiting for red taxis to take us. Luckily, there was one that took us. It already has passengers, and we're not sure if they hired the drivers, but it stopped so we got in, got off once we reach the town and paid regular fares. So if you are planning to include Rajapruek in your itinerary, make sure to book a taxi for the trip back and forth. It was quite far since it is in the outskirts of Chiang Mai.
We got there a little bit early so we decided to get a meal first going in. There are food stalls just outside the park.
EAT RAW. Khao Soi (Curry chicken noodles) with pickled cabbage, raw beans and bean sprouts. Probably the reason why Thais are slim is because of their eating habits. They eat their vegetables raw.
After eating, we bought our tickets at 200 bahts each, and started exploring Rajapruek which is a huge piece of land turned into gardens and beautiful landscapes, with a spectacular temple and views as well. If you are into pretty views, include Rajapruek in your itinerary.
Inside the park, there is a temple, museum, restaurant, souvenir shop, and they offer accommodation as well for those who want to stay longer.
Royal Park Rajahpruek is a carefully and beautifully curated park that was built as a gift for King Bhumibol after he visited the place years back. It's a display of the Thai people's great love for their late king.
The entire park is divided into different areas, mostly themed gardens. There are gardens dedicated for different countries where plants native in each country are planted. There are also gardens dedicated for herbs and medicinal plants, vegetables, etc.
There are trams that take passengers to different points around the park. Their starting point is at the station near the entrance. The trams leave every 15 minutes or whenever they are full. My friends and I decided to walk, at first. We went to the first garden we saw, the homage garden.
The orchidarium. A heaven for orchids-lovers. My mother would love to be in here, too. They have all types of hanging plants, too, which I love!
Herbal garden
I had to pose for a photo here, "where I belong."
One day, I'll go see Nepal in reality. But for now, let's enter this door and hope for something cool, probably Everest.
While we were taking our photo in here, we were approached by locals. During that time there was an ongoing event by Canon, the "Canon Blind Project: Shoot by Heart". The persons who approached us are participants and they were asking if we'd be willing to help them by being their subjects. They just wanted to take a photo of us infront of the temple. Of course, we willingly agreed. I still have the hard copy of your photo with me. And the only physical copy by far of our trip, and with the three of us! It was perfect.
MESSAGES OF LOVE AND THANKS. Inside the temple in Rajahpruek is a board where visitors can leave their messages for the late King Bhumibol.
We stayed inside the temple for a while before going to the museum which is located at the ground floor of the pavillon. Exhibited in the museum are all things about King Bhumibol. Photos and stories from his childhood, until he becomes an adult and take over the reign to becoming one of the most loved kings of Thailand.
ROYAL PROJECTS/programs in photos. Inside Rajahpruek is a museum exhibiting the life and Royal projects/programs in photos.
Shaded paradise
We spent almost the entire day going around the park and taking our photos. Earlier in the day, we already saw this pre-nuptial shoot near the temple walkway. When they were wrapping up, we're also about to leave already. Kasabay namin sila.
When we decide to leave though, finally after many hours at the park, we couldn't find a vehicle that will take us back. Our fault, we didn't contact anyone to take us back. Apparently, visitors usually hire a vehicle to take them back and forth because there are no regular trips from the area. We spent probably an hour looking like lost tourists at the parking lot waiting for red taxis to take us. Luckily, there was one that took us. It already has passengers, and we're not sure if they hired the drivers, but it stopped so we got in, got off once we reach the town and paid regular fares. So if you are planning to include Rajapruek in your itinerary, make sure to book a taxi for the trip back and forth. It was quite far since it is in the outskirts of Chiang Mai.
