Bhubing Palace

About this place

The Thai royal family's winter residence in the north, built in 1961 on the summit of Doi Buak Ha in the Doi Suthep-Pui mountains, at more than thirteen hundred metres, about four kilometres past Doi Suthep temple. It hosts state guests when the royal family is in the north. The palace buildings themselves are closed to visitors, but you can wander its broad, carefully tended gardens, best known the colourful rose garden that blooms in the cool winter, the fern garden, a lake among the trees, and shaded paths passing the buildings from outside. The air here is much cooler than in the city. Entry is about fifty baht, and it opens from half past eight in the morning until half past four in the afternoon, with last tickets an hour earlier. It closes when the royal family is in residence, usually for some winter months, so check before going. The dress code is strict: long trousers or skirts below the knee and covered shoulders; suitable clothing can be rented at the entrance. From February to April, smoke from farm burning often hangs over the north, cutting visibility and air quality. Combine it with Doi Suthep temple and Doi Pui village on a half-day mountain trip.