Part 1

BREATHTAKING would be the word I used for Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden which was one of our destinations during our Thailand Vacation. Over 2,500 acres, this garden is situated at the edge of the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park in Chaing Mai. The garden sprawls over a hillside reaching the highest point (in a conservation zone) at about 4,000 ft.

Surrounding this area are gardens, twelve glasshouses, trails, and natural vegetation ranging from hill evergreen through dry dipterocarp forest (family of 16 genera and about 695 known species of tropical lowland rainforest) to pine forest found in the higher elevation.

Within the garden we explored walking trails, gardens and glasshouses all displaying a diversity of plants either in their natural settings or arranged according to a theme or classification.

The Queen's Botanic Garden's focus is strengthening “ex situ” (outside, off site, away from the natural location) conversation of valuable Thai flora. Where they have breeding programs for native Thai orchids.

Our first stop in the botanical garden was a “Canopy Walk,” which is a trail made of steel, mesh metal, glass, and fiberglass (stretches for approximately 1,211 feet), winds through the jungle canopy,  providing a bird's-eye view of the forest below. As you stroll along, you will feel like you are living among the wildlife, surrounded by the vibrant foliage.

Of course, there was scenic vista overlook and walkways which provide stunning viewpoints.

There was wildlife but you needed to keep your eyes peeled for fascinating creatures! While we did not spot any “flying dragons” (Draco Maculatus divergens) also known as a flying lizard during our visit, they are known to inhabit the area. this was the beginning of our adventure in the gardens!

In my next article, I will talk about the incredible gardens arranged in themes!