Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden

Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden (QBG), Chiang Mai, Thailand, was established in. It is the first botanical garden of the country for there are scientific basis and purposes for the collections, as well as the provision of botanical education and research. QBG has the aims to serve as a center for botanical studies and research, a center for ex situ conservation of the Thai flora, and a place to provide botanical education and aesthetic displays for the general public.
Arboretum: Apart from the ornamental beds, another major attraction at the Garden is the arboretum. Here plants are grouped according to their botanical families for educational purposes. The Arboretum includes plants from various families including the following: Fig Family, Banana Family, Palm Family, Ginger Family, Pine Family.
Glasshouse Complex: The Glasshouse Complex is almost ready for the public viewing. It has been an ongoing project expected to be completed by August 2000. The complex comprises of 5 exhibition conservatories and 8 greenhouses for plant collections. The largest conservatory is the "Tropical Rainforest House" with a floor space of 1000 sq.m, and a height of 33 m. It holds the Garden's collection of native palms, cycads, ferns, and other tropical species of Southeast Asia. Apart from the tropical plants in the main Conservatory, other shaded glasshouses contain plants including orchids, cacti, and water lilies.
Orchid Nursery: Presently, there are about 500 species of wild Thai orchids in the orchid nursery. Among these, 60 species are considered rare and 20 species endangered. When appropriate, species under threat from becoming extinct are mass propagated in the tissue culture laboratory. Wild orchid collecting is done mainly in the North where more than 600 species have been estimated. Collected specimens are taxonomically identified, labeled, and well-taken care of in the nursery. Dried and preserved specimens are kept at the herbarium center for taxonomical use.
How to get there: Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden is located 27 km NW of Chiang Mai. It covers an area of 960 ha with about 80% designated as a watershed and conservation zone. Three major streams - Nawai, Phunsi, and Mae Sa Noi - flow down to join with the Mae Sa stream, making the main stream filled with water all year round. The topography in the area consists of plains alternating with interposing mountains. With its beautiful landscape and convenient access, the Garden is one of the major tourist attractions in Chiang Mai.