Bhuping Palace
(พระตำหนักภูพิงค์ราชนิเวศน์ เชียงใหม่)
Chiang Mai
Bhubing Rajanives Palace is a beautiful and famous tourist attraction located on Buak Ha Mountain, Suthep sub-district, Mueang district, Chiang Mai province. It was built by the order of King Rama V in 1961 to be used as a residence when he came to stay in Chiang Mai. It was also used to receive royal guests at different occasions. The climate here is cool throughout the year. It is surrounded by charming topography among mild fog in contrast with winter flowers well-arranged along the sidewalks leading to the palace. The internal area comprises Phrueksa Wisuitthikhun Palace, a two-storey building with a ground floor on the hillside; Siri Song Bhubing Palace that used eucalyptus wood for constructing a log cabin; and a two-storey applied Thai style guest house that was used as a residence of royal guests and senior civil servants accompanying the king. In the palace compound, there is a large reservoir with scenic and fresh landscape as well as a fountain to provide freshness. In addition, natural green fern garden aged 600-100 years exists together with a building decorated with flower gardens that are suitable for those who adore fragrant and refreshing flowers and love taking photos. While walking, the tourists can experience a wide variety of roses. If they do not want to walk, they can take a trolley car with a service fee of 300 baht per car (maximum three people). Through the passage, shops providing food or snack are available. In case of impolite dressing eg, shorts, clothes rental is available inside.
The travel to the palace is easy because it is the same way to Doi Suthep, a renowned mountain, which is about 5 km from Chiang Mai. You can take a red pick-up passing in front of Chiang Mai Zoo. You can also stop over to pay homage to Khru Ba Si Wichai Monument. Khru Ba Si Wichai is the one who constructed Phra That Doi Sutheip Temple. The red pick-up services are provided to lead to Doi Suthep, Bhubing Rajanives Palace and Doi Pui Hilltribe Village. The distance from Chiang Mai Zoo to Bhubing Rajanives Palace is about 17 km.
It is daily open from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. The ticket office opens from 8.30 to 11.30 am and 1.00 to 3.30 pm.
The palace is, however, closed from January to the beginning of March because it serves as the royal residence during that time.
For additional information, please contact the palace at 66 5322 3065 or http://www.bhubingpalace.org/