Bhubing PalaceBhubing Palace is a royal residence and official guesthouse located on Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai, Thailand, primarily used by the Thai royal family in the northern region. The site is noted for its formal gardens and cooler highland setting.
The palace grounds include formal European-style gardens with temperate-climate plantings such as roses and ornamental beds arranged around the residence. The gardens and grounds are accessible to the public when the palace is not being used for official royal functions.
The palace was built and presented as a royal residence and guesthouse for visits to northern Thailand; it has been used by members of the Thai royal family for official stays and hosting visiting dignitaries.
Bhubing Palace sits on Doi Suthep, a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai city in northern Thailand, within the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park area and a short drive from central Chiang Mai.
- Public access and gardens: Open to the public when the royal family is not in residence; visitors can tour the formal gardens and view temperate-climate plantings uncommon in northern Thailand.
- High-elevation gardens: Located on Doi Suthep at higher elevation, the palace grounds are cooler than central Chiang Mai and support plants such as roses and temperate ornamentals.
A winter retreat for the royal family and their guests, Bhubing Palace was built in 1961 and sits about 8km further up the road beyond Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Visitors can walk around the palace gardens when the royals are not in residence, provided they are respectfully attired; the palace buildings themselves are not open to the public.
The gardens are of particular interest to horticulturalists, laid out with great care and featuring a fantastic array of blooms, especially in the cool season from November to February. There are several rose gardens and pavilions for relaxing, and you could easily while away a few hours here, though note the restricted opening hours. Since everything is on steep slopes, you might consider touring the gardens in a trolley car, which costs 300 baht for up to three people.
Nearby Attractions to Bhubing Palace#
Best Time to Visit Bhubing Palace#
The cool season (November-February) is most pleasant for garden and palace visits in Chiang Mai.
Weather & Climate near Bhubing Palace#
Bhubing Palace's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in April) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 10°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1103 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 10° - 25° | 17° | 3 mm | mostly sunny | 67% | 1.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| February | Ideal | 11° - 27° | 19° | 9 mm | mostly sunny | 56% | 1.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.4h |
| March | Ideal | 14° - 30° | 22° | 22 mm | mostly sunny | 52% | 1.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 18° - 31° | 24° | 57 mm | some cloud | 56% | 1.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Good | 19° - 29° | 24° | 174 mm | overcast | 75% | 1.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.9h |
| June | Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 123 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.1h |
| July | Good | 19° - 26° | 23° | 148 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.0h |
| August | Good | 19° - 26° | 23° | 208 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.6h |
| September | Good | 19° - 26° | 22° | 185 mm | overcast | 89% | 1.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 17° - 26° | 21° | 121 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Excellent | 14° - 25° | 19° | 42 mm | some cloud | 82% | 1.1 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.2h |
| December | Ideal | 11° - 24° | 17° | 11 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 1.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 10.9h |
How to Get to Bhubing Palace#
Bhubing Palace sits above Chiang Mai along the road to Doi Suthep. From the city center take Huay Kaew Road toward the mountain and follow signs to the temple complex - the palace is a short drive beyond Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Local songthaews and tuk‑tuks run the route but a private taxi is the simplest option.
Tips for Visiting Bhubing Palace#
- Wear conservative clothing - the grounds are a royal residence and modest dress is required inside certain areas.
- Visit early morning to avoid Chiang Mai's heat and see the gardens at their freshest.
- Combine a trip with nearby Doi Suthep temple visits for a full northern‑Thai cultural day.