Bhubing Palace.

© Jui-Chi Chan/Getty Images/iStock

Bhubing Palace

Chiang Mai


The serene grounds of the royal family's winter palace are open to the public (when the royals aren't visiting). The unusually strict dress code requires bottoms below mid-calf and shoulders covered – no scarves. The mountain's cool climate allows the royal gardeners to raise 'exotic' species such as roses, attracting lots of Thai sightseers.

Climb up to the reservoir that is sometimes brought to life by fountains that dance to the king's own musical compositions.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Chiang Mai attractions

1. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

1.54 MILES

Overlooking the city from its mountain throne, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is one of northern Thailand's most sacred temples, and its founding legend is…

2. Wat Pha Lat

2.41 MILES

A hidden jungle temple tucked into the mountain along the way to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Old stone structures, intricate carvings, naga-flanked…

3. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park

2.7 MILES

Often bearing a crown of clouds, sultry Doi Suthep (1676m) and Doi Pui (1685m) are two of northern Thailand's most sacred peaks. A dense cloak of jungle…

4. Chiang Mai Zoo

3.15 MILES

Chiang Mai Zoo is better than many zoos in the region when it comes to animal welfare, but it's still quite depressing. In addition to animals from across…

5. Wat Phra That Doi Kham

3.44 MILES

Reached via a steep naga stairway through the forest, this handsome wát looms above the city from the hillside above Royal Park Rajapruek. With its gilded…

6. Wat Umong Suan Phutthatham

3.83 MILES

Not to be confused with the small Wat Umong in the old city, this historic forest wát is famed for its sylvan setting and its ancient chedi, above a brick…

7. Chiang Mai University

3.87 MILES

The main campus of Chiang Mai's famous public university occupies a 2.9-sq-km wedge of land about 2km west of the city centre, partly covered by forest…

8. Chiang Mai Night Safari

4.25 MILES

This expansive animal park is open day and night, but the real action happens after dark, when you can view all sorts of critters from the back of an open…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "thailand/chiang-mai-province/chiang-mai/attractions/bhubing-palace/a/poi-sig/1155942/357655",
      "destination": "Chiang-Mai",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "Thailand",
      "city": "Chiang-Mai",
      "position": "superzone"
    }