Beyond KSK - Royal Flora Ratchaphruek

[sfokevin]

With the cool mornings we decided to visit the gardens at Royal Flora Ratchaphruek - Right now they have the park in full bloom.

 

After fortifying ourselves with our morning coffee we arrived at the park at about 10:30… It was a weekday so there was just a small crowd it was partly cloudy and cool…

 

After paying the 200 baht admission (100 baht for Thai) we went to the shuttle stop to the right – we decided to rent bikes (60-100 baht) instead of the shuttle and set out thru the park in a counter clock route…  I would highly recommend the bikes as there is little uphill riding, you get to move at your own pace and its great exercise…

 

Make sure to get a map at admission so you can plan what to see as there is a lot… If you do the shuttle I would recommend getting off on every other stop and walk between stops…

 

Stops not to miss…

 

Orchid Pavilion and adjoining fern cave

Royal Project Restaurant – Check map as it is easy to miss – Try Seafood Fettuccini 

Japanese Zen House

Shaded Paradise Garden

Cactus Pavilion

Bio Dome Garden

Wild Flower Garden

Reflecting pool on the SE corner of the Ho Kham Pavillion

From there walk up the hill along the palm tree path for the best views in the park 

Bonsai garden and upper pool walk

 

We finished up about 2:30, had an iced coffee at one of the bikers cafes outside the park gate and then up to Wat Phra That Doi Kham to make merit, buy lottery tickets and enjoy the view…

 

Btw: We drove there but did see songtow shuttles there with signs quoting 20 baht

 

Edited January 11, 2018 by sfokevin

[steven2018]

Lovely, well composed images.

Posted from Android using Tapatalk

[CMBob]

Yes, very nice photos. I've been out there a few times but it's been a few years....and your photos inspire me to make another visit.  Thanks.

[Thailand]

Always on the go to list when we have visitors.

[sfokevin]

Even if you don’t want to go to the park you can eat at the Royal Project restaurant - you can access it by going on the road around the park up to the Wat... the food is all fresh and delicious 

[Auriane]

The park looks very beautiful. How long does it take to visit?

[sfokevin]

A good half day... we did 10:30 to 2:30 on bikes with a nice lunch break on bikes... 

[chingmai331]

How does KSK (Kad Suan Kaew) figure with the Royal Park, which is out on Hiway 121, aka Canal Road?

[FolkGuitar]

Very nice photos! A great inspiration to visit again! Thanks!

[sfokevin]

1 hour ago, chingmai331 said:

How does KSK (Kad Suan Kaew) figure with the Royal Park, which is out on Hiway 121, aka Canal Road?

You would go south on Canal Rd...

Royal Park Rajapruek
https://goo.gl/maps/GxwX1WHAH892

 

[thaibeachlovers]

On ‎1‎/‎11‎/‎2018 at 4:20 PM, Auriane said:

The park looks very beautiful. How long does it take to visit?

If you want to see everything take a whole day, but you could rush it in half a day.

 

I doubt a red songtheaw is going there for 30 baht. I went to the turn off on the Hang Don road in a yellow songtheaw, 10 to 20 baht, and got a motorbike taxi up, but last time I passed that way I didn't see any motorbikes waiting, so not sure if there are any still.

 

If fit enough, no need to use the shuttle or rent a bike. I walked around the entire gardens.

 

The temple is amazing and there was a village or something on the hills behind it, so don't just stay on the area in front of the temple.

 

Well worth it, but don't delay, as it's getting hot again.