Absolute Chiang Mai

 Bhubing Palace

Bhubing Palace is located on the same road, 4 kilometres beyond Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, on Doi Buak Ha. The royal winter palace was built in 1961. The palace is also the royal guesthouse for prominent State visitors from abroad. The lavishly landscaped gardens and grounds are open to the general public everyday from 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Tickets are sold until 3.30 p.m. The palace is closed when the Royal Family is in residence, January to early March. Call 0 5322 3065 www.bhubingpalace.org

 Daraphirom Palace

Daraphirom Palace Museum is located in the Dara Rasmi Border Patrol Police Camp in the Mae Rim District of Thailand.

The museum was originally the residence of Chao Dara Rasmi -- one of the favorite consorts of King Chulalongkorn, or King Rama V -- a princess of the northern Lanna Kingdom.  She was the daughter of Phra Chao Indavijayanonda, the seventh king of Chiang Mai (1870 – 1897) before the merger of Lanna Kingdom with Siam, in which the Princess played a key role.
 
Chao Dara Rasmi built the palace four years after the demise of King Rama V, and spent the last 15 years of her life at this home performing many good deeds to improve the lot of northern Thai people in the fields of agriculture, culture and the arts.  She was one of the pioneers of modern farming in Thailand, as well as being a major influence in developing Lanna's performing arts and handicrafts, which makes Chiang Mai a famous town of charming dances and fine handicrafts today.  This palace museum is worth visiting because of the legacy of Chao Dara Rasmi’s work.  Due to the Princess' legacy, Chiang Mai today boasts an impressive array of cultural offerings, worthy of the admiration of all who visit.

The structure of the museum is well-preserved, and constitutes a cross-over between Thai and Western architecture.  Owing to the fact that Chao Dara Rasmi was beloved by Chiang Mai people, they gave whole-hearted support in donating and gathering the many items displayed in the museum.  It showcases the Princess’s work, personal belongings, favorite musical instruments, as well as household items, farming tools and delicate clothes belonging both to the Princess herself and to the dances she created.
Visitors will enjoy exploring the past, as the rooms are decorated according to the time period.  Besides, visitors can enjoy strolling in the spacious courtyard under the shade of large spreading  trees.

The Museum opens Tuesday – Sunday, 09:00 – 17:00.  Entrance fee is 50 baht for foreigners and 20 baht for Thais.  For further information, call 0 5329 9175.

Getting there: From Chiang Mai Town, take Highway No. 107 to Amphoe Mae Rim.  From Mae Rim District Office, turn left towards the Dara Rasmi Border Patrol Police Camp.