When you travel to Thailand, you expect to see tropical and unique vegetation. What you may not know is that, as you pass through Chiang Mai, you have the option to see rare and ancient species of trees from across the country.
Among the temples, mountain trails, and surrounding villages, there is one place in the city that you won’t want to miss, especially if you have time to include some of Chiang Mai’s parks on your itinerary. I’m referring to Changthong Heritage Park, a green and tranquil space that its creators refer to as a museum of living ancient trees.
It opened on November 9, 2024, so many people still don’t know about it. It doesn’t appear in travel guides either. Suitable for all ages, it seems as if time has stopped there, along with the noise, rush, fuss, and traffic.
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Get to know Changthong Heritage Park
This botanical park covers 4.8 hectares on the outskirts of Chiang Mai and is Thailand’s first museum of ancient trees, with plants dating back more than a hundred years. The owner and creator is Khun Chang, a nature lover dedicated to tree conservation.
The purpose of this park is clear: to preserve the country’s living heritage so that future generations can enjoy it. More than 1,000 rare and centenary trees were brought from other parts of the country and planted with sublime delicacy, resulting in a unique park.
Each species was carefully placed following sustainable design principles. Great Japanese, Singaporean, Chinese, and other architects from all over the world, as well as architecture schools, have already visited this museum to appreciate its art.
Inspired by a tropical moss garden, it features gardens, moss, and tropical elements, but not much of the traditional museum concept. Walls? None. Barriers? Only those dictated by common sense. Lines? No way. And therein lies the magic. 😍
Some main attractions you’ll find include:
- A large lake surrounded by palm trees.
- Unique waterfalls.
- Moss gardens.
- An area of rare tree species.
- Trails throughout the park.
- A life-size bonsai area.
- A café with a view.
4,8 hectares of green space
In this area, you will find Thai species such as shoreas, spiral coconuts, ceibas, maphraos, Brazilian grape trees, jacoreas, ficus, dalbergia…
You probably won’t know which tree is which, but the good news is that each tree has a small green sign with its name, as well as information about its species, origin, common name, and family.
At the entrance, you will find a sign listing the most common tree species.
If you’re interested in learning more about the trees and the park, ask O, the woman at the kiosk selling drinks and ice cream. She is also a professional gardener and can tell you all sorts of interesting stories. She will gladly tell you about the trees, animals, mascot, and most captivating species.
Thanks to her, I saw a beautiful palm tree shaped like a trident, which is very unusual for this type of tree. For sure, the trees in this park are beautiful, but without a little help from the park workers, you might miss their most special features 🙂
You will also find places to relax by the lake, streams, waterfalls, and the cafeteria. The lake’s bridges have bench-shaped railings, and chairs are scattered throughout the park. If you don’t have a quiet time, it’s simply because you don’t want to.
Of course, there will be no shortage of bugs, such as small lizards, insects, and beetles. But this is Thailand. If you’re surrounded by green, you’re also surrounded by every critter that likes green.
Spiral Coco: Café, garden, and work area
Café | Garden | Workplace – This is what visitors to the cafeteria in Changthong Heritage Park will experience. It is everything at the same time. It’s a modern, aesthetic, minimalist, and tasteful space that gives all the prominence to what’s outside rather than what’s inside.
The bar is designed to look like a tree trunk. The completely transparent walls are made of glass from side to side. The ceilings are made of wood, and decorative tree motifs adorn the space.
There are different ways to see Changthong Museum
When we arrived at the park, I noticed we had the option of touring it on a motorcycle, which is how we crossed the entrance gate. The park is designed with paved roads so you can discover it on foot or in a vehicle.
If you decide to walk, you will have the opportunity to appreciate everything in much more detail. You can get close to the trees, get tangled in their branches, and cross the lakes via their bridges. Of all the ways to enjoy this Chiang Mai park, walking is my favorite and the one I would recommend.
If you like cycling or want to see Chiang Mai by bike, it’s also ideal. Of course, you will see it more quickly, but you can use the time you save by cycling to sit in front of the waterfalls in the moss garden or have a coffee overlooking the park. You could also see the park by scooter, which is another sustainable way to visit.
Finally, you can see the park by motorcycle or car. This way is comfortable, and you don’t even have to leave the vehicle. But honestly, the park isn’t so big that you need to tour it this way.
If much larger parks, such as Central Park in New York, cannot be seen by car, why would you do so here, in an environment that pretends to be sustainable and environmentally friendly? There’s plenty of parking space at the entrance. If I were you, I’d park and walk around quietly.
The importance of this park in Chiang Mai
This park is particularly significant for environmental education, emphasizing the importance of preserving species so they don’t become extinct. It is also a clear example of how nature can coexist peacefully with the environment.
The fact that a collector of rare endemic tree species has created a museum of such caliber and beauty that promotes their conservation speaks volumes about our potential as a society to protect nature.
The museum is also significant in terms of job creation, as it employs many gardeners and staff who ensure the park’s good maintenance. When I was there, I counted more than ten, and every visitor praised the cleanliness of the restrooms.
The building housing the restrooms is an architectural marvel, creating a perfect synergy between its materials and nature. Be sure to take a look; it’s beautiful.
The park has also been given a use that goes beyond the tree museum. Another main attraction is the cafeteria, which is somewhat more expensive than the average. However, you get a discount with your entrance ticket, and the environment is worth it. It is also a workspace for locals and digital nomads, who are very present in Chiang Mai.
There is also a building used for meetings and conventions.
Here is some practical information for visiting it
Opening hours and time to see it
The usual opening hours are from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, but it’s best to check their Google Maps page or Instagram for updated information. I also think the hours vary between the low and high seasons. The kitchen at the cafeteria closes at 5:00 pm, and I’m not so sure about the bar.
To enjoy it at a leisurely pace, I recommend dedicating between one and two hours, especially if you plan to take pictures, sit and enjoy the silence, or have a drink in the cafeteria. If you go by bicycle or motor vehicle, it will take less time. I encourage you to go because, no matter how little time you have in Chiang Mai, it’s possible to see it.
Tickets and prices
You will need to purchase your ticket upon arrival. Currently, it is not possible to buy tickets online or through other websites, including the park’s website, which is not very user-friendly. You cannot reserve a place, but it is not usually crowded -as I said, it is a very well-kept secret for now.
The entrance fee is 250 baht for non-resident foreigners and 150 baht for Thai residents (including foreigners with a work permit or a Thai driver’s licence). With each ticket, you will receive a discount to use at the park’s cafeteria. Children enter for free.
Once inside, you will find a kiosk selling ice cream and fresh coconuts. Although they are more expensive than those found outside, they can be useful for beating the heat.
On the back of your beautiful ticket (don’t forget to keep it as a souvenir or to add to your travel diary), there is a map of the park with information about each point of interest. This way, you’ll know what you’re seeing and where you are at all times.
Here’s how to get to Changthong Heritage Park
It is about 15-20 minutes from the center of Chiang Mai in the San Phi Suea area. It is located next to the 121 Outer Ring Rd. You can get there by motorcycle, rental car, or whatever you use, or by the typical red songthaew, the traditional means of public transportation in Chiang Mai.
It’s best to put the address on Google Maps because it’s very accessible and shouldn’t take you through weird roads.
Address: 238 San Phi Suea, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
Here’s a post I made about Changthong Heritage Park on my Instagram account:
When visiting Chiang Mai, do not hesitate to visit this wonderful museum park. It is one of those places that will remain forever etched in your memory and on your camera roll. Have you been or heard about it? If you add it to your list of things to see in Chiang Mai, please let me know how your experience was. Greetings!
