Thailand Flower Gardens - Mae Fah Luang
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Nuttikan_Pakaew]Nuttikan Pakaew
Frequently described as the most magnificent landscaped garden in the Kingdom of Thailand, if not the entire Asia-Pacific region, Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden is situated 950 meters above sea-level on the side of Doi Tung, the highest point in Chiang Rai Province.
Located on land that was originally occupied by the Akha village of Pa Kluay, formerly an important route for opium caravans and those involved in heroin-related and weapons trafficking, Mae Fah Luang Garden was established in 1992 on the initiative of the HRH the Princess Mother, who wished to give Thai people who have never travelled overseas an opportunity to enjoy a temperate flower garden.
Today Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden occupies about four hectares of land with more than 70 species of cool climate and temperate ornamental and flowering plants from all corners of the world, interspersed with native plants, leafy shrubs and perennials.
Though the Akha village of Pa Kluay is well gone and the inhabitants relocated about 500-meters away, the former villagers still grow and nurture the plants as part of the royally initiated project, with the decorative flowers in Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden generating substantial income for local inhabitants from the large number of tourists who visit the area.
Visitors to Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden will find flowerbeds planted with a dazzling variety of flowers and shrubs which come into bloom all year round and form a splendid hill-side tapestry that changes with the seasons.
At the centre of Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden visitors will find a bronze sculpture of children forming a human pyramid, the top most figure reaching skyward.
Named "Continuity", the sculpture was named by HRH Princess Srinagarindra, commonly referred to as the Princess mother (mother of HM Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), Thailand's present king), it's symbolism being that "continuity ensures the success of any endeavor".
The Princess mother was dearly loved by the hill tribes of northern Thailand for whom she was an ardent patron and the garden is located directly in front of Doi Tung Palace, known as Phra Tamnak Doi Tung.
Finished in 1990 to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Princes Mother, Phra Tamnak Doi Tung served as her winter residence up until her death in 1995.
The royal residence comprises a two-story villa styled along northern Thai and Swiss chalet architecture, with the magnificent gardens surrounding it providing an additional bonus to flower lovers and attracting large groups of tourists daily.
Most people who visit Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden also take the time to view the cottage industries that were developed as part of the royally initiated Doi Tung Development Project.
The Doi Tung Cottage Industry Center and Outlet have helped raise the living conditions of the local Hill Tribe people by promoting the development and sales of traditional woven goods, as well as handmade carpets that are sold exclusively in the international market.
Though the profussion of flowers means there is an abundance of flowers in bloom all year round, Mae Fa Luang Botanical Garden is best visited in winter when the most number of flowers are in full bloom and the forested mountain is lush and green.
Award a Pacific Asia Tourism Association's (PATA) Gold Award for Tourism Development in 1993, Mae Fah Luang Garden is open daily from 7am to 5pm.
Nuttikan is the owner of a flower delivery network covering most of the Thailand. She sells flowers on her website [http://www.gogoflorist.com]www.gogoflorist.com. Flowers Thailand offer same day flower delivery to all areas in Thailand.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Thailand-Flower-Gardens---Mae-Fah-Luang&id=5469917] Thailand Flower Gardens - Mae Fah Luang
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