Buak Hard Public Park, Chiang Mai

The Buak Hard is a public park in the southwest corner of Chiang Mai’s old city. Embellished with many fresh flowers and big ponds, it is a very famous place for local people and tourists to visit and is a location for many of Chiang Mai’s festivals such as the Flower Festival.

There are vendors at the gate and visitors can buy food and rent a mat to sit on the grass. The locals also do their daily exercise here and come to jog or walk in the park. The formal gardens are landscaped around small lakes and bridges and offer an ideal setting for a leisurely and serene stroll. A children’s play area makes it a favorite spot for local families.

The Suan Buak Haad comes alive during the annual flower festival. The Flower Festival Parade ends at the park. Flower and plant sellers, especially those who sell orchids, are allowed to set up stalls. Some stalls also sell garden figures and decorations. A competition is held and special displays of flowers and miniature trees compete for the prize. There are displays by well known Thai landscape specialists and displays from neighboring countries. By late afternoon the flower competition ends and a competition to choose the Miss Chiang Mai Flower Festival begins. At this time the garden becomes the venue of a large party with loud rock music and partying locals and tourists.

Why You Should Visit:
Even without the many flowers, this would still be a great place to relax for an afternoon. You can rent a straw mat for a few baht and just sit and watch the birds, fish or people playing sports or performing circus tricks.

Tip:
Bring plenty of change for ice cream, buy food to feed the fish in the ponds, and if you go in the afternoon remember to bring mosquito repellent.