Singha Park Chiang Rai
Discover Singha Park Chiang Rai – a Thai gem offering lush landscapes, tea plantations, cafe, adventure, gardens, a zoo, and more! Immerse yourself in the heart of nature.
Ah, Chiang Rai! A Northern Thai oasis that is home to sumptuous cuisine, a rich tapestry of culture, and the heartwarming smiles of the locals. But, let’s talk about an often overlooked gem – Singha Park Chiang Rai. A while ago, I decided to give the hustle and bustle of the city a break and journey northward to take in the enchanting embrace of Singha Park. Now, I love the vibrance of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, but Singha Park is a gorgeous place to take a break.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
What? Singha Park used to be where the Boon Rawd Company grew the barley used in Thailand’s famous Singha Beer.
Where? Singha Park is 7.5 miles (approximately 12kms) from Chiang Rai.
When? Open daily from 9am – 5pm.
How much? Entry to Singha Park is free! However, you do need to pay for transport around the park. There are various options to move around the 600 acres and prices vary:
– The tram departs every 15 minutes and costs 150 Baht (less than US$4.50) per person.
– Take an eBike for 300 Baht (US$8.50) for 3 hours.
– 1,100 Baht (US$32) for a 4 person electric golf cart for 2 hours.
– Other options include scooter, 2 person golf cart, and parts of the park are accessible with your own car.
Various activities within Singha Park attract a fee:
– It costs 50 Baht (US$1.50) to feed the swans at Swan Lake, or for a bunch of food for the petting zoo animals.
– The zipline costs 300 Baht (US$8.50) per ride.
Pro tip: Get to Singha Park early before it gets too hot, then make good use of the cute cafe in Zone 4!
Singha Park: What You Need To Know
Located about 3 hours drive north-east of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of Thailand. Singha Park, situated just 7.5 miles (approximately 12kms) from Chiang Rai city, occupies a sprawling 600 acres of lush land. The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm, though a little birdie told me that certain zones within the park might close a tad earlier, so make a beeline!
A Brief History Of Singha Park Chiang Rai
Now, a bit of trivia: “Singha” – meaning lion – probably rings a bell, and rightly so! This park is, in fact, part of Boon Rawd Brewery, the celebrated producers of Singha beer. But wait, before your mind races to thoughts of hop-laden adventures, the park, established in 2012, was initially used for barley cultivation. Fast forward a bit, and it metamorphosed into an agro-tourism attraction. The echoes of barley’s whisper can still be heard, though, as a portion of the park continues to contribute to the making of the iconic beer.
Plan Your Visit: Fun Zones!
The park is ingeniously divided into zones, each a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. While the journey between the zones offers up gorgeous scenery, the various zones are the main attractions.
Zone 1
Let’s kick things off with Zone 1. As you enter, a regal golden lion, the emblem of Singha beer, welcomes you. It’s almost like being knighted into the vibrant world of Singha Park. Bhu Bhirom Restaurant is the crown jewel here. With Thai and international cuisine to tingle your taste buds, coupled with views of the picturesque lake, dining here is an affair to remember.
Pro tip: Save the delights of Zone 1 for the end of your visit – you will appreciate the great food, cool drinks, and air conditioning!
Zone 2
On to Zone 2! Visit Swan Lake to feed the fish and take a stroll on the blissfully shady path around the lake. The zest of the verdant tea plantations here can invigorate even the weariest of souls. Elegantly trimmed rows of tea bushes cascade down the rolling hills. There’s a quaint tea house snuggled amidst the plantation where you can indulge in some freshly brewed tea. If you’re anything like me, you’ll cherish the delicate dance of the tea leaves in the mountain breeze.
Zone 3
Swinging over to Zone 3, the park unfolds into a bounty of agricultural wonders. Picture endless fields of crops that change with the seasons, ranging from passion fruit to strawberries. Don’t be shy; pluck a strawberry and relish its sweet tang. If your heart yearns for more, a farmer’s market sells the freshest of produce.
Zone 4
Next stop, Zone 4. The adventurer in you is in for a treat! A zipline that spans a staggering 1,300 feet (or 400m) gives you an eagle’s-eye view of the park. That’s right – soar across and bask in the breathtaking landscape beneath your feet. For those who prefer terra firma, rent a bicycle and whisk through the neatly paved trails.
Zone 4 also boasts a delightfully old-style cafe that serves hot and cold drinks and a variety of snacks and souvenirs. It’s also here that you can rent brightly colored paddle boats for some water fun for all the family!
Zone 5
And finally, Zone 5 – the spot for events and festivals. Time your visit just right, and you might catch the annual hot air balloon festival or the farm’s very own triathlon event. Even if your timing isn’t impeccable, there’s always something brewing here.
Zone 6
Talk to the animals! Here in Zone 6 you will find an amazing array of animals: zebras, giraffes, watusi, goats, ponies, sheep, guinea pigs, and rabbits. So cute! You can buy a bundle or bag of animal food for 50 baht and stay as long as you like.
And let’s not forget about the alpacas and swans that roam free around the park – you will spot them in the most unlikely of places!
Before wrapping up your expedition, do carve out a moment to visit the Singha Park Souvenir Shop. It’s far from your ordinary gift shop; this one’s imbued with the essence of Chiang Rai. You’ll find local handicrafts, artisan teas, and – of course – Singha merchandise. Grab a keepsake or two; let them be tactile memories of your journey.
As the sun sets, painting the skies with hues of oranges and purples, you might want to sit by the lake, letting the tapestry of colors seep into your being. Reflect upon the symphony of experiences Singha Park offered you throughout the day. It’s like a gentle crescendo, building up from the moment you set foot inside, winding through the cascading tea plantations, the whispering fields, and climaxing in the euphoria of soaring skies.
A Final Note
In conclusion, Singha Park is not just a destination, it’s an emotion. It’s a montage of moments that tug at your heartstrings. For those who are tired of cookie-cutter tourist spots, Singha Park is an experience that envelops you in its authenticity. It’s where the earth and sky, the verdure and water, and history and the present, dance in harmony.
You leave with a piece of Singha Park Chiang Rai gently cradled in your soul and, perhaps, it keeps a part of you.
Next time you’re yearning for a sojourn that’s off the beaten path yet drenched in richness, consider making tracks to Singha Park Chiang Rai. Your soul will thank you. And who knows, we might just cross paths among the tea bushes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Singha Park is an excellent place to visit when you’re in Chiang Rai – look for the giant golden lion (singha)! Singha Park boasts loads of activities including zipline, petting zoo, biking, paddle boats, swan lake, scootering, climbing wall, and tea plantation tours. For nature lovers there are gorgeous flower displays (seasonal), orchards, and walking trails. Singha Park is at its beautiful best between mid-November and mid-February when the flowers are blooming. There is plenty of great food all year around!
The zipline at Singha Park costs 300 Baht (approximately US$8.50) to whiz a quarter-mile (or 400m) at a height of 8 stories! This awesome zipline ride provides 360 degree views over the gorgeous Singha Park estate and will leave you spellbound!
Singha Park Chiang Mai is owned by the Boon Rawd Brewery – the company that makes Singha beer. It used to be where the barley to make the beer was grown, but now it’s entirely an adventure park. While you can’t get beer at Singha Park, you can get a full day’s activities and great food and drinks.
Singha Park used to be known as Boon Rawd Farm. The soil was rich and fertile – perfect for growing the barley to make Thailand’s famous Singha beer. Back then, Singha Park was closed to visitors. But the Boon Rawd Company has transformed the land into Singha Park – an adventure and agriculture park. Singha Park is now better known for its delicate and distinctive oolong tea than its beer barley!
