Tweechol Botanical Garden
Chiang Mai’s Best-Kept Secret (Yes, It Has a Waterslide) 🌿
Just 20 minutes from Chiang Mai’s city center lies a little pocket of paradise that we almost don’t want to tell you about—because it’s that good. What looks like a simple botanical garden on the map turns out to be an all-in-one nature escape, complete with animals, bikes, hedge mazes, waterfalls, lakes, a surprisingly epic swimming pool… and yes, a waterslide.
First Impressions: Peace, Space and Greenery
We went during low season, which meant two things:
We had most of the place to ourselves!
The occasional rain shower added some drama to the scenery (it was quite refreshing swimming in the rain)
The gardens themselves are absolutely beautiful—peaceful paths, shimmering lakes, waterfalls that gurgle in the background, and enough greenery to make your camera work overtime.
Activities for Kids (and Overgrown Kids Like Us)
This place is secretly a playground for all ages. Highlights included:
A mini-zoo with a feeding zone where goats, horses, tortoises, emus, deer and chickens happily accept bribes in the form of snacks.
Bike rentals for those with energy, and golf buggies with a tour guide for those of us whose legs politely said, “No thanks.”
Playgrounds around every corner, so kids can run wild while you sit back and iced coffee and relax.
A maze made of hedges that somehow managed to both delight and mildly confuse us (10/10 would get lost again).
A swimming pool and slide that is huge in size and super fun for the whole family, no time restrictions either…you can enjoy a full day pass!
Food Break (Because Let’s Be Honest, We’re Here for That Too)
Near the entrance is a lovely little café/coffee house with good food and great coffee. We had two drinks each, lunch, and left feeling full and replenished. You could also pack a picnic—there are plenty of shaded grassy spots perfect for blanket lounging.
Want to Stay Longer? You Can
There’s a resort and campground within the grounds if you’re looking to turn your day trip into an overnight nature escape. Falling asleep to the sound of crickets and waking up to birdsong doesn’t sound too bad, right?
Quick Info:
Open: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Around 20 minutes from Chiang Mai city center
Bring: Swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, snacks, cash to pay, preferably wear clothes for a bike ride (unlike me in a dress 😅)
Whether you’ve got kids to entertain or just want a peaceful break from the city noise, this garden delivers. It’s got nature, fun, food, and a waterslide—what more do you need?
Pro tip: leave space in your day… because you’ll want to stay longer than you planned.
