Garden of Reeds

"The Garden of Reeds, or *Suan Nai Ngam Rim Nam Kok* in Thai, is a charming park located next to the Kok River in northeastern Chiang Rai. This small yet beautiful park has become a notable venue for the annual Chiang Rai Flower and Art Festival, which began in 2004 as an initiative to attract more tourists to the area. Over the years, the festival has moved around the city but has found a permanent home in the Garden of Reeds, where it continues to thrive. During my visit to Chiang Rai, it just so happened that the festival was taking place. Being an avid flower enthusiast, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to experience the show. The festival takes place in late December, one of the coldest months in Chiang Rai, where the cool temperatures allow for the display of flowers that are typically not seen in Thailand. This includes varieties that thrive in colder climates, particularly those found in the hills of northern Thailand. One of the standout features of the festival was the impressive display of lilies, a rare sight in the country, alongside many other types of flowers that flourish in cooler conditions. As with most flower exhibitions in Thailand, the festival showcased an abundance of vibrant colors and varieties. The Garden of Reeds also impressed with its stunning orchid collection, which is a staple at Thai flower shows. The orchids were arranged around a beautifully designed waterfall that, despite being man-made and electrically powered, added a magical atmosphere to the display. The mist created by tiny water sprinklers added to the fairytale ambiance, enveloping the orchid area and highlighting the flowers’ stunning hues. Orchids, known for flowering only once a year, are especially difficult to showcase in full bloom, making the display at the Garden of Reeds even more exceptional. Aside from the floral displays, the Chiang Rai Flower and Art Festival also featured works of art scattered throughout the park. While my passion lies in the beauty of gardens and flowers rather than modern art, the artistic displays added another layer of interest to the event. The combination of nature and art made the festival a truly unique and unforgettable experience, attracting both locals and tourists alike."