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Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006
Horticultural show in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Can you imagine the smell of over two million plants in one place? You won't have to if you visit northern Thailand's Royal Flora show this winter.

Calling all horticulturalists and plant enthusiasts! Royal Flora Ratchaphruek 2006 is a huge horticultural show taking place in northern Thailand as part of the massive double celebrations for the King of Thailand's Birthday and his 60th year on the throne which makes him the world's longest-reigning monarch.

Between 1 November 2006 and 31 January 2007, an almost 200-acre site in the city of Chiang Mai, known as the 'Rose of the north' will be in constant bloom. Over 2,200 species of tropical plants and flowers will be on show as the Thai government hosts this horticultural extravaganza in honour of the King, himself a keen botanist.

The show is also a way for the people of Thailand to say thank you to their green-fingered King who has helped improve the quality of life for millions particularly through his work in establishing Royal Projects in agriculture. Visitors to the show will be able to find out more about these agricultural projects as some of the gardens will be designed to demonstrate the concepts and practices behind them.

With 2.5 million plants in total on display, this show will make the Chelsea Flower Show look like a country fair! It is taking place during the cool season when the weather in the north of the country is normally a little bit more comfortable making it the perfect place to spend a pleasant few days admiring this spectacular flower and plant display. The show's theme is to 'express the love for humanity' to reflect the country's enduring relationship with nature and its riches. Some of the special exhibits to be featured include:

• 30 international gardens from countries with historical as well as diplomatic and trade ties to Thailand featuring innovative landscape gardening as well as native flora and rare species from those countries
• A 'Thai tropical garden' - a showcase of tropical plants encompassing the growing of fruit and herbs
• A centre piece Royal Pavillion building constructed in traditional Thai style
• Garden and flower competitions as well as demonstrations
• Art and cultural performances

Tell Tale Tips: Call us on 0800 011 2571 to find out more about the show. You can also experience it for yourself, we can include insider visits to the show with local orchid or fern experts on any garden-lover's itinerary.

Key Ratchaphruek facts:

• Ratchaphruek tree also known as the 'pudding pipe tree' or 'purging cassia' is a auspicious plant associated with royalty.
• The tree's beautiful yellow blossom (the inspiration for the show's logo) links it to the King because yellow is the colour linked to Mondays in Thailand and the King was born on Monday.
• The shape of pollen of the flowers resembles the number 9 which is symbolic for the King of Thailand as he's the ninth ruler of the Chakri Dynasty.

First Floor, 25a Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4LL United Kingdom 0800 011 2571 contact@telltaletravel.co.uk Opening hours: 9am-9pm, 7 days