Princess Sirindhorn Astropark

Opening Days: Every day (except Monday)

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

 

The Princess Sirindhorn Astropark is located in Don Kaew Subdistrict, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province. It is the national astronomical center of Thailand and the headquarters of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT). This park serves as an excellent center for astronomical research and development in Thailand and Southeast Asia. It also gathers various technologies, innovations, and knowledge related to astronomy, alongside serving as an essential space for astronomical research and training.

 

The Princess Sirindhorn Astropark project received approval from the Cabinet on May 29, 2012, with the government allocating an initial budget of 406 million baht. Construction started in 2016 due to delays and was fully operational in 2020. The investment in the buildings and equipment within the park amounted to over 800 million baht.

 

The park includes various components that are critical for research and education in astronomy, such as the NARIT building, which houses research and development labs, optical laboratories, radio astronomy operation centers, academic service centers, and international astronomical training centers.

 

The operational building features facilities such as the National Observatory and laboratories, including a mechatronics lab and high-precision machining labs. The planetarium has a 360-degree full-dome digital system with the highest resolution of 8K, and the dome has a diameter of 17 meters. Additionally, there are 19 interactive astronomical exhibition zones that provide knowledge on solar system exploration, planetary storms, stellar studies, and the proof of Earth's rotation.

 

The observatory in the park is used for observing celestial objects with telescopes, including both reflecting telescopes and small to medium-sized telescopes, providing stargazing opportunities every Saturday from November to May.

 

The park also has an outdoor activity area where various astronomical events such as stargazing and sky phenomenon observations are organized. Other activities also attract both children and adults, allowing them to enjoy and learn about the beauty of the sky.

 

Tuesday - Friday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Saturday - Sunday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Maximum Seats per Session: 100 people

 

Tuesday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

 

The Princess Sirindhorn Astropark is not only a scientific learning hub but also an academic tourism destination where visitors can experience astronomy and space exploration up close, using modern innovations and exciting activities. Tourists will experience the sharpest planetarium in ASEAN and stargazing in ways never seen before.

 

Getting There: The Princess Sirindhorn Astropark is located in Don Kaew Subdistrict, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, and can be accessed in several ways:

 

By Car: From Chiang Mai city, take the Chiang Mai–Fang Road (No. 107) heading north through Mae Rim District. Upon reaching Don Kaew Subdistrict, the Princess Sirindhorn Astropark will be on your right. The drive from Chiang Mai city takes approximately 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

 

By Minivan/Taxi: You can take a minivan or taxi from Chiang Mai city to the Princess Sirindhorn Astropark. Minivans can be booked at bus stations or from ticket agents in the city. For taxis, you can negotiate with the driver for the fare.

 

By Motorcycle: For tourists who enjoy adventure, renting a motorcycle from Chiang Mai city is another convenient and fast way to reach the park.

 

By Tour Service: If you prefer comfort and want a guide with expertise in astronomy, you can choose a tour service that includes transportation to the Princess Sirindhorn Astropark.