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An afternoon stroll in PAO Park
In late afternoon in Chiang Mai, as the sun softens and the ground becomes less hot and humid, many people begin to venture out, seeking out public spaces for strolls.
Located about 8km from Chiang Mai's old town, PAO Park – a newly opened park with a large lake and scattered walking paths – becomes crowded as the afternoon sun begins to set.
A corner of PAO Park in the afternoon sun, with a few people scattered on the grass.
Crossing the roads through the administrative area, the space suddenly opens up with a direct view of the majestic Doi Suthep mountain range. The mountains stand like a giant natural screen, shielding the vast grasslands below. On clear days, mist gently embraces the mountain peaks, creating the feeling of a remote plateau. Two inflatable swan sculptures standing tall on the green grass are a modern highlight against the backdrop of rustic nature.
The Doi Suthep mountain range is shrouded in mist behind the park.
The giant swan model has become a landmark of the park.
At the center of the park is a large, flat lake, reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun. From 4 PM onwards, a few locals leisurely jog along the paths leading up the grassy slopes, while some young people stop to take photos under the large trees. Looking up from the grassy area, each step of those above feels as if they are walking on clouds.
The park has photo spots that give the feeling of walking on clouds.
The lawn has become a place for many people to relax, chat, and have picnics.
As the sun sets, PAO Park takes on a completely different hue.
The breeze blowing from the lake carries cool, refreshing moisture, dispelling the characteristic heat of Northern Thailand. The late afternoon sun bathes the grass in a golden hue, casting long shadows across the lush green trees before gradually spreading across the water's surface, where a few swans proudly stretch their necks in the calm water. This is the "golden" time to watch the sun set behind the mountain peaks, transforming the entire sky into a vibrant palette of colors ranging from orange and pink to deep blue.
The trees were bathed in golden sunlight as the afternoon sun reflected on the lake in the park.
Its appearance changes when night falls.
The highlight of Chiang Mai PAO Park lies in the meticulously planned temperate flowerbeds along the pathways during each festival season. Instead of growing naturally, the flowers are arranged in vibrant patches of color, ranging from hydrangeas to characteristic highland shrubs. Stone-paved paths lead visitors through miniature landscapes steeped in Lanna culture, where fresh flowers are cleverly combined with bamboo and natural wood frames. As night falls during exhibitions, the lighting system activates, illuminating the trees and flowers, creating a completely different appearance from the usual morning tranquility.
The flower gardens are planned into separate areas according to the season and festival.
The trunk of the ancient tree is decorated with LED lights, creating a dazzling effect when night falls.
Just outside the gate, from around 5 PM onwards, the local way of life becomes clearly visible through the rows of street food carts. This isn't a market for tourists, but rather a place serving the practical needs of the people along Chotana Street. The air is thick with the aroma of charcoal from the grilled meat stalls and the rhythmic pounding of mortars from the papaya salad carts. The dishes here are not elaborately presented, focusing on quick service and affordable prices.
The night market area near the park entrance starts to get crowded after 6 PM.
The transition from relaxing by the lake to a hands-on culinary experience at the market entrance creates a harmonious rhythm. Visitors can choose a few snacks, then find a stone bench by the lake to enjoy while observing the slow pace of life unfolding around them.
The "golden hour" at the end of the day is easily visible from the park entrance.
A new park within the urban landscape.
PAO Park is located in Chiang Mai's new administrative district, behind the local government headquarters. Spanning nearly 50 hectares, it is one of the city's largest public parks, developed by the Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO). The space is designed with an open concept, centered around a lake surrounded by walking paths and expansive lawns.
PAO Park is located deep within Chiang Mai's administrative district, with two main planning highlights: a large lake and expansive lawns.
The white elephant, a symbol of Thailand, is located in the center of the park.
Placed within the urban context of Chiang Mai, where traditional green spaces are often limited in the old town, PAO Park demonstrates a modern approach: expanding living spaces to the outskirts with low building density. The focus on water features and greenery not only addresses residents' need for relaxation but also helps alleviate pressure from overcrowded older tourist areas. The park regularly hosts jogging, cycling, and other typical local outdoor events.
PAO Park has become a new place for jogging, strolling, and recreation for residents amidst the increasingly crowded central area of the Old Quarter.
PAO Park encapsulates the relaxed atmosphere of Chiang Mai in an open space, where the golden sunset over Doi Suthep peak signals the end of a busy day.
