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Join globe trotter Samantha Vega for Tokyo Sunrise, a gentle way to easy out of bed with classic favorites and a taste of the new now and again. Monday through Friday 5am - 7am.

サマンサ・ヴェガがお届けするTOKYO SUNRISE。あなたの朝を心地よい音楽とトーク、最新のニュースで彩ります。

Chiang Mai, Thailand – The International Horticultural Expo

The 3 R’s; re-use, reduce and recycle are important habits to get into as we walk into this Year of the Dragon. In Chiang Mai, Thailand, these principles are being taught to generations of international visitors at the International Horticultural Exposition: Royal Flora Ratchaphruek.

The exposition opened on December 14th last year and will run until March 14th this year. Organizers are expecting around 2 million visitors for the event. They will promote horticulture and the use of the 3 R’s along with National and International conferences on flora and fauna taking place. The Expo will also commemorate three National celebrations; His Majesty the King’s 84th Birthday, Her Majesty the Queen’s 80th birthday and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s 60th birthday.

Preparations took most of last year with difficulties arising because of flooding in the region of Chiang Mai and later in Bangkok with the original opening being postponed because of the terrible floods. They are fully up and running now, with over 37 countries participating with their own horticultural programs on display for the public to enjoy. There is a great diversity of flora and fauna on display. Where possible, countries have imported plants from their regions into Thailand to show visitors their local plants and flowers.

Japan has included two displays for the event. One from the Kyoto/Osaka/Hyogo region with a soothing Zen garden display and also a separate indoor garden display featuring Kiku-nin-gyo, the beautifully decorated flower dolls. Countries like the Netherlands have included displays of their vegetable genetics along with of course Tulips. Local architecture from the various countries is also on display with countries like Nepal, Morocco and Bhutan sending entire teams of artisans over from their country to create incredible buildings and displays specifically for the exposition.

The Expo is spread out over 80 Hectares of parkland with a 7,200 meter walking track along with tourist train-type transportation available for the entire park. Other attractions include a giant Ferris wheel that towers over the area at 40 meters high, the Imagination Light Garden that creates a magical light display around the park in the evenings and the Kids Eco Park, that will help educate and entertain children of all ages with fun activities and interactive play. The entrance fee is very reasonable with Adults paying only 200 baht (under 500 yen).

Chiang Mai is a beautiful city on its own with an ancient and vibrant culture. Accommodation is varying with a quick look online to find lots of choices. It has a population of around 1.6 million, with a large number of expat and retired Japanese residents along with lots of Japanese students attending colleges and universities in the region. If you’re looking for a getaway that not too far away then perhaps Thailand is a good choice for your escape.