Image adapted from: @izzy__z
It’s not uncommon for us to immediately look to places like Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi each time we want a quick beach holiday fix. But we often overlook it as a destination for anything else – especially winter.
If you’ve been planning to fulfil your bucket list dream of frolicking in fields of daisies or lavender, here are 9 options in the Land of Smiles to prove its more than just night markets and boat noodles.
Udon Thani’s 16,800-acre wide Talay Bua Dang a.k.a Red Lotus Lake sits just about an hour’s drive from Udon Thani International Airport and it’s home to millions of pink lotus flowers.
It may not seem like much from the lake’s edge, but you’ll change your mind as soon as you hop onto a pontoon boat for a 45-minute tour around the lake for just 300 Baht (~S$12). As you inch closer to the center, you’ll find yourself sailing in a seemingly endless sea of pink lotuses.
Image credit: @trippmatch
With over 29 affordable homestay options here, you and your travel kakis can opt to stay around the area as each place can accommodate up to 10 persons, and will cost about 200 Baht (~S$8) per person with breakfast included as well.
Image credit: @puyfai_th
Although Udon Thani is off many tourists’ radars, it’s known to have one of the largest expat populations in Thailand, making it one of the best places to visit for those who don’t speak much Thai. The best part is, it only takes a 45-minute flight to get here from Bangkok.
Tip: Be sure to come early as the lotuses tend to blossom during the cooler part of the day between 6am and 12pm!
Best period to visit: December – February
Where: Chiangrai, Kumphawapi, Udon Thani 41110, Thailand
Nearest Airport: Udon Thani Airport
Price: 300 Baht (~S$12) for a 45-minute ride, 500 Baht (~S$20) for a 90-minute ride
Nestled in the heart of an undiscovered wonderland in Thailand, Khao Yai, The Bloom is the largest flower garden in the area and here’s the best part: it’s only a 3-hour drive from Bangkok!
When you’re there, you’ll realise that this scenic garden looks like a scene stolen directly from a movie – just picture rows beyond rows of multi-coloured flowers, oh-so-perfectly manicured that even your done-up nails would shy away.
Glass Double Room
Image credit: The Bloom by TV Pool
For all you anthophiles who still can’t seem to get enough of the flowers here, you’ll be thrilled to know that you can stay within this floral garden which offers 4 types of rooms from 2,145 Baht (~S$88) onwards – Melody Valley, Glass Room, Morocco Room and Cliff View.
Check here for more details on the rooms available.
Best period to visit: All year round
Where: 357 Moo 5 Tambon Prayayen Amphur Pakchong, Khao Yai National Park, Khao Yai, Thailand 30320
Nearest Airport: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang International Airport
Opening Hours: 8AM – 8PM, Daily
Price: 100 Baht (~S$4) for Adults; 50 Baht (~S$2) for Children
Website
Image credit: @izzy__z
Nobody would’ve guessed that Muek Lek Sunflower Fields a.k.a Thailand’s biggest sunflower field would be tucked away in this little province of Lopburi in central Thailand.
Just a mere 2-hour drive from Bangkok, pop by this field for an epic day trip if you’re looking to take a break from the crowded night markets. Entry fee is really affordable too, it’ll only cost you 10 Baht to gain entry to what we dare call happiest place on earth!
Note: You can find all things sunflower-related here – sunflower seeds, honey, and oil just to name a few!
Image credit: @_akpt_
If you’re done for the day, you can seek respite at the nearby PB Valley Khao Yai Winery and spend your evening sampling wines for 320 Baht (~S$13).
Best period to visit: November – January
Where: Muak Lek, Muak Lek District, Saraburi 18180, Thailand
Nearest Airport: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang International Airport
Price: 10 Baht (~S$0.41)
Image credit: @neww.k
This park might be owned by the same people who produce the famed Singha beer, but you won’t find a brewery here. With acres of orangey-pink cosmos and swans casually paddling around the lake, you’ll fool most of your friends into believing you’re holidaying somewhere in the middle of Europe instead.
Image credit: Singha Biz Course
Don’t miss the chance to go on an exhilarating zipline across Singha Park for a rewarding, panoramic view of the vast tea plantation for just 300 Baht (~S$12). Even if you’re not much of a thrill seeker, you can get up close and feed exotic animals like giraffes, zebras, and Watusi cows.
Best period to visit: Mid November – End January
Where: Mae Kon, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Nearest Airport: Chiang Rai International Airport
Opening Hours: All day
Price: 50 Baht (~S$2) for Adults; Free admission for children
Website
The trekking trails and cool climate all year round make this park a hit with travellers who come here for the sole purpose of experiencing the outdoors.
Hiking up the mountainous trails of Phu Soi Dao National Park will take you to the famous 5-tier Phu Soi Dao waterfall. The climb to the summit will take you 6 hours, but if you’re flower field hunting, you need not make the entire journey up because a blanket of pretty purple Murdannia flowers awaits you en route.
Image credit: @athitiyaaaa
Though there are quite a few hotels located nearby, you can rough it out camping instead. Camping essentials and food supplies won’t be provided, but porters will be available for hire at the camping ground – so you won’t have to lug around your heavy rucksacks.
Image credit: @insjanz
P.S. If you’re a huge fan of the Twilight saga, this is the perfect opportunity for you to re-enact the proposal scene in the movie, Eclipse.
Image credit: GIPHY
Don’t forget to stock up on drinks and munchies before hitting the road, it’ll take about 3 hours for you to get here from Chiang Mai.
Best period to visit: Mid August – Early October
Where: Bo Phak, Chat Trakan District, Phitsanulok 65170, Thailand
Nearest Airport: Sukhothai Airport
Opening Hours: 8AM – 2PM, Daily
Price: 200 Baht (~S$8) for Adults; 100 Baht (~S$4) for Children
Website
Image credit: @nattel
Jim Thompson Farm features a Farm Tour, where you’ll get to harvest rice and vegetables at their U-Pick Garden, giving you a taste of what it’s really like to be a farmer. Apart from farm activities, this place is also home to well-tended flower fields that carpet almost the entire farm.
Image credit: The Nation
This sizable farm has a total of 5 attractions, and the best way to explore the entire place is to either rent a car or join a local tour.
Pro-tip: Hop onto the free tram service to save yourself (and your legs) from the trouble of walking around the huge farm!
Best period to visit: December – January
Where: 2072, Tambon Takhop, Amphoe Pak Thong Chai, Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima 30150, Thailand
Nearest Airport: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang International Airport
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 9AM – 5PM, Closed on Sun
Price: 150 Baht (~S$6) for Adults, 100 Baht (~S$4) for Children; Check ticket prices here.
Website
With its cool climate, mountain ranges, and waterfalls aplenty, it’s no wonder Wang Nam Khiao is known as the ‘Switzerland of Isan’. A popular attraction to the locals, the Floral Park is a must-see if you’re around the area! You can expect an outdoor version of our Flower Dome at Gardens By The Bay, except, it’s a lot bigger.
Image credit: @phupha_sweet
With a total of 8 flower zones including a vertical garden, flower maze, and bamboo tunnel – there’s nothing quite as dreamy as the sight and the smell. We can totally imagine a wedding photoshoot happening here!
Image credit: @somebodyontheratth
Because this farm is only an hour’s’ drive away from the Jim Thompson Farm, we suggest staying around the area so it’s convenient for you to kill two birds with one stone!
Best period to visit: December – February
Where: 119 Moo 5, Tambon Wang Nam Kiew. District green, Nakhon Ratchasima 30370
Nearest Airport: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang International Airport
Opening Hours: All day
Price: 150 Baht (~S$6) for Adults; 50 Baht (~S$2) for Children
Website
Image credit: Thailand
Mae Fah Luang Gardens will make you forget about the tulip fields in Holland or even the flower shows in Taiwan. Located in the coldest part of Thailand, you’ll find an array of exotic flowers here like roses, dahlias and tulips – making for a postcard-worthy scene for any visitor!
Image credit: @twononaka
Tucked within the garden itself, Doi Tung Tree Top Walk will have you overcome your fear of heights as you attempt to cross this 390-metre long rope bridge. For 150 Baht (~S$6), you’ll be able to see the jungle from up above, overlooking the dam, distant mountains, and plantation!
Image credit: @ts.taro
When you’re done, follow the path back towards the entrance of the garden and you’ll be greeted by Doi Tung Cafe, a quaint rest stop where you can treat yourself to iced coffee and cakes. They also sell locally-produced handicrafts, so you can bring some keepsakes back home for your loved ones.
Fun fact: The coffee served at Doi Tung Cafe has been grown, harvested, and roasted locally!
Best period to visit: October – February
Where: Mae Fa Luang, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57240, Thailand
Nearest Airport: Chiang Rai International Airport
Opening Hours: 7AM – 6PM, Daily
Price:90 Baht (~S$3.70) for Adults; 45 Baht (~S$1.85) for Children, Seniors, the Disabled, and Monks
Image credit: @daniellemcfaulphotos
Situated just 40 minutes north of Chiang Mai, take respite from the bustling city and bask in the glory of the floral fields up on Mon Cham Mountain. The chilly weather here lets you wake up to an early morning fog if you happen to be camping around the area.
Image credit: Swabhava
If you’re looking to camp out in comfort, head straight to the Mon Cham Camping Resort. For just 600 Baht (~S$24) where you’ll find the safety of a private compound, private bathrooms, hot running water, and electricity.
Image credit: @pqueenp
And if you make the climb to the peak, you’ll have the beauty of the Log Swing to work up wanderlust amongst your followers on IG.
Note: There aren’t many ATMs in the area, so it’s best to come prepared with cash!
Best period to visit: October – February
Where: Tambon Mae Raem Amphoe Mae Rim Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
Nearest Airport: Chiang Mai International Airport
Opening Hours: 7AM – 9PM, Daily
Price: 90 Baht (~S$3.70) for Adults; 45 Baht (~S$1.85) for Children, Seniors, the Disabled, and Monks
Whether you’re a social media butterfly always on the lookout for new Insta-worthy spots for your feed or just one who loves to admire the beauty of nature, these places are sure to let you experience Thailand like never before.
This post was brought to you by Amazing Thailand.
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