Basking in the ‘Sun’ in Khao Yai’s Sunflower Fields

Mention sunflower fields in Thailand, chances are one will think of Sara Buri or Lop Buri province. However, with the growing popularity of sunflower fields, many other provinces have started growing them. Nakhon Ratchasima province is one of them, with sunflowers being grown in Khao Yai among others. The sunflower season in Khao Yai usually starts in November and ends around January or February, depending on the weather. Our visit to Khao Yai coincided nicely with the blooming of sunflowers in their Pak Chong district. We were so thrilled and eager to visit one in full bloom, we did so on the day we reached Khao Yai.

This sunflower field is in Rai Manesorn, Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. There are two sunflower fields, spanning about 400 rai (0.64 sq.km).

Flower viewing is an activity I find amazingly therapeutic. The fields of yellow sunflowers blooming cheerfully in a lush green field is a sight to behold. I love the simple act of walking among the vibrant flowers under a sunny blue sky. We were indeed lucky to have caught the sunflowers at the peak of their blooms.

The open faces of the flower resembles the sun and radiates positive vibes through its symbolism of warmth, adoration, loyalty and longevity. Can you believe it? We spent 2 hours here just admiring these blooms?

Even the flower buds looked so sweet, awaiting the right moment to burst into life.

The flowers were big, very big. If you measure them from centre to edge of the petals, some were as almost big as my face. No kidding! Here’s a comparison of a blooming sunflower with a 1 baht coin.

Raised platforms, such as these, are built and manned by enterprising individuals. We recommend paying 10 bahts per person to gain ‘unlimited’ access to these platforms. The platforms have varying heights so you can try to capture the beauty in front of you from different heights and angles. Seriously, you will be amazed how much better the photos turned out to be taking from an elevated height.

There is a row of stalls selling drinks, local snacks and sunflower seeds (both cooked and uncooked versions). You can even get a pack of seeds at 10 baht to try growing your own sunflowers in your backyard.

Admission was charged at 80 bahts per person, which was collected at the entrance as our taxi drove into the compound.

We are, regrettably, unable to share the address of this place. But most likely your local driver will know where this is, if you have engaged one. Otherwise you can also try checking with your hotel concierge.

*****************************************

Read about our trip itinerary and the places we visited in Bangkok and Khao Yai Itinerary 2017.