THE ANNUAL CHERRY-BLOSSOM HUNT BEGINS
It doesn’t seem like a long time ago when 2018 showed up as the new year. However, the day after tomorrow, we’ll be seeing its final month. Time does fly. And the faster it flies, the shorter our lives are. But don’t pout, there’s also good news. Arriving with the transition of the years is the blossoming of the nang phya sua khrong or wild Himalayan cherry (Prunus cerasoides), which will add life and colour to several high mountains of the North and the upper Northeast. With the exact dates varying from one location to another, and not the same each year, the nang phya sua khrong trees flaunt their pink flowers roughly from late December to the end of January, with the peak period in each area lasting about a week or so. The following are a number of recommended sites where you can enjoy scenery dominated by the grace of cherry blossoms. They are under the care of different agencies but are all open to visitors.
Khun Chang Khian, Chiang Mai
Coordinates: 18°50’24.47” N 98°53’53.76” E Surrounded by the forest of the famous Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, this nang phya sua khrong site is a highland agriculture research station of Chiang Mai University. It is easy to get to since it is close to the city, just a short drive further from the park’s Doi Pui camping ground and a kilometre or so before Khun Chang Khian Hmong village. Call the park on 086-420-5242 or visit its Facebook page on www.facebook.com/DoiSuthepPuiNP.
Khun Wang, Chiang Mai
Coordinates: 18°37’40.61” N 98°30’26.62” E Officially named Royal Agricultural Research Centre Chiang Mai (Khun Wang), this nang phya sua khrong site can be conveniently reached from Doi Inthanon National Park. Apart from the cherry blossoms, you can also enjoy cold-climate fruits, such as pear and peach, which are grown at the centre. Call 0819602033 or visit www.facebook.com/ Cm.Khunwang.
Doi Kham Fa, Chiang Mai
Coordinates: 19°33’15.40” N 98°48’19.67” E This site is located within a less-known Pha Daeng National Park. Besides the cherry blossoms, from here you can also enjoy a magnificent view of the mighty Doi Luang Chiang Dao, Thailand’s tallest limestone mountain, from the north. The place can be reached via an 8km dirt road that is best travelled with 4X4 vehicles. Shuttle service is available. Call 081-881-7346 or visit www.facebook.com/ kaew0819927346.
San Pa Kia, Chiang Mai
Coordinates: 19°18’49.75” N 98°49’54.41” E This nang phya sua khrong site on Doi Mae Taman in Chiang Dao district is another highland agriculture research station of Chiang Mai University. From the station and its neighbour, Mae Taman Watershed Management Unit, you can also enjoy the view of Doi Luang Chiang Dao from the south. Call 053-222-014 and 053-944-052.
Doi Ang Khang, Chiang Mai
Coordinates: 19°54’02.61” N 99°02’23.95” E On this famous mountain almost 160km north of Chiang Mai city, you can find the cherry blossoms at its namesake royal agricultural station and in many areas along the way. The mountain road is well paved and good for all type of cars. Call 053-969-492 or visit www.royalprojectangkhang.com.
Khun Mae Ya, Mae Hong Son
Coordinates: 19°13’47.10” N 98°34’40.84” E This watershed management unit is located off Road 1095 (Mae Malai-Pai), between kilometre 67 and 68. The 8km access road is unpaved. Shuttle service is available for visitors who come with cars that have low ground clearance. Call 090-467-0984 or visit https://bit.ly/2SgbJu1.
Doi Mae Salong, Chiang Rai
Coordinates: 20°09’56.83” N 99°37’23.41” E Home to Chinese communities, this mountain in Mae Fa Luang district was among the original nang phya sua khrong viewing sites. You can experience the locals’ way of life, try delicious Chinese food, and visit tea plantations and other attractions. Call 053-765-114—9 or 053-765-129.
Phu Lom Lo, Loei
Coordinates: 16°58’56.89” N 101°04’18.20” E The easiest way to reach this site, which is part of Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, is via a Hmong village called Ban Rong Kla. The road condition from Ban Rong Kla, although unpaved, is not so bad. But from the village, you may have to leave your car and take the shuttle service. Call 081-596-5977 or visit www.facebook.com/PhuhinrongklaNP and www.facebook.com/rongkla055. Hope this will be of some help in planning your cherry blossom hunt. As already mentioned, the timing of the flowering at each place is not the same. The first two weeks of January is usually a safe bet. It’s wise to have a private vehicle with camping gear and some supplies. This allows you to be flexible to move around in search of the best place. In Chiang Mai, where there are many nang phya sua khrong spots available, you have a better chance to see the much-awaited flowers. You can even drive further to sites in adjacent provinces like Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son. In other areas, you need to be more precise about the dates. Use the provided phone numbers and links to check for the exact dates a few days prior to your travel. Do not call too long beforehand because the blooming days cannot be correctly predicted until the flower buds form.