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Thousands of tourists are now flocking to the summit of Doi Khun Mae Ya in the small town of Pai in Mae Hong Son province. They are not just there for the cooler weather but also to admire and photograph the amazing sea of pink Himalayan Cherry flowers - or Thai sakura - that bloom throughout the month.

Spread over 50 rai in the Khun Mae Ya water resource conservation centre in Huay Nam Dang National Park, Doi Khun Mae Ya, which is home to 94 hilltribe families, was once a vast opium poppy plantation.

Around 30 years ago, the United Nations teamed up with the Thai government to teach villagers about cultivating cash crops. Their efforts paid off and today, visitors can delight in the sight of shady orchards, terraced paddy fields and arabica coffee plantations while they explore the mountain.

In 1974, the centre planted Thai sakura, whose long roots suck up the abundant groundwater. Visitors wishing to spend a night under a pink canopy can make arrangements with the centre to camp on the hill.

But those who prefer more comfort should head to Pai, home to chic coffeehouses and eateries, as well beautiful boutique resorts. As darkness falls, there's a chance to shop at the town's night market, where more than 200 vendors and homegrown designers set up their booths.

In the evening, the street doubles as a platform for local artists while most stalls offer an innovative selection of Tshirts, notebooks, shopping bags and keyrings at reasonable prices. Stroll deeper and you'll find dozen red mailboxes and a crowd of tourists sharing their best experiences on a postcard. Shoppers can also find a wide range of vintage toys, bohemian clothing and handmade accessories, plus corners serving local food, desserts and herbal beverages.

Another place to see the Thai sakura is Khun Chang Kien on Doi Suthep in bustling Chiang Mai. This is the highland research and training centre of Chiang Mai University's faculty of agriculture, and also features an 80rai terraced coffee plantation and Chinese plum orchards. For those weary of trekking, the centre has a small cafe serving hot espresso and homemade cakes plus a guesthouses with rooms going for just Bt600 a night.

XTRA

Over the hills and far away

>>Khun Chang Kien highland research and training centre is on Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai. Call (053) 944 052.

>>Doi Khun Mae Ya is in Huay Nam Dang National Park, Pai district. Call (053) 276 1000.