A walk on the wild side

Burned by the strong sunlight and too little rainfall during a long hot summer, brown trees and yellow fields are normal sights in Isaan, the north-eastern part of Thailand, a place well-known for its bone-dry plateaux, burning heat and spicy dishes.
The wild meadows of Pha Hin Ngam National Park in Thep Sathit district of Chaiyaphum province are so very not different from the rest of the region. They too are yellow and dry until that first shower of rain. Then, the trees spring back to life and start to sprout young, green leaves. The endless yellowish fields hastily gulp down every drop of rain while, underneath, some dormant rhizomes gradually emerge. Within weeks those rootstocks have transformed the fields into greenish blankets dotted with pink flowers.
Known as dok krachiao to the locals, the deep pink Siam tulip has several names, among them pathuma (lotus), bua sawan (heavenly lotus) and bua bok (land lotus). It� a type of pink curcuma and it� actually a member of the ginger family, a cousin of the ginger and turmeric we use in our kitchen.
Early morning is the best time for photo opportunities, as fog lingers among the curvy trees making for some stunning silhouettes. Soft sunlight kisses the sparkling dew drops on the pinkish blossoms spread all over the ground.
A casual stroll through the field is a journey of discovery and at the western end of the park is a sight guaranteed to make you open your eyes in wonder. At Lan Hin Ngam, large rock formations stand in strange shapes, resembling a hen, an elephant or even a nail.

If you go ..
Pa Hin Ngam National Park, (044) 890 105, is about 300 kilometres from Bangkok. The Siam tulips bloom from now until end of this month. Try not to visit the park on the weekend, as it� packed with visitors.
Campers can pitch their tents and rough it out in the national park. There are cottages, run by the park, for rent. Book in advance at www.DNP.go.th/parkreserve/. For outdoor BBQ or cooking, bring your own supplies and equipment.