Bangkok to Chiang Mai: A five-day, four-night trip to view blooming “Phya sua krong” flowers (also known as Thai sakura).

(Bangkok – Bhumibol Dam – Chae Son National Park – Khun Chang Khien Hmong village – Huai Nam Dang National Park – Bangkok)

The trip starts in Bangkok at 6am on Phahonyothin Road (Highway 1). Stop for breakfast at Pak Bang Market on the bank of the Chao Phya River in Sing Buri’s Phrom Buri district. We recommend traditional “phad thai” fried noodle for breakfast and “khanom pia” stuffed bun as a snack for the road. Continue the trip on Highway 1 to Nakhon Sawan. A short distance after the Phayuha Khiri junction, you turn into a bypass and head for Kamphaeng Phet and then Tak. It is time for a stop for lunch at Muang Tak Market. Then resume the trip and head for the Bhumibol Dam, where you can spend the night. Drive along the road to Ban Tak district, get into Sam Ngao district and turn left at the entrance to the Bhumibol Dam. You can stay overnight on a raft house just above the dam. There is enough time to relax and watch the sun set.

The next morning, you can watch the sun rise just above the dam. After breakfast, there is time for a stroll on the dam.

Later in the morning, the trip resumes and the next destination is the Chae Son National Park in Lampang’s Mueang Pan district. Continue on Highway 1 to Lampang. When arriving at Koh Kha district, turn into Highway 1034 and head for Hang Chat district for a visit to Phra That Lampang Luang Temple. Then make a U-turn and head for Mueang district to get to the Chae Son National Park, which is located about 75 kilometres from Mueang district. Here, you can enjoy a bath in spring water and spend the night at the park’s lodging (reservation required).

The following morning, continue the trip to Chiang Mai. Tonight will be spent at Khun Chang Khien Hmong village, a new place in a forest of “Phya sua krong”. Drive along the main road to get past Lamphun and enter Chiang Mai. Turn right to the route for Doi Suthep, where you may visit Phra That Doi Suthep stupa. At around noon, resume the trip from the Palace route. Drive past Doi Pui Hmong village and turn right into a small road with a sign pointing to Khun Chang Khien Hmong village. You should drive with special care in this part as the road is very narrow, steep and winding. The night will be spent at the Doi Suthep-Pui tent ground, in the midst of a “Phya sua krong” forest. There are food shops in this area.

Next morning, it is a trip to the Hmong village, which is not far away, to view the blooming “Phya sua krong” flowers along the road. Parts of the route are paved with compressed red soil, but they are not too difficult for a passenger car. You can find fresh coffee at the place’s only shop, which is part of a Chiang Mai University agricultural station project.

You can spend the entire morning taking photographs and relax. On the return drive to Chiang Mai, you should take the same route. Then head for Mae Rim district, turn into Highway 1095 and continue to the Huai Nam Dang National Park. Stop for lunch at Mae Malai Market in Mae Taeng district. Then continue on Highway 1095 until you reach the Huai Nam Dang National Park, where you can spend the night.

Next morning is time to enjoy viewing a sea of fog and a stroll close to the Nature. After breakfast, prepare for the ride back. You may stop at the entrance to the Mok Fa waterfalls for a cup of coffee at Paen Kled shop. Then head back to Chiang Mai. While on the way, you may stop for lunch and souvenir shopping at Waroros Market. Then it is a long drive to Bangkok.

Remarks: The “Phya sua krong” flower blooms when the weather is cold. It is recommended that you check beforehand. All kinds of vehicle can be used for such a trip. National parks have lodgings and food shops.