Season of Wild Himalayan Cherry Blooming Starts in Northern Thailand

Khun Chang Khian Highland Agriculture Research Centre, Chiang Mai
This research centre run by the University of Chiang Mai’s Faculty of Agriculture sits up the famous Doi Suthep mountain. Cherry trees were planted here intentionally to draw tourists – and the idea proved to be a success. There is a coffee shop on top run by local Hmong people to sip a cup of mountain coffee while admiring pink hues all over the mountains.

Khun Wang Royal Agricultural Research Centre, Chiang Mai
This royal agricultural centre is located 1,400 m above the sea level and is arguably one of the best places to see wild Himalayan cherries in bloom. There are also strawberry flields in the park so you can stock up on some flavoursome berries, too.

Phum Lom Lo, Loei
A former cabbage plantation in Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park in Loei, in the northeastern region of Thailand, transforms into a pink wondergarden each year in winter after some 100,000 wild Himalayan cherry trees were planted there by the Hmong farmers. During January–February night temperatures are normally around 10 degrees Centigrade there so come prepared.

Doi Chang, Chiang Rai
Doi Chang is all about coffee but in December over 500,000 blooming cherry trees turn the area into a fairy-tale country. Initially, the trees were planted by the Chiang Rai Highland Agricultural Extension Centre for experimental purposes.

Doi Mae Salong, Chiang Rai
Think Mae Salong – think tea. This hilltop border village in Thaialnd is home to the ethnic Chinese minorities who grow oolong tea there. From December 28 to January 2 blooming cherry trees form a perfect backdrop for the Doi Mae Salong Tea and Sakura Festival packed with cultural activities and ethnic performances.

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