Blooming Krachiao Flower Festival in Chaiyaphum

If you are a sucker for greens and delicate flowers, then this is the best time for you to visit Pa Hin Ngam National Park and Sai Thong National Park in Chaiyaphum Province of Thailand. Chaiyaphum Province (342 km northeast of Bangkok) from 1 June to 1 August has the seasonal flower “Krachiao” in full bloom.

Krachiao or curcuma is in the ginger family and is widely found in Pa Hin Ngam National Park of Thep Sathit County and Sai Thong National Park of Nong Bua Raheu County. During the rainy season, the flower blooms in abundance and carpets the forest in Pa Hin Ngam National Park with its mauve and pinkish colours. Known as the “Siam tulip”, the sight of these pinkish-purple flowers in bloom is a wonderful spectacle. Held over two months each year, the Blooming Krachiao Flower Festival celebrates the blooming of this flower in rainy season.

Getting to Chaiyaphum province is not a big problem. From Bangkok, drive along Highway 1 and go past Saraburi. When you reach Ban Phu Khae Village, turn right onto Highway 21. When you arrive at Chai Badan County, continue driving on Highway 205. You will go past Sonthi Sub-county. Before getting near Thep Sathit County, turn left onto Highway 2354. Drive for 17 km and turn left onto an asphalt road. Go on for about 13 km. The park office will come in sight. There are also regular bus services from Bangkok to Chaiyaphum.

The unique geographical landscape of Chaiyaphum Province in the northeast of Thailand gives rise to a range of natural attractions of exceptional beauty. Besides enjoying the flowers and beautiful surroundings, travelers can visit the Phang Hoei viewpoint, which commands a fine panoramic view of the Central Plains and the Northeast. Lan Hin Ngam, is a nearby area full of beautiful stone formations in different shapes and sizes. The rocks are in many different shapes resembling castles, animals and the FIFA World Cup.

Sai Thong Waterfall is also worth visiting. You should not miss walking along the natural trail to the “end of the land” viewpoint which is a cliff at the edge of the mountain range. Standing there and looking down, you will get a fine panoramic view of the Central Plains and the Northeast.