Wild Himalayan cherry on Doi Inthanon

What it is

Doi Inthanon is the highest mountain in Thailand, south-west of Chiang Mai. In the cool season the wild Himalayan cherry, which Thais call nang phaya suea khrong, flowers on its slopes. The best known spot is the agricultural research station at Khun Wang, where rows of the trees turn pink, usually in the second half of January. Near the summit, two modern pagodas built for the late king and queen are surrounded by terraced gardens of temperate flowers that would not survive in the lowlands. The royal project station on the mountain grows cut flowers and has display gardens open to visitors.

Before you go

• The cherry bloom lasts only about two weeks. Check local reports in January.
• Start from Chiang Mai before dawn. It is a long day trip.
• Temperatures near the summit can be close to freezing at sunrise.

The flowers you will see

Wild Himalayan CherryA cherry tree with pinkish white blossoms from the Himalayas and Southeast AsiaRhododendronA vast group of shrubs and trees with showy blooms in many coloursHydrangeaFlowering shrubs with large heads that change color with soil pHChrysanthemumAutumn-blooming flower with thousands of varieties, cherished in East Asia and beyond

More in Chiang Mai

🇹🇭 Chiang Mai · Jan to DecMon Cham in the cool seasonA ridge-top viewpoint in Mae Rim with terraced vegetable and flower plots and cool mountain air. 🇹🇭 Bangkok · All yearPak Khlong Talat by nightBangkok's round-the-clock flower market near the river, at its fullest after dark. 🇹🇭 Bangkok · All yearThread a phuang malai garlandA short class in the Thai craft of threading jasmine and other flowers into offering garlands. 🇹🇭 Pattaya · All yearNong Nooch Tropical GardenA very large private botanical garden near Pattaya, known for palms, cycads and orchids. 🇹🇭 Chaiyaphum · Jun to AugSiam tulip fields of ChaiyaphumIn the early rains, pink wild flowers called krachiao cover forest clearings in north-east Thailand. 🇹🇭 Udon Thani · Jan to DecRed lotus lake of KumphawapiA shallow lake in north-east Thailand that is covered in pink water lilies on cool-season mornings.