Japan and Washington, D.C. may be top of mind when it comes to cherry blossom season, but plenty of other destinations also spring to life with soft pink petals offering their own take on the annual natural sensation. And while Thailand is trending now with White Lotus bloom, the Asian nation is also one of the most underrated cherry blossom destinations. So much so that it’s been dubbed the “Sakura of the Tropics.”
But the early bird definitely gets the prime colors, as this year’s petals have already mostly fallen. Located just 15 degrees north of the equator, the peak season in this tropical climate is in January and February. So be sure to mark your calendars for the next bloom.
According to Gianne Leonne, the senior product director at Away Holidays, the best spot to take in the colors is Phu Lom Lo park in Chiang Mai’s Doi Inthanon National Park. Here, the highland terrain contrasts distinctly with the lush verdant tropical foliage. “For the best views, visit Phu Lom Lo early in the morning when the mist adds a magical touch to the pink canopy,” she added.
The spectacular view is because the 388-square-mile national park is atop Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon, which is more than 8,415 feet above sea level. While that morning mist adds an extra special touch in a sensation called Mae Kha Ning or frost flower, the area tends to offer dramatic fog-covered scenery throughout the day.
That’s not the only spot to catch the colors in Chiang Mai province. Thai local news outlet The Nation also highlighted Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang, saying that while weather conditions can affect prime viewing time, the best blooms tend to be in late January. The research station is best known for its work with cold-weather fruit trees, as well as its azaleas—known as kwaen in Thai—which also bloom in the winter in stunning clusters.
