A Visit to the Sunflower Festival in Lopburi
I probably won’t get a chance to visit this year, but the sunflower festival in Lopburi is highly recommended. They call it a festival, but it is actually just a period of time when sunflowers can be found in the area around Lopburi and Sariburi province. The locals do make a big show out of the whole thing with stalls and other entertainment at the biggest sunflower fields. This Lopburi festival takes place during the cool season here in Thailand from November until around the middle of January.
Tando Ādam Thailand and Sunflowers
I had never really associated Thailand with sunflowers, but it does make sense; after all there is certainly enough sun. The plant originated in Mexico, but they always put me in mind of the pictures of Van Gogh. People have worshiped these plants as being objects of the gods, and it is used now in a variety of products. At this time of year many local people just love to eat these seeds; they also make cooking oil from the flower.
People travel from all over Thailand and the world to see these charming flowers; with well over 12,000 hectares of sun flowers in Lopburi alone there is plenty of them to see. The local farmers are well aware of the importance of attracting tourists to the area so they strategically plant their fields at different times to make sure that there are always some sunflowers to see during the cool season.
cheap generic prednisone Where to Go for the Lopburi Sunflower Festival
The largest sun flower field is about 40 km away from the old city in Lopburi. It is in Phatthana Nikom district in an area called Chong Sarika. As you get nearer to the sunflower fields you will begin to see a few signs pointing the way. The first time I drove there we ended up in the wrong field, but we still got to see plenty of sunflowers so we didn’t mind.
The sunflower festival is something a bit different for those who are in the area. It certainly provides plenty of photo opportunities, and the fact that the weather is slightly cooler at this time of year means visiting a field isn’t too much of a chore. Thai people seem to really get enthusiastic about the whole thing and a big party atmosphere can be enjoyed during the peak of the sunflower festival. There is something wonderful about seeing sunflowers as far as the eye can see. My son loves it, and other kids seemed to be having a good time as well. If you want to join in the festival this year then you better get your skates on because there isn’t much time left.
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Paul having not long returned from Phu Rua’s annual flower festival I know how much these shows appeal to people and Thais especially. A country as colourful as Thailand wouldn’t be so without its fantastic plants and garden buds. Flowers play a very big part in Thai peoples lives, Buddhism especially so.
Whenever I see rolling fields of sugar cane, flowers or whatever in Thailand it always reminds me of the corn fields and poppy fields I used to marvel at in my young days as a kid in rural Wiltshire back in the UK.
I swear to God that sometimes when I’m travelling in rural Thailand I am so often reminded of the green fields of home. One of the very first impressions I took in about Thailand was what a very green (vegetation) country it was. I’d always imagined it would be dry and a horrid brown.
I know what you are saying Martyn. Even though the rural scenery can be quite different it does sometimes remind me of home – especially at certain times of the year. We went to Khao Yai for the New Year, and some areas certainly felt a bit European.
Paul, if you hit the right stretch of road (no banana trees etc) the view is excactly like back home, the colours are remarkably similar.
Forgot to mention, the top photo is a smashing picture of you and your son.
I woke at 6-30 today, kee kiat mark mark.
Hi Martyn, I was up at about 5 am, but for some reason no matter how early I get up I still don’t start working until after 7am. I just waste the time messing around on the web. I need more discipline 🙂
Paul, I’m glad you reminded me about the sunflowers as there’s supposed to be a trip out that way soon (the man forgot – a nudge is on the way). I first came across them awhile ago (last year?) when on a field trip to Saraburi.
Not a rock in sight, but I made Khun Pissout slam on the breaks so I could take some pics.
The sunflowers were dried but even so they were stunning. To take the pics I surprised everyone by getting down in the dirt underneath the drooping flowers to get a shot (the pics in my catherinewentworth site don’t do them justice – pity).
PS: I can’t get enough photos of your beautiful baby boy. He’s such a sweetie. And it’s wonderful seeing his proud dad in the photos too.
Hi Catherine, the field at Phatthana Nikom in Lopburi is well worth a visit. Sunflowers as far as the eye can see.
Thanks Paul. If it happens, I’ll let you know. But I’m not usually in charge on these types of trips. Sometimes I get lucky and if I’m quick enough I can shock K Pissout into stopping before there’s a consensus against (two to one).
I wonder I can see the sunflowers in the end of January? Anyone knows any hotel where I just take 5 or 10 min to the field? I love to enjoy the field at the early morning.
Hii Jesmux, the nearest hotels that I know are in Lopburi – a good half hour drive from the sunflower fields. Maybe one of the other readers will be able to advise you?
Hi Paul, Nice photos.
Do any1 know the flood condition in Lopburi? Is the sunflower farm get affected ?
Sorry Vincent, if I hear anything I’ll let you know. I drove on the outskirts of Lopburi the other day, and the floods seemed to have receded. I’m not sure how it will all impact the sunflowers – negatively I suspect.
Thanks for your info
Hopefully everything will be fine 🙂