A guide outlining what to expect at the annual Bua Tong Fields, a spectacular sunflower festival at Doi Mae U Kho in Khun Yuam, Northern Thailand.
Guide to Bua Tong Fields
Table of Contents
At the end of November / start of December, the Bua Tong Field (ทุ่งบัวตองดอยแม่อูคอ) in Doi Mae U Kho (meaning “top of the hills”) becomes a sea of yellow when the Mexican Sunflowers are in full bloom. Additionally, the route is a fabulous steep and twisty ride, which offers panoramic views of the field.
Location:
Thung Bua Tong Fields at Doi Mae U Kho
Entry Fee:
Free. There is no cost for entering the fields
Date:
Mid November – Early December period – blooms for two weeks.
(“Like” Motogirlthailand page for notifications of when the field is in full bloom)
Time:
The field is pretty throughout the day, but sunrise and sunset is the best time to visit
(Sunrise and sunset are also the busiest times. Expect crowds)
Also best to avoid weekends, when the field is at its most crowded.
Viewpoints
There are two main viewpoints of the field, each offering scenic views of the field. The view spans well into the distance, displaying the fabulous yellow and green field. Keep in mind this whole area has limited parking spots, so many vehicles will park along the already fairly narrow roadside. Ride slow and keep a lookout for vehicles pulling out of parking places or overtaking parked vehicles.
Accommodation
If you want to stay over in the fields there are camping spots available on-site (with your own tent), or you can stay in one of the nearby glamping spots, huts and resorts. Most of the accommodation is quite simple but pretty. Eateries are limited around this area, so best to pack some food supplies. Temperatures can drop to 14°С, so best to also pack something warm.
Getting to the Bua Tong Fields
The simplest way to get to the fields, if going from Chiang Mai is via THIS route. If you are planning to turn this into more of a trip then check out my Mae Hong Son loop guide, which gives a few different route suggestions.
– OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO –
Mae Surin Waterfall
Just 9km away is the pretty Mae Surin waterfall. Actually, this is a rather small part of the national park, but worth stopping in to visit. The park charges 200 baht for foreigners (100 Baht foreign child rate. 40 baht for Thai citizens), plus 30 baht to enter on a bike. Additionally, you can camp in this park (which was my choice when staying overnight. Trip report HERE. Camping was free as I had my own tent.) Location HERE.
Posaho Cafe
Just 5 km away from the Bua Thong Fields will get you to a fantastic little open-air community cafe with a rice paddy field view. Posaho Cafe is a local project cafe that offers local blends of coffee and other refreshing drinks, served by local Hilltribe girls. The view is spectacular and the presentation priceless. Location HERE.
Khun Yuam Thai-Japan Friendship Memorial Hall
At 28 km away the memorial hall isn’t so close, but it is a great place to visit if you are planning to head to Khun Yuam. The entry fee is just 100 baht which gives you access to some amazing WWII artefacts, as well as an informative video. A very interesting slice of history in a well-cared-for museum. Location HERE.
GPS Route Map Guide which Includes Bua Tong
GPS Route Map Guide
Fully Guided GPS Route Map
Trip Reports Which Include Bua Tong Fields
If you are looking for inspiration, then check out these trip reports which include the Bua Tong Fields.
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