If the idea of rowing your boat through a lake full of floating flowers excites you, then here is your chance to experience this one-of-a-kind attraction. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting local as well as international tourists to experience the amazing sight at a freshwater lake in Thailand’s Northeastern province of Udon Thani at Nong Han Kumphawapi.
Adorned with thousands of red lilies, the Pink Water Lilies Lake in Thailand is touted as one of the most strangely beautiful lakes in the world.
About ‘Pink Water Lilies Lake’
Covering an area of 36 sq. km, this freshwater lake is located in Thailand’s Northeastern province of Udon Thani. The lake is locally known as Talay Bua Daeng and flows mostly in Kumphawapi district and parts of Prachaksinlapakhomand Ku Kaeo districts. Considered one of Thailand’s most important wetlands, the water of the lake is used for agriculture and local consumption.
What's on offer?
To see the pink water lilies up close, tourists can hire personal cruise boats and capture the striking scenery in their cameras as a variety of fish, birds, wildlife and other aquatic life make the experience even more fulfilling.
You need to travel by boat for around 10 minutes in order to reach the lotus blooms. The boat also stops briefly at one of the small islands where you can visit a Buddhist shrine and relax a bit.
After your boat ride, you may spend some time relaxing at the Thai restaurants next to the Ban Diam Pier.
Extending an invitation to visit the lake, Director of the TAT Udon Thani Office Pawana Prajit recently praised the mesmerizing attraction. She explained how the natural wonders of Nong Han create the illusion of an amazing ‘Pink Water Lilies Lake’.
Best time to visit
The abundant flowers in the lake are in full bloom from October until March. The best time to visit is early morning from 6 am to 11 am.
Getting around
Visitors can hire boats from Ban Diem, Chiang Wae, Ban Chaelae and Ban Non Nam Yoi in Kumphawapi district. If you are in Prachaksinlapakhom then head to Ban Don Kong and in Ku Kaeo district you can hire a boat from Ban Khon Sai.
You can hire a small boat, perfect for a couple, at 300 Baht (Rs 680) for one hour while the larger boat costs 500 Baht (Rs 1,140) for one hour. The price includes a driver, life vests and small canopies which provide shade.
A boat trip on the lake will take around 45 minutes to one and a half hours.
About Udon Thani
Udon Thani is one of the most popular cities in Thailand, known primarily for its archaeological wonders. While the lake remains among the most prominent attractions, there are many other places you can explore when in Udon Thani.
To explore the history, head to Ban Chiang World Heritage Site where the world’s first Bronze Age civilisation is believed to have flourished more than 5,000 years ago. The site is famous for distinctive red-painted pottery and its bronze funeral artefacts.
You can also visit Chao Phu-Yu, which is a colourful Thai-Chinese temple overlooking Nong Bua Lake. To relax and unwind, you can head to Nong Prajak Park which is known for its giant inflatable ducks. The unusual rock formations and religious shrines at Phu Pra Bat Historical Park are also worth a visit.
How to reach Udon Thani
By air: Thai International Airways operates several daily flights from Bangkok from both Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi airports. Bangkok Air flys daily between Suwannabhumi and Udon Thani. If you are looking for low-cost flights then opt for Air Asia, Nok Air and Thai Lion Air which operate flights from Bangkok to Udon Thani.
By train: You can take a train from Bangkok and it takes about 9 hours to reach the destination.
By road: From Bangkok, you can fly-drive via Khao Yai National Park & Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat). If arriving from Vientiane, then you can drive straight to Gecko Villa from Nong Khai.
If you are looking to surprise your beloved this Valentine’s Day then rowing through this beautiful lake could be the most romantic date ever. Make sure you plan well in advance to avoid the crowds!
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