by Suman Gupta
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting local and international tourists to enjoy one of Thailand’s most amazing natural sights, the famous Dok Krachiao – or Siam Tulips – in Bloom in the Pa Hin Ngam and Sai Tong National Parks. The event is celebrated in a fun Dok Krachiao Blooming Festival 2017, which takes place from 1 June to 30 September.
The official opening of the Dok Krachiao Blooming Festival 2017 will take place on 17 June at Pa Hin Ngam National Park in Thep Sathit district, Chaiyaphum province, and there will be a night parade showcasing the local culture. During the Festival itself, there will be fun activities to enjoy and tours of the flower fields in Pa Hin Ngam and Sai Thong. There are also hill treks, a fair selling local food and handcrafts, and musical concerts to enjoy. The Dok Krachiao – or Siam Tulip, (Curcuma alismatifolia) is not actually a tulip but related to the ginger plant and grows across the province of Chaiyaphum in Northeastern Thailand, as well as in Lao PDR and Cambodia. The flower fields come into bloom during the region’s rainy season.
Other attractions for Visitors: Visitors heading to Chaiyaphum should not only make sure to attend the annual Dok Krachiao Blooming Festival if they want to appreciate the many wonders of this Isan province. Pa Hin Ngam National Park has amazing natural wonders to explore including Mo Hin Khao, which has fascinating rock formations, carved out by the wind and rain over millions of years. Sai Thong National Park also boasts fields of Dok Krachiao as well as the stunning Sai Thong Waterfall, which cascades over several levels and offers canoeing and bathing. Many people visit the Pha Hum Huet Viewpoint, which has some amazing views over the greenery of the Park from a scenic rock shelf. Aside from the Parks, the local areas offer cultural attractions; such as, the famous Chao Pho Phraya Lae Shrine believed by locals to protect the province and the Ban Khwo Silk Weaving Village, which makes the famous shimmering Isan silk in a huge range of colours.
