Nature Tourism – Wild Himalayan Cherry Tree Blossoms, Phu Lom Lo, Loei

     Phu Lom Lo, a viewpoint with more than 200,00 blossoming Wild Himalayan Cherry trees (Thailand’s Sakura flower trees), is located in an area covering more than 1,200 rai (nearly 2 square kilometers) in Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, which is on three frontier provinces: Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, and Loei. This location is one of the most popular places for tourists who want to experience nature and find picturesque views for taking photos.

     Generally, the Wild Himalayan Cherry trees start to bloom  once a year, in January. However, the trees do not bloom in exactly the same period each year, as it depends on the weather conditions. Apart from its famous cherry trees, Phu Lom Lo is one of the most beautiful viewpoints to see the sunrise and sunset from.

     Previously, Phu Lom Lo was used for cabbage farming by the Hmong people. Later, the National Parks Department asked them to plant the Himalayan Cherry trees as an alternative to cabbage farming, because they grow well in mountainous areas at an altitude of 1,200-2,400 meters. Phu Lom Lo is 1,664 meters above sea level and is cool all year, which helps the more than 100,000 cherry trees to bloom widely in this area; therefore, this is called Thailand’s Sakura tree viewpoint, which tourists shouldn’t miss.

     However, the way to Phu Lom Lo is sloped; therefore, the park doesn’t allow visitors to drive their own cars. Instead, all of them must use the car service of the local community’s tourist groups. You can visit Phu Lom Lo by using three main routes and services:

1. The nearest way is from Rong Kla House, in Phitsanulok Province. From there, it takes only 45 minutes, and costs 1,000 baht in total, carrying ten tourists, at most, per trip;

    

2. Local community car service point at Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, Phitsanulok Province, with a rate of 1,000 baht for each vehicle (the maximum number of seats is 10);

    

3. Kok Sathon Subdistrict, Dan Sai, Loei Province, with a service rate of 1,500 baht, with a total of not more than 10 persons for each vehicle.

       All vehicle services are available from 5:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with each round taking 2-4 hours.