Yellow flowers of Bua Tong, or Mexican sunflowers, are now in full bloom in Mae Hong Son.
To promote the blossom, Khun Yuam District is holding the annual "Blossoming Bua Tong Flowers On Doi Mae U-Kho" festival, starting today until early December.
Located in Ban Surin, tambon Yuam Noi or about 92km from Mae Hong Son airport, Doi Mae U-Kho is situated about 1,500m above sea level. During the cold season, the wildflowers will blanket the 500 rai of hilly land, turning it into the field of gold. The phenomenon attracts thousands of visitors a day.
Although the flower field is a popular tourist attraction, the mountain marigold is an invasive alien species. It is native to Central America. The flower was believed to be brought into the Land of Smiles by Christian missionaries decades ago. It is also a fast-growing weed that doesn't have an economic purpose. Since the flower takes over the hilltop, the blossom during November and December stretches out as far as the eye can see. It is believed to be the largest Mexican sunflower field in the country.
To visit the gold flower field, drive on Highway 108 from Muang Mae Hong Son to Khun Yuam district and turn left onto Road 1263 and then Road 4069 for 26km to the Mexican sunflower viewpoint on Doi Mae U-Kho.
For more information, call the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Mae Hong Son Office on 053-612-982/3.
