Bua Tong Blossom Festival ‘Enjoy sering beautiful yellow flowers.’

If you want to fill your lungs with crisp, unpolluted mountain air while surrounding yourself with the beauty of nature, the Bua Tong Blossom Festival in Mae Hong Son is the perfect escape. No city noise. No smog. Just rolling hills blanketed in golden blooms, cool breezes, and the slow, relaxing pace of northern Thailand’s mountain life.

The Festival & Blooming Season

The Bua Tong Blossom Festival is held every year at Bua Tong Field on Doi Mae-U-Kho between November and December, the only time the flowers are in bloom. These brilliant yellow blossoms last for about 40 days, making the festival a rare seasonal celebration. With such a short window, planning your visit is essential to witness the spectacle at its peak.

Covering over 800,000 square meters and sitting at an altitude of about 1,600 meters above sea level, the field offers breathtaking panoramic views. Whether you stand at the summit for a 360° perspective or wander along the flower-lined trails, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a golden ocean. Don’t forget your camera—these flowers bloom only once a year.

Academic Insight – The Bua Tong Flower

Known scientifically as Tithonia diversifolia, the Bua Tong or Mexican Sunflower originates from Central America, particularly Mexico. While it can be invasive in some environments, here it is carefully managed and has become a cultural and tourism symbol of Mae Hong Son. Its sunflower-like petals capture the sunlight and glow vividly against the deep green of the surrounding mountains.

Festival Highlights

Aside from admiring the blossoms, the festival offers a small yet heartwarming open-air market right in the field. Visitors can shop for OTOP products (One Tambon One Product), including:

• Fresh local produce
• Handcrafted goods from Mae Hong Son
• Traditional items made by ethnic Hmong and Karen communities

Purchasing these products not only gives you a piece of Mae Hong Son to take home, but also supports local farmers and artisans. It’s the perfect way to enjoy regional flavors—imagine cooking a meal from ingredients you’ve bought right at the festival.

A Place for Relaxation & Connection

The Bua Tong Blossom Festival is ideal for those who love quiet, scenic places. The vast yellow fields and cool highland climate create a calming atmosphere that eases stress and lifts the spirit. Whether you come alone for reflection, with friends for adventure, or with family for bonding, the shared experience of being surrounded by beauty makes the trip unforgettable.

How to Get There

The festival takes place near Khun Yuam District in Mae Hong Son Province.

• By Car: Drive along Highway 108 from Mae Hong Son town, then turn onto Highway 1263 toward Doi Mae-U-Kho. The final stretch winds through the mountains, rewarding you with stunning scenery at every bend.
• By Shuttle Bus: During the festival, local authorities in Khun Yuam operate daily shuttle services to the flower fields. The buses wait at designated spots in Khun Yuam town, making it easy for visitors who prefer not to drive.

Travel Tips

• Timing: Visit mid to late November for peak bloom.
• Clothing: Bring layers—mornings and evenings can be cold.
• Photography: Early morning light is soft and perfect for capturing the golden hues.
• Respect Nature: Stay on marked paths to protect the flowers for future visitors.
• Accommodation: Book early, as festival season draws many travelers.

Why It’s Unforgettable

The Bua Tong Blossom Festival is more than a floral event—it’s a celebration of nature, community, and the unique charm of Mae Hong Son. Between the golden fields, the warm smiles of local vendors, and the crisp mountain air, you’ll carry the memory of this experience long after the petals have fallen.