Nakhon Ratchasima, a province in north east Thailand and a few hours’ drive from Bangkok, is known for its spectacular flowers that bloom through winter. A number of festivals are woven around these blooms, and the Flora Park Festival is one of the best. Held at the Flora Park in Wang Nam Khiao district, the festival will run until end of February next year. Over 100,000 flowers of numerous plant and tree species are on display, divided into five themed zones for visitors to explore.
Another interesting place is the Jim Thompson Farm in Pakthongchai. Take a ‘Jim Thompson Farm Tour’, which includes visits to the pink cosmos field, the giant pumpkin patch and flowering fields. At the ‘Jim Village’, visitors can get hands-on and try the silk production processes of the popular Jim Thompson brand, and visit ‘Jim Market’ for vegetable, fruit, pot flower and fresh produce shopping.
You may also head to the PB Valley Khao Yai Winery, said to be largest vineyard in Khao Yai. Apart from holding professional guided Winery Tours, it also holds the PB Flower Park, showcasing seasonal flower gardens and fruit orchards, including that of dragon fruit, passion fruit, mangoes and Japanese Melons. The floral park consists of 9,999 marigolds in the shape of the Thai number nine to honour the much-revered late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. There are more than 60 kinds of flowers and flowering trees that will blanket the 16-rai park with some of the prettiest colours. They also have an annual grape harvest festival in February, 2018.