✦
|

Red Lotus Festival at Lake Nong Harn near Udon Thani

BySebastien
Every year around December-January, there are thousands and thousands of red lotus blooming in a lake near Udon Thani: Nong Harn Lake. It can also be called “Nong Han” lake or “Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake”

It is also called the “Lake of red water lilies” and it is a unique and spectacular thing to see.

This lake is about 20,000 rai and an important source of water for the province. It is very shallow and there is only about 1 meter of water in that lake. It goes into “Nam Pow” river. It starts around October but the highlight is around December and January….and it can blossom until the end of March. You must go in the morning as the flower bloom from dawn to noon. This lake is also famous for a Thai folklore story that you can read here on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_Festival#Nang_Ai.2C_Phadaeng.2C_and_Phangkhi   Other links about this lake in Udon Thani:  

Visitor Tips

Red Lotus Festival At Lake Nong Harn

Located in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), this is one of the many dining options available to visitors and expats in the Isaan region of Thailand. When visiting restaurants in Korat, it is customary to order several dishes to share. Most restaurants in this area serve both Thai and international cuisine, and staff often speak some English.

Getting There

Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) is located approximately 250 km northeast of Bangkok. You can reach Korat by bus from Bangkok’s Mo Chit terminal (about 3.5 hours), by train from Hua Lamphong station, or by minivan from Chatuchak. Tuk-tuks and songthaews (shared trucks) are the most common local transport within the city.

About Isaan Cuisine

The Isaan region of northeastern Thailand has its own distinct culinary tradition, influenced by Lao and Khmer cultures. Signature dishes include som tam (spicy papaya salad), larb (spiced minced meat salad), sticky rice (khao niao), and grilled chicken (gai yang). Food in Isaan tends to be spicier and more sour than central Thai food, using ingredients like padaek (fermented fish sauce) and fresh herbs.

Useful Legal Resources for Expats in Thailand

Related on this site

Isaan & Northeast Thailand

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Red Lotus Festival at Nong Harn Lake?

The Red Lotus Sea (ทะเลบัวแดง) at Nong Harn Lake near Udon Thani is one of Thailand’s most spectacular natural phenomena. Each winter (December–February), millions of red lotus flowers bloom across the lake, creating a breathtaking carpet of pink-red colour. Visitors take longtail boats to glide through the flowers at sunrise.

When is the best time to see the red lotus at Nong Harn?

The red lotus blooms from roughly mid-December to early February. The flowers are fully open from sunrise (around 6am) until about 11am, after which they close in the heat. Peak bloom is usually January. Arrive very early — boats fill up quickly and the lotus closes by mid-morning.

How do I get to Nong Harn Lake from Korat or Udon Thani?

From Udon Thani city: about 60 km southeast on Highway 2020 to Ban Dung district, then to Nong Harn village. From Korat: about 280 km north via Khon Kaen (Highway 2) then west to Udon Thani direction. The nearest airport is Udon Thani International (flights from Bangkok ~1 hour). Boat tickets are purchased at the lakeside.

Is the Red Lotus Sea worth the trip from Korat?

Yes, especially if combined with other Udon Thani attractions: the prehistoric Bronze Age settlement at Ban Chiang (UNESCO World Heritage), Udon Thani city’s excellent street food (the famous Isaan sausage market), and the Nong Prajak Park in the city. A 2-day trip from Korat covers the main highlights comfortably.

More in Isaan – Northeast Thailand

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply