During the rainy season in Thailand (between June-October) many kinds of trees are budding, everywhere is green, and everything is fresh. In the Isaan region (north east Thailand) the rainy season is a time when the Siam Tulip (locally known as Krachiao, Patumma, Bua Sawan or heaven lotus, Bua Bok or the land lotus) takes to blossom and turns the dry Northeast region into a colorful paradise.  Krachiao is actually a local weed that grows easily over the country and most prolifically in the area around Pha Hin Ngam Park.

Earlier in the rainy season this year, I had a chance to experience a beautiful natural wonder while taking in the annual Krachiao Flower Festival at Thep Sathit district in Chaiyaphum province.  The festival is being held 1 June – 31 August this year and it is a great time to visit north east Thailand, when the typically arid climate is tempered by the cooling rains.

On my first trip to this area, I get to Thep Sathit District quite late and stop to rest at a small hotel.  I spend a sleepy evening listening to the sound of cicalas in the trees and prepare for a day I have looked forward to for quite some time.  That night I dream of Krachiao flowers (the Siam Tulip) because I cannot wait to get my first glimpse.

I wake up early and grab my all-purpose backpack that is set out and ready for a trip to Pha Hin Ngam National Park.  The drive is about 40 km from Thep Sathit downtown and I am hoping to get some pictures of the sunrise. It is not to be, however, because when I arrive there is a thick white foggy mist covering the landscape.  All I can make out are the shadowy silhouettes of the trees, the twinkle of dew drops, and the beautiful pink blossoms spread over the ground in front of me. I reach my arms over my head and touch the foggy mist that surrounds me, take in some deep breaths, and try to memorize all the sensations of this wonderful moment.

The atmosphere in this place is unique, unlike other forests. Instead of the trees, countless pink Krachiao blossoms dominate with their lotus-like petals reaching to the sky. I walk carefully follow the boardwalks that have been provided for tourists to preserve the park and the precious pink flowers.

While the sun rises, the scenery grows clearer and it is now easy to shoot many beautiful pictures of this flourishing paradise. I had begun this day with a journey to discover purple-pink blossoms, green grasses, and thriving forest and I have well succeeded. The experience has changed, if even temporarily, my views of life and of nature. The freshness and the natural wonder of that day are now among my most special moments.

I have been taking many, many photos and eventually I realize it is time to leave. The tiny shivering leaves on the trees are playing with the soft wind. I am in great spirits and I promise to come back to this place. I have only a little bit of time to appreciate the visit but I am grateful that this place crossed my path, even for a short while.  I have seen the Siam Tulip in its entire natural beauty and I am happy to have had this chance to interact with nature at this very special place.