- Photo: The Nation/ANN
BANGKOK: Phu Lom Lo is welcoming visitors for the final stretch of the annual bloom of wild Himalayan cherry blossoms — known in Thailand as “Thai sakura” or Dok Nang Phaya Suea Khrong — with viewing expected to continue until mid-January 2026.
Phu Lom Lo is regarded as Thailand’s largest cherry blossom viewing site, with the bloom spread across more than 1,200 rai within Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, in the tri-province border area of Phitsanulok, Phetchabun and Loei.
The mountain is part of the western Phetchabun range, located in Kok Sathon subdistrict, Dan Sai district, Loei.
The mountain has two main peaks at 1,365 metres and 1,664 metres, with Pha Datchani described as the highest point.
One 360-degree viewpoint sits at about 1,542 metres above sea level, and has become popular for sunrise viewing, often shared under the phrase “dawn at Phu Lom Lo”.
Locals offer different explanations for the name “Phu Lom Lo”. In Kok Sathon (Loei), residents say “phu” means mountain and “lo” means “a lot”, referring to strong winds that blow year-round.
Hmong residents in Ban Rong Kla (Phitsanulok) say the name evolved from an older term meaning a mountain where water flows into holes, later becoming “Phu Lom Lo”.
- Photo: The Nation/ANN
The cherry trees — numbering in the tens of thousands — typically bloom in January each year.
The blossoms are usually at full peak around the New Year period, and visitors can view them until mid-January, according to the information provided.
Entry rules and transport
Private vehicles are not allowed to travel up to Phu Lom Lo. Visitors must use community-run tour vehicles, which operate from 5am to 4pm.
From the Phitsanulok side, services operate from:
Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park headquarters: 1,000 baht per vehicle (up to 10 people)
Ban Mai Rong Kla community: 1,000 baht per vehicle (up to 10 people)
From the Loei side, services operate from:
Kok Sathon Tourism Promotion Club: 1,500 baht per vehicle (up to 10 people)
Hmong Isan Tour Group (Ban Tub Kho): 1,300 baht per vehicle (up to 10 people)
- Photo: The Nation/ANN
There are seven blossom plots, spread across a wide area and separated by distance, making the tour vehicles necessary.
There is no accommodation, no camping, and no food or drink for sale on the mountain area. Toilets are available at only one point before the viewpoint.
Visitors are asked to enjoy the blossoms responsibly and must not bend branches, pick, or damage flowers.
The park is open for visits and overnight stays daily, with accommodation bookings available through the national park. - The Nation/ANN
[Source: Protected Areas Regional Office 11 (Phitsanulok); Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park]
