Phu Ruea Christmas tree festival in Thailand
When we think Christmas, we think poinsettias hanging on window frames, the smell of pine trees, cosy winter sweaters, and hot chocolate steam against the first snowfall of the season.
But not all of us are able to travel all the way to Europe to experience your typical Winter Wonderland fantasy. This is where Phu Ruea National Park comes in.
Situated in the cool Loei province of North Thailand, this national park will be celebrating a 2-month-long Christmas Tree Festival from 25th November 2022 until 31st January 2023. The event will feature colourful winter flowers including the district’s famous poinsettias, a Christmas tree adorned with lanterns, and even a wooden windmill that will make it feel like you’re holidaying in Europe. Best of all, the festival is free of charge!
Take a picturesque walk along the Poinsettia Garden
Image credit: Kub Pom Tik from foursquare.com
Phu Ruea District’s cold climate allows for the cultivation of winter flowers that change colours with the season. These flowers will be on full display with ornamental lights in the middle of the park for visitors to enjoy.
Image credit: NATT SK
Phu Ruea District is called “the city of beautiful flowers in three seasons” and for good reason. Instead of traditional agriculture, most residents opt to grow ornamental plants and flowers. It holds the country’s largest poinsettia plantation. During the Christmas season, the courtyard is coloured with green, red, and pink blooms.
Explore the Christmas Courtyard
Image credit: ประสาน เสริมศรีสุวรรณ
Besides the flower garden, the Christmas Courtyard will feature a floral tunnel lined with lanterns and a Christmas tree that will fill the garden with a warm Christmas glow at night.
At the heart of the Christmas Courtyard, surrounded by verdant green pine trees, is the famous windmill that will satiate your longing for European Christmas vibes both in spirit and aesthetics.
Adapted from ToNG ELEGANCE
There’s a café nearby where you can get a coffee (or a hot chocolate) and enjoy the scenery with your friends and loved ones. There’s also a souvenir shop to commemorate your visit to this idyllic little park.
Hike in cool weather
Image credit: vrgn.liebtdasleben
Phu Ruea District is not only a massive flower garden. It is also a 30,000-acre park situated atop the scenic peak of Phu Ruea Mountain. It’s one of the coldest parks in Thailand, offering a unique experience to travellers.
The peak is 1,365m high and features a variety of seasonal flora and fauna, waterfalls, as well as several overhanging cliffs that boast a scenic overview of the entire park. It’s a great place to catch the sunset or – for the early birds – the sunrise.
Getting to Phu Ruea National Park for the Christmas Tree Festival
Image credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand
If you’ve yet to make your Christmas travel plans and if you’re hankering for that Winter Wonderland fantasy, look no further than Phu Ruea Christmas Festival. It combines all your classic Christmas elements in a package that won’t break the bank.
Phu Ruea District is situated in the Loei province of northern Thailand. The district is easily accessed through a domestic flight from Bangkok. The Phu Ruea district centre provides a variety of accommodations including hotels and resorts, as well as cafes, flower markets, and temples.
Phu Ruea National Park is located on top of the Phu Ruea peak. It is a 20-minute car ride away from the district centre. You can also walk over on foot, but remember to bring drinks and snacks on the way as the next rest stop is the park itself.
Access to the park comes with a fee (฿200/~US$5.6 for adults, ฿100/~US$2.8 for children). The Phu Ruea peak experiences Thailand’s coldest temperatures which can fall below freezing, so be sure to pack warm clothes for the visit.
Address: Phu Ruea National Park, Nong Bua, Phu Rua Loei 42160, Thailand
Contact: +66 885095299
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The province of Loei has more to offer. Check out these places to visit when you’re in Loei, Thailand:
Cover image adapted from: Thailand Local Travel, @prim_ladybackpacker