The Thung Bua Tong sunflower fields are located in the Khun Yuam district, 90 kilometers (or a 1 hour 45 minute drive) from Mae Hong Son. They cover 160 hectares at the summit of Doi Mae U-Kor and are entirely covered with Mexican sunflowers, whose blossoms are smaller than those of "classic" sunflowers. Originally from Central America, they are called Dok Bua Tong in Thai. Legend has it that they were brought to Thailand by Christian missionaries. The flowering season extends from mid-October to mid-December, with November offering the most spectacular display (weather permitting, of course). The fields attract many visitors, mostly from Thailand. During the rest of the year, this remote area sees very few visitors. A staircase leads to the summit, offering the panoramic view I showed in my first photo.

There is no public transport to Khun Yuam, but the company Prem Pracha offers minivans that run from the Arcade Bus Terminal in Chiang Mai, the city's main bus station, to Khun Yuam and on to Mae Hong Son. Trips are also available in the opposite direction. However, there are still about 30 kilometers between Khun Yuam and the Mexican Sunflower Fields. Host families in Khun Yuam charge around 1,300 THB for a trip there, including a visit to a nearby waterfall and the return trip. The easiest way to reach the Thung Bua Tong Fields, however, is by car, although finding parking can be challenging due to the heavy traffic.

How to get there

How do you get to the Thung Bua Tong Fields? There is no public transport, but the company Prem Pracha offers minivans that run from the Arcade Bus Terminal in Chiang Mai, the city's main bus station, to Khun Yuam and on to Mae Hong Son. Trips are also available in the opposite direction. However, there are still about 30 kilometers between Khun Yuam and the Mountain of Mexican Sunflowers. Host families in Khun Yuam charge around 1,300 THB for a trip there, including a visit to a nearby waterfall and the return trip to Khun Yuam. The easiest way to reach the Thung Bua Tong Fields, however, is by car, although finding parking can be difficult due to heavy traffic.