Sea of Red Lotuses

Beating the sunrise, two friends and I woke up at 5 am to start our Saturday morning with an otherworldy attraction. Groggy eyed, we made our way to Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake in Udon Thani. After a fourty minute bus ride from our hostel in Udon Thani, a 7 km tuk tuk ride quickly whipped us awake. I managed to hunt down a couple to share a boat with us; where my broken Thai lacks, my plucky American spirit makes up for it.

Soon enough, we embarked on a two hour pontoon ride. The well-traveled boat routes paved the water and a soft breeze grazed the blooming pink beauties. In a hazy dream, we glided through the floating flora as elegant egrets simultaneously soared alongside. The late morning sun kissed my skin and naked head. I fantasized about jumping in the cool murky water and bobbing in a slow dance with the blushing bulbs. 

Talay Bua Daeng showcases its beauty during Thailand’s cool season, but the peak blooms occur from beginning of December to the end of February. The best time of day to see the lotus blossoms is between 6:00am until 11:00am or 12:00pm.

Pictured includes the views from that glorious morning, the hostel we fell in love with, and a classic sunset no-hands cartwheel by Molly.