Season Comparison for Red Lotus Lake

For current hours, prices, and announcements, start with Udon Thani International Airport (Department of Airports).

Learn more at Udon Thani Provincial Government.

In the summer, the heat is very strong in Udon Thani. The lotus plants go dormant during this time of year. You will see mostly green leaves and open water then. The temperatures can reach over forty degrees Celsius in April.

The rainy season brings water back to the lake basin. However, the flowers do not bloom until the air cools down. Rain can also make boat trips difficult and very wet. Most boat operators do not run full tours in heavy rain.

Winter is the peak time for all tourists in the region. This is when the lake is most famous and busy. Prices for local transport might increase slightly during this peak. You should book your accommodation early for these winter months.

Best Months for Peak Blooms

December marks the start of the peak blooming season. The weather is cool and very comfortable for boat rides. Many flowers start to open as the temperature drops. It is a wonderful time for a peaceful morning trip.

January is often the most popular month for all visitors. Most of the lotus flowers are fully open during this time. The lake looks like a solid carpet of bright pink. This is the best month for capturing professional nature photos.

February is also great but the weather starts to get warmer. You should visit early in the month for the best experience. The flowers are still plentiful but may start to fade later. Valentine's Day is a very busy day at the lake.

You can explore other free nature spots in Udon Thani while visiting. These areas offer more beauty during the cool winter months. The city parks are also very green and lush then. Combining these spots makes for a great nature itinerary.

March is the shoulder season when the blooms begin to end. You might still see some flowers in the early morning. However, the heat will make the flowers close much faster. The water level may also start to drop in March.

Pick X If You Want a Specific Experience

Different travelers have different needs when visiting Udon Thani. Some people prefer the cold while others like the sun. Your choice of month will change what you see daily. Consider your personal comfort before booking your flight tickets.

Photographers should prioritize the months with the clearest skies. January usually has the least amount of haze or clouds. This allows for better lighting during the golden hour. The colors of the lotus pop against the blue sky.

Budget travelers might look for dates just before the peak. Late November can be cheaper for hotels and local flights. You will still see some flowers without the large crowds. Local guides may have more time to talk with you.

• Pick December if you want
  • Cool weather and fresh blooms
• Pick January if you want
  • The densest carpet of flowers
• Pick February if you want
  • A romantic holiday atmosphere
• Pick late November if you want
  • Fewer crowds and lower prices

What to Pack for Your Lake Trip

Preparing for the lake requires a few specific items. The temperature on the water can feel very different. You will be exposed to the elements for two hours. Proper gear will make your boat ride much better.

The morning air in Udon Thani is often quite chilly. Wind on the open water makes it feel even colder. A light sweater is essential for the early boat ride. You can always take it off as the sun rises.

Sun protection is vital even if the air feels cool. The sun reflects off the water and hits your face. Wear a hat that will not blow away in the wind. Sunscreen will prevent burns during the long boat trip.

• Pack a light jacket for
  • The chilly early morning air
• Pack sunscreen for the bright
  • Sun reflecting off the water
• Pack a camera for the
  • Stunning pink flower landscape
• Pack sunglasses for the lake
  • Bright glare from the surface

Daily Timing for the Best Photos

The flowers open early in the morning to catch sun. They usually start closing by ten or eleven in morning. If you arrive too late, you will miss the bloom. The heat causes the petals to fold back up tightly.

You should arrive at the lake by six thirty AM. This allows you to see the sunrise over the water. The light is soft and perfect for taking professional photos. Early morning light brings out the deep pink colors.

A boat trip usually takes about one to two hours. This gives you plenty of time to see the lake. You can ask the driver to stop for specific shots. Most drivers know the best spots for a good photo.

After your boat trip, visit the Nong Prajak Park walking route. It is another great place for a morning stroll nearby. The park is located in the heart of the city. It features a famous giant yellow duck on the water.

Midday visits are generally not recommended for the lotus lake. The sun is very harsh and the flowers are closed. The lake looks like a simple green field at noon. Save your energy for other city sights during the afternoon.

Planning Your Udon Thani Itinerary

You can combine the lake with a sacred forest trip. Check the Kham Chanod forest visiting guide for more details. This forest is a holy place with many local legends. It is about an hour drive from the lotus lake.

If you enjoy hiking, try visiting Phu Foi Lom Eco Park. It offers a different perspective of the regional landscape here. The park has beautiful flower gardens and cool mountain air. It is a great spot for a picnic lunch after.

For a relaxing evening, head to the local reservoir viewpoints. The Huay Luang reservoir sunset viewpoints are very peaceful. You can watch the sun go down over the water. It is a quiet place away from the city noise.

In the city, you can find many great exercise spots. The Nong Bua Park exercise trails are very popular. Locals go there to run or walk in the evening. The park has a beautiful Chinese temple nearby as well.

Make sure to try the local food in Udon Thani. The night markets offer many delicious and cheap Thai dishes. Vietnamese food is also very famous in this northern region. Try the local sausages and spicy salads for dinner.