Ultimate Travel Guide to Red Lotus Lake of Thailand

Red Lotus Lake, also known as Nong Han Kumphawapi in the Thai language, is a must-visit in Udon Thani, Isan Region of Thailand. During the blooming season, the lake is in full bloom with bright pink flowers. From December to February, you can capture the most beautiful moments amidst the mesmerizing sunrise views! Take a boat ride through the blossoms and enjoy the serenity and culture of nature directly. If you want to experience a unique blend of natural beauty and folklore, read the following travel guide and start planning your inspiring trip!

Why Is Red Lotus Lake Worth Visiting?

Red Lotus Lake is famous for its stunning scenery, where you escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get in touch with nature with a picturesque sight to behold during the blossom season. Here, you can boat on the lake, see various wildlife, immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, and experience the culture of the traditional communities around the lake. The peaceful atmosphere of the lake allows you to relax and rejuvenate in a serene natural environment, hence making this an amazing tourism destination.

Red Lotus Lake

What Kind of Flowers Are There on the Red Lotus Lake?

Although it is called 'Red Lotus Lake,' the flowers here are actually pink tropical water lilies. These flowers are similar in appearance to the lotus but differ in the way the leaves and flowers interact with the water. Here, the leaves of the tropical water lilies float on the surface of the water, while the flowers are about six inches above the surface, making these lilies look very much like lotuses.

How to Explore the Red Lotus Lake by Boat?

You have the option of choosing between two types of boats. The larger boats, priced at 150 baht per person (approximately 4.19 US dollars), can accommodate up to eight people comfortably, and smaller boats are available at 100 baht per person (around 2.79 US dollars), making them perfect for you if you are traveling solo or as a couple. Both boat types come equipped with a canopy to provide shade from the sun, along with comfortable seating for you. While life jackets are provided on board due to safety regulations, you may be asked to wear one during the tour.

In general, both types of boats navigate through specific channels that cut through the vibrant flowers and visit designated stops where the engine is turned off, allowing ample time for you to capture photographs. But if you are visiting by a smaller one, you will be able to venture deeper into the heart of the blooming flowers, taking full advantage of the lake's shallow waters, which typically measure between two to three feet in depth.

Witness Red Blossoms on the Boat

Things to Do When Exploring the Red Lotus Lake

1. Witness Red Blossoms on the Boat

One of the best ways to explore the Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake is to take the 60-to-90-minute boat tour, which can provide you with a glamorous experience of witnessing the red lily. On the shore, all the flowers are presented more like a picturesque scroll, giving you an overall aesthetic enjoyment; while observing the flowers from the boat and getting up close to them, you can appreciate the nuances of each flower and smell their fragrances. At this point, you can capture stunning photographs as the cruise driver stops at designated spots for photographs and viewing.

2. Watch Different Types of Birds

From the boat, as well as observing the red lily, you can also indulge in a fascinating bird-watching trip to see the magnificent colorful water birds, especially the elegant gray-headed marsh grouse, which fly lightly over the verdant, buoyant water plants, providing a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the marshland ecosystem.

Gray-headed Marsh Grouse at Nong Han Lake

3. Participate in Local Life

Many of the local fishermen will sail traditional longboats, throw round fishing nets, collect lily seeds, or prepare some large snails to feed their families. You can join them in selecting and plucking fresh lily stems carefully. Later, you can use them to make a delicious and spicy salad, offering a unique culinary experience.

Where to Stay When Visiting the Red Lotus Lake?

1. The City Center of Udon Thani

Staying in the center of Udon Thani is a good choice when visiting Red Lotus Lake because of its easy accessibility, variety of accommodation options, convenient dining choices, and proximity to transportation hubs, shopping, and entertainment facilities. In general, it takes 40 minutes to one hour to drive from the city center of Udon Thani to Red Lotus Lake. Therefore, before you leave for the lake, please remember to time your visit wisely to catch the morning or afternoon blooming time.

2. Resorts by Red Lotus Lake

By lodging on the shores of Nong Han Kumphawapi, you'll have immediate access to the captivating natural beauty of the surroundings, allowing you to immerse yourself in the serene and picturesque environment without the need for long commutes or travel. Though the facilities and services of the hotels that are available may not always fully meet your expectations, you might have the opportunity to engage with local communities, which amplifies your engagement with the local culture.

Picturesque Environment of the Lake

When is the Best Time to Visit the Red Lotus Lake?

The best time to visit is from December to the end of February when the lily flowers are in full bloom, and the lake is covered in vibrant pink colors. You will see millions of lily flowers stretch out in all directions across the 600-square-foot lake. During these months, the climate is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 35 °C, allowing you to enjoy outdoor excursions!

An early morning, around 6 to 9 am, is always a recommended sightseeing period. You can feel the serenity of the sunrise as the soft light illuminates the vibrant red lily flowers, creating a picturesque and tranquil atmosphere under a clear sky. Also, if you plan to visit before sunset, around 4 to 6 pm, you can watch the amber colors of the setting sun blend with the pink floral surroundings, which is definitely the most breathtaking moment.

Red Lotus Full Blooming

How to Get There?

From Bangkok/Chiang Mai to Udon Thani

Red Lotus Lake is about 25 miles southeast of Udon Thani. Since there is no direct international flight to Udon Thani, you can land in Bangkok or Chiang Mai first, which will take you 1 to 1.5 hours to fly to Udon Thani in the northeast of Thailand.

From Udon Thani to Red Lotus Lake

After your arrival at the airport, there are many choices for you to the Red Lotus Lake, from sightseeing bus to taxi. You will witness the beauty of Red Lotus Lake in around 50 minutes of driving.

Tips for Red Lotus Viewing

- What to Wear

As you prepare for your adventure at Red Lotus Lake, be sure to wear a lightweight, sweat-wicking top made of UPF fabric to keep you cool and shield you from the sun. Of course, it's also important to choose practical footwear, such as sandals, for comfort - also in case you want to play in the water. Don't forget to pair it with a hat, sunglasses, and a handbag to prevent sunburn on the lake while improving convenience.

- Check the Timing of Sunrise

When arranging transportation, check the exact sunrise time and plan to leave an hour before sunrise. This is because around dawn is when the lake is at its most stunning, as mentioned before. Sunrise in Udon Thani in January and February is typically around 6 a.m., which means that if you're staying in the city, you should leave the center of town by 5 a.m. to head to the lake.

- Take a Lunch Break

If noon time, around 10 to 12 am, is your arrival time at the Red Lotus Lake, just head to the nearby restaurant for a local lunch and break as the flower closes its petals to avoid the heat of the sun. After experiencing the local way of life, you can return to the lake by boat with the blooming flowers.

- Pick a Weekday

It is worth noting that the boat motors can generate some noise, contributing to the lively ambiance of the lake, which tends to become crowded during weekends and Thai holidays. To fully appreciate the tranquil beauty of the surroundings, you are recommended to plan your visit on a weekday.

Red Lilies of the Lake

Immerse in the Red Lotus Rea With Us!

Red Lotus Lake is a one-of-a-kind destination where myth and nature intertwine to create a truly mesmerizing experience. When you're gliding through the Red Lotus Sea on a boat, this Thai gem offers a unique blend of serenity and folklore. For more insights to create unforgettable memories, talk to our expert to arrange a remarkable tour of Thailand.