Buzz
From the desolate land, where many eked out a living by cultivating chrysanthemums, Doi Angkhang has now become Thailand's fertile agricultural land.
Exploring Chiang Mai - Discovering the Barren Land of Doi Angkhang – Where Cherry Blossoms Triumph
Winter Sleep
Asset, our Thai friend, invited everyone to Fang district, Chiang Mai province after seeing cherry blossom trees blooming on the hillsides in a short clip showcasing Doi Angkhang's beauty.
From Chiang Rai province, our pickup truck meandered along the winding mountain roads of northeastern Thailand. The towns and mountain villages intertwined, with orange orchards in harvest season, turning the roads orange. Faint traces of dragon fruit trees could also be seen.
A quaint village of the Hoa people adorned with houses plastered with vibrant red 'Phuc' signs. Stone steps painted in hues, Thai lanterns swaying gently, remnants of the Loi Krathong festival lingering in the air. Chili flowers blooming in fiery shades of orange, adorning gates and fences.
We chuckled at the sight of cherry blossom trees along the path, petals withered, a stark contrast to what Asset had seen online. Yet amidst the crimson foliage stood tall amidst the chilly forest.
Pressing forward to our overnight campsite, preparing for tomorrow's journey. Doi Angkhang, a vast hillside shrouded in thick mist, dotted with numerous tents.
The desolation and chill of this place, coupled with the conscripted soldiers on guard, evoked images of a refugee camp. Asset urged us to set up camp for an early start to Kiew Lom – where the sunrise in Thailand is truly breathtaking.
It seems the Thai people are meticulous in their preparations for an outing, as every pickup truck is loaded with blankets, utensils, groceries... stretching along the road, resembling a migration. Lines of people trudge along, bearing burdens through the cold, damp winter... all for the sake of... enjoyment.
Rain pours, paths between tents muddy, temperatures too cold, yet they seem remarkably cheerful, huddled together enjoying the winter amidst pots of hot pot and sizzling sausages.
No patch of land was left vacant for pitching tents, so we had to rent a pre-built tent for 600 baht, equivalent to the price of a comfortable hotel room in the old town of Chiang Mai. And then we embarked on a wander through the winter, feeling the chill at our backs...
Waking up amidst thickening fog, we followed Highway 107 to admire the ancient walls of the city on our Chiang Mai tour. The royal park of Doi Angkhang and rows of cherry blossoms blooming by the gate greeted us just in time.
That day, due to the royal family's visit, the guards apologized for their lack of attention and requested visitors to maintain silence.
Rows of cherry blossoms lining the road bloomed in vibrant pink, satisfying the longing of tourists to behold such beautiful Asian flowers. Turns out, Doi Angkhang has the most cherry blossoms in this park.
The pink hue of cherry blossoms permeated every corner of the park. Visitors eagerly awaited their turn to capture photos with the blush pink clusters, before they fade amidst the gray sky.
Venturing deeper into the royal park of Doi Angkhang felt like embarking on an agricultural tour, the vibrant green scenery of grass and trees making each step remarkably pleasant.
Exploring Chiang Mai, visiting Doi Angkhang, one can truly appreciate the meticulous approach of the Thai people to tourism, rarely leaving any regrets for those who have made the effort to come.
From grand landscapes such as rose gardens, 80th Anniversary Park (celebrating the 80th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej – King Rama IX, who reigned over Thailand from 1946-2016), bonsai park, greenhouse, cherry blossom path, wildflower hill, kiwi orchard, orange grove, peach orchard... to small details like reclining benches on hillsides, fresh lettuce beds, whimsical wooden statues, stone bonsai trees, an exhibition hall showcasing the region's past at Doi Angkhang...
The scenery remains naturally beautiful within a scientifically planned framework.
“Helping mountain people, helping Thai people, helping the world!”
That's the theme of a small exhibition corner at the royal park of Doi Angkhang. Photos capture moments where King Bhumibol Adulyadej, along with the royal family and locals, initiated positive transformations, breathing new life into the borderland of Doi Angkhang.
Doi Angkhang, originally a rugged mountainous border area (Thailand – Myanmar), is home to ethnic minorities such as the Shan, Black Lahu, Paluang, Chin...
Among them are ethnic groups who settled in Doi Angkhang due to political upheavals in Myanmar and China. For generations, they have made a humble living by cultivating chrysanthemums.
In 1969, after witnessing Doi Angkhang blanketed with chrysanthemum hills, King Bhumibol Adulyadej initiated the Doi Angkhang Royal Agricultural Project to transform that reality.
The gentle mountain tribes, once living in poverty and toiling to survive amidst violence, have transitioned to a new life. Since then, their crops have included strawberries, kiwis, tomatoes, oranges; pumpkins, vegetables, herbs...
Only a few chrysanthemums remain in their vibrant hues, like remnants of a sorrowful past.
The cherry blossom seasons have flourished here. And now, the Thai people think of Doi Angkhang as the land of cherry blossoms. Doi Angkhang has also become an agricultural research station, revitalizing many other agricultural areas throughout Thailand.
Dried fruits, Doi Kham fruit juices – a famous Thai agricultural brand – originated from this land. From a territory once overrun by opium, Doi Angkhang has now become a vibrant testament to the economic vitality and agricultural achievements of a Southeast Asian nation.
Exploring Chiang Mai, wandering amidst the greenery of Doi Angkhang, breathing in the crisp air, pondering the resilience that lifted a land from desolation, listening silently to tales of rejuvenation amidst aridity and poverty. And as we move on, the eyes still hold onto the verdant hues...
According to TRẦN MINH HỢP/ Tuổi Trẻ
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourMarch 6, 2020
