Doi Hua Mae Kham
Date: Friday 18th May 2012Hill Tribe Culture & Sunflower Festival – Doi Hua Mae Kham
Doi Hua Mae Kham is one of the largest mixed hill-tribe villages in Thailand. There are Akha, Lahu, Lisu and Yao, plus Hmong and Tai Yai residents. Located in the north-western extremity of Chiang Rai province approx 30 kms west of Thoed Thai, it is on the border with Myanmar, and is about as remote a place as one can find.
The spectacle of the annual tribal culture festival, which coincides with the sunflowers in bloom, is not to be missed!
As Cold Season sets in, golden-yellow Giant Mexican Sunflowers (Tithonia Diversifolia) are in full bloom. The hills and valleys are transformed into a beautiful tapestry of gold and green.
The variety of tribal cultural displays in the natural amphitheatre are breath-taking in their colour and diversity.
Located 10 kms south of Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun - the White Temple, by renowned Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat - is a visual symphony in white, a striking architectural masterpiece in a land of beautiful temples! Prints of Chalermchai's paintings are available at a shop within the temple grounds. 
The Karen elephant camp at Baan Ruammit on the bank of the Mae Nam Kok (Kok River) is located 19 kilometres from Chiang Rai. Well worth a visit, its easily reached by either long-tail boat (recommended), car or motorcycle. There are a few souvenir shops, hot coffee, and its a nice trip, however you get there. 
