“Gateway to Thailand’s largest Nang Phaya Sua Khrong (wild Himalayan cherry) blossom viewpoint, complete with transport, food, and culture in a mountain village setting.”
Ban Rong Kla Village is a small settlement tucked away in the mountains of Phitsanulok, located near Phuhin Rong Kla National Park. It serves as the primary transit hub for travelers heading up to Phu Lom Lo, Thailand’s largest viewing area for Nang Phaya Sua Khrong blossoms, also known as Thai sakura.
This village provides essential services like local Hmong markets, accommodation, restaurants, and 4WD truck hire to reach the summit. The scenic drive takes about 30 minutes each way, and visitors usually spend 2–3 hours exploring flower fields and panoramic viewpoints. Truck hire costs around 1,000 THB per vehicle round-trip, with a capacity of up to 10 passengers.
In the cold season, frost can often be seen, and the village sits at an average elevation of 1,400 meters above sea level, making it ideal for cultivating temperate crops like strawberries, persimmons, carrots, broccoli, and cabbage.
The cherry blossom season typically runs from late December to mid-January, when the hills of Phu Lom Lo transform into a sweeping sea of pink, creating one of Thailand’s most romantic and photogenic landscapes.
The village is also home to a warm and humble highland community, with a hill tribe weekend market offering affordable local crafts, fresh produce, and traditional snacks—adding cultural depth to the natural charm.
For those seeking mountain blooms and a brush with ethnic culture, Ban Rong Kla is your perfect gateway to the magical blossom fields of Phu Lom Lo.
How to Get There
Transport options from Ban Rong Kla to Phu Lom Lo:
1. Hire a 4x4 Truck to Phu Lom Lo (Most Popular Option)
-
Trucks are available at the village center or the Hmong market area.
-
Vehicles are covered 4WD pickup trucks capable of navigating steep and bumpy dirt roads.
-
Price: 1,000 THB per truck (round-trip)
-
Maximum: 10 people per truck
-
Travel time: Approx. 30 minutes one way
-
Total duration including viewpoint stops: 2–3 hours
2. Book in Advance via Local Accommodation
-
Many resorts or homestays in Ban Rong Kla offer advance booking for trucks with drivers.
-
You can select specific travel times (e.g., sunrise or golden hour).
-
Benefit: Avoid queues and have more flexible scheduling.
3. Charter a Van from Phitsanulok or Nakhon Thai + Transfer to 4x4
-
Ideal for large groups. Vans can be rented from Phitsanulok city (approx. 2–3 hrs drive).
-
Once in the village, you must switch to a 4WD truck to reach Phu Lom Lo (the trail is steep and unpaved).
Recommended pickup points in Ban Rong Kla:
-
In front of the Hmong market (signposted “Phu Lom Lo truck point”)
-
In front of the tourist information center (seasonal availability)
-
At local homestays like “Baan Phak Chao Doi,” “Mae Un Jai Homestay,” or “Phu Lom Lo Homestay”
Travel Tips
-
Best time to visit is late December to mid-January for peak cherry blossom season
-
Wear warm clothing and trekking shoes; mornings can be freezing and the terrain uneven
-
Ideal light for photos is at sunrise or sunset from the hilltop viewpoints
-
Try local mountain food and fresh strawberries directly from the farm
-
Book your stay and truck trip in advance, especially on weekends and holidays
Admission Fee:
-
No entrance fee for the village
-
4WD round-trip to Phu Lom Lo: 1,000 THB per truck
(Updated 2025 by Ban Rong Kla Community Council)
Opening Hours:
-
Village open daily: 06:00–18:00
-
Truck services operate from 06:00–15:00, weather permitting