The Red Lotus Sea at Kumphawapi, a drive from Udon

What this page says about the lake is general knowledge, not official information. Please check again before you travel.

What is the Red Lotus Sea?

“Red Lotus Sea” (Talay Bua Daeng in Thai) is the popular name for Nong Han Kumphawapi, a large freshwater lake in Kumphawapi district, Udon Thani province. In the cool season, pinkish-red water lilies open across a huge stretch of the lake, and from a distance it looks like a sea of flowers, hence the name.

The usual way to see it is by boat: you head out from a pier on the shore into the middle of the lotuses in the morning, when the flowers are fully open and the light is soft.

Photo: ToeHA, CC BY-SA 4.0

When to go

The lotuses open in the morning and start to close as the sun gets stronger. To see the lake in full bloom, aim to be on a boat early.

• Main flowering seasonRoughly December–February
• Best time of dayEarly morning to about 10 a.m.
• Best avoidedAfternoons (flowers often closed, strong sun)

Photo: Nguyễn Hoàng Văn, Pexels

Driving from Udon Thani

Nong Han Kumphawapi lies south-east of Udon Thani city. The drive takes about an hour, depending on where you start and on traffic.

1. Set the destination in Google MapsSearch for “Talay Bua Daeng” or “Red Lotus Sea” and pick a pier on the lake. The route follows main roads.
2. Leave town earlyTo catch the flowers open, set off at around 5:30 to 6:00 in the morning.
3. Park at the pierUse the pier's car park, lock the car and keep valuables out of sight.

Directions from the airport in Google MapsUdon Thani airport in Google Maps

The Red Lotus Sea is in Udon Thani province, so it is inside the driving area for every rental length under our terms. Keep to paved roads: no off-road driving and no driving through flood water. If a road is flooded, take another route.

Taking a boat out

Most boats at the piers are small and hired as a whole boat, with a boatman who takes you out to the lotuses. Prices, boat sizes and trip lengths differ from pier to pier, so ask and agree the price at the pier before you get in, and bring cash.

• Wear a life jacket the whole time you are on the boat, children especially.
• Stay seated when taking photos; do not stand up or lean out.
• Do not pick the flowers or throw rubbish in the water.

A sample half-day

The times below are only an example. Adjust them to where you are staying and what you like.

1. 05:30
   Leave your hotel in townTank already full and destination set the night before.
2. 06:30
   Arrive at the pierPark, find a boat, agree the price.
3. 06:45
   Boat out into the lotusesThe flowers are open and the light is still gentle.
4. 09:00
   Breakfast, then drive backBack in town before noon, or carry on exploring Udon.

Tips before you go

• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. The sun off the water is strong even on a cool morning.
• A light jacket. Cool-season mornings on a boat can be chillier than you expect.
• A waterproof phone pouch, so you can take photos on the boat without worrying.
• Cash for the boat, parking (if charged) and food near the pier.
• Travelling with small children? Ask for a free child seat when you book (limited number).
• Fill the tank before you return the car. Our fuel rule is full to full.

Which car to choose

The trip stays within the province on ordinary roads, so a small car or a sedan does the job easily. Choose by the number of people and the luggage. Every car is automatic with a reversing camera.

Two people

Suzuki Celerio

Economy · 5 seats · 1.0L · 1 bag

From ฿750/day

3–4 people

Toyota Vios

Sedan · 5 seats · 1.5L · 2 bags

From ฿890/day

5–7 people

Mitsubishi Xpander

7-seater · 1.5L · 4–6 bags

From ฿1,490/day

Starting prices per day for rentals of 2 days or more, low-season weekdays, with CDW (collision damage waiver: the car’s damage cover, you pay only an excess per incident) cover included. The cash deposit is separate and comes back when you return the car in good order. See all cars and prices