If the Royal Flora Ratchapruek Expo hasn’t quenched your thirst for all things floral, travel further north to Chiang Rai for the eighth annual Chiang Rai Flower Festival which is taking place during Dec 24-Mar 3 at Nam Kok Riverside Park near Chalermphrakiat Bridge. There will be rare plants from overseas and the chilly weather of Chiang Rai means colorful winter flowers like tulips, lilies and begonias. There will also be flower competitions, an OTOP fair and a beauty pageant. The festival is a pre-celebration of the upcoming festival to celebrate Chiang Rai’s 750th anniversary. More information at Chiang Rai Administrative Office, 053-601-235, 053-601-758 and TAT Chiang Rai, 053-744-674/5, 053-717-433.

And over in Loei, the famous town of Phu Ruea is to hold the Phu Ruea Flower Festival during Dec 29-Jan 3 at the park in front of the District Office. Situated in a valley surrounded by forested mountains (1,365 meters above sea level), Phu Ruea is blessed with cold weather throughout the year and is Thailand’s largest producer of flowers. Expect impressive floral parades as well as music performances and fireworks on New Year’s Eve.