🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Khao Chin Lae is a lone limestone outcrop sitting outside Lopburi town toward Phatthana Nikhom district, roughly 10–20 km from the city. The mountain itself has steep rock faces that climbers from elsewhere know well, but what brings everyday visitors out here is the sunflowers that grow around its base in winter. It's a rare sight in central Thailand — a wide carpet of golden flowers with grey limestone cliffs rising right behind it.
When do the sunflowers bloom?
The sunflower fields around Khao Chin Lae start blooming from late November and last through mid-January each year. The peak — when the flowers are at their fullest and the plants are tallest — is usually December. If you're coming specifically to see the fields in full yellow, December through early January is your safest bet.
Check before you head out
The fields don't all bloom at once — many farmers stagger their planting, so some plots flower earlier and some later. Before you go, search for the 'Khao Chin Lae sunflower fields' page on social media or a local farm's page for the latest photos, so you don't end up at a plot that's just been cut or hasn't bloomed yet.
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What the fields are like and what you'll find
The sunflower fields around Khao Chin Lae cover several hundred rai in total, spread across many plots run by different owners. Some are set up as tourist farms with photo props; others are villagers' fields that simply open to visitors. The one thing every plot shares is the limestone mountain in the background, which gives the photos here more depth than sunflowers on flat, open ground.
- Multiple sunflower plots — some farms set up photo corners with windmills, wooden arches, and swings; others are open village fields. You can wander through several styles in a single day.
- Limestone backdrop — Khao Chin Lae and the hills beside it sit behind the fields, so almost any angle puts the mountain in the frame.
- Roasted sunflower seeds — vendors sell roasted sunflower seeds and sunflower honey as cheap, easy souvenirs.
- Parking and farm cafés — the bigger farms have parking, drink stands, snack stalls, and toilets.
Entry fee and what's offered
Entry to most of the sunflower fields runs about 20 THB per person (some farms bundle parking into that). It's a small price for a whole field of flowers. Beyond just walking around and taking photos yourself, many farms offer a few extras.
Walk and shoot on your own
The best basic option. Follow the paths through the plot and take all the photos you want with the flowers and the mountain. Early morning gives soft light, and the flowers face the rising sun just right.
Tram ride around the field
A small tram loops around the plot so you can see the field from several angles without walking far. Good if you've brought older relatives or small kids.
ATV / farm tractor rental
Some farms rent ATVs and small farm tractors to ride around the fields — both for the photo angles and the fun. A good fit for groups of friends or younger visitors.
Wat Khao Chin Lae and the hilltop viewpoint
On the mountain side sits Wat Khao Chin Lae. What many people come for is the long staircase that climbs the mountain (over 400 steps), ending at a large pink-and-white Buddha image you can spot from far off. At the top you get an elevated view looking down over the sunflower fields, the surrounding limestone peaks, and the wide Lopburi plains. It's a viewpoint worth the effort — and if you come in winter, you'll see the yellow carpet of the fields from up high too.
Make the climb easier
The staircase is fairly steep with little shade along the way. Go in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn't harsh, bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and take it in stages — there's no rush.
Limestone cliffs for climbers
Another side of Khao Chin Lae that casual visitors may not know about: the limestone cliffs are a rock-climbing spot known to both Thai and foreign climbers. There are several climbing zones — for example, an easy-to-reach shaded zone and a zone near the temple that takes a bit of a hike. Routes range from beginner to hard. If you're keen to climb, go with a group or a school that has the gear and an experienced lead — this isn't something to attempt on your own without experience.
Where to pair it with next
Khao Chin Lae is in the Phatthana Nikhom area, which has several other nature spots within an easy drive — plenty to string together into a single day trip.
Pa Sak Jolasid Dam
Thailand's largest earthen dam, with a viewpoint along the crest. Late in the year a train runs across the water over the reservoir — a great photo.
Same routePhatthana Nikhom viewpoints
Same area as Khao Chin Lae, with other sunflower plots and mountain-view spots to stop and shoot along the way.
Plan the fieldsLopburi sunflower fields (overview)
Lopburi has several sunflower fields in winter. See the big picture of which plot is where and when each one blooms before you plan your route.
How to get to Khao Chin Lae
- Drive yourself — the easiest way. About 20–30 min from Lopburi town. Just open your map and search 'Khao Chin Lae sunflower fields' or 'Wat Khao Chin Lae'; the farms have parking.
- From Bangkok — about a 2.5-hour drive, doable as a day trip out and back. A good winter-weekend trip.
- Private car / taxi — if you arrive in Lopburi by train or bus, you can hire a songthaew or taxi in town to take you to the fields and wait to bring you back.
- Go in the morning — the sunflowers face the morning sun, the light is soft for photos, and it's not yet hot. Aim to reach the fields around 8–10 a.m.
Plan your whole Lopburi trip — the sunflower fields, the temples, and the food.
See the Lopburi travel guide →