One surprising revelation during our travels was that the local population seems to be somewhat unaware of the breathtaking attraction right at their doorstep. Most of the information we gathered about the lake was sourced from English-language websites. On our first day in Udon Thani (you can read more about our stay in this city HERE), we tried every possible way to figure out how to get to Red Lotus Lake. Our hotel recommended hiring a private van, but the cost of 2000 THB didn’t appeal to us. We didn’t get much help at the ICF meeting either. Nearly everyone we spoke with suggested taking GRAB or private transport as the only option to reach the lake.
A Few Facts About Red Lotus Lake
The lotus flowers bloom from December to February, and we visited the lake in the first half of January. Timing is everything; it’s best to visit early in the morning when the flowers are fully open and at their most beautiful. As the day progresses (after 11:00 AM), they start to close up and lose their splendid appearance. It is said that watching the sunrise here is also worth it, but unfortunately, we missed that opportunity.
Upon arriving at the pier, we could rent a small or large boat with a captain. The small boat costs 300 THB, while the larger one is 500 THB. Honestly, considering a small boat isn’t ideal for families. We opted for the larger boat, which could comfortably accommodate another family along with ours. The lake is relatively shallow (thankfully, none of us had to verify this!). The boat ride lasts about an hour. And you cannot see the lotus flowers from the shore; you must venture into the lake to admire them. Our captain took us to several strategic spots where we had ample time to take photos.
How We Got to the Lake
Bright and early, we ordered a GRAB. The cost for a one-way trip was 500 THB. However, we encountered a bit of trouble with our return to the city. There were no buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, or GRABs nearby. Soon, people approached us, eager to strike a deal, proposing a ride for… 2000 THB. Definitely too much! We didn’t even negotiate the price. We walked a few meters away, raised our thumbs to hitchhike… and to our surprise, the first car that passed by stopped for us!
The kind driver took us to the main road. Once there, we continued our lucky streak. Again, we raised our thumbs, and another car stopped to pick us up. The only difference this time was that we made a stop along the way for coffee. This gentleman was so nice. Despite our insistence on getting out at a point convenient for him, he drove us all the way back to our hotel. He didn’t want anything in return, so to express our gratitude, we gave him some Polish sweets.
Our adventure to the Lotus Lake was filled with unexpected surprises and the kindness. It was reminding us how beautiful travel can be!
Red Lotus Lake – Is It Worth It?
Our personal opinion – definitely yes! This is a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts, for couples looking for a romantic setting, and for families as well. However, it’s hard to shake the feeling that the locals in Thailand aren’t fully aware of how amazing this place is. Otherwise, accessing the lake would be much easier. On the other hand, the fact that this location isn’t widely advertised adds to its charm. It means that it still doesn’t attract large crowds and, as a result, remains somewhat untouched and undiscovered.
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