Deep in the province of Mae Hong Sorn at Khun Yuam district, there is a small and peaceful area worthy of a visit during the winter months of November and December. This is because during these cold months, the slopes of the hills in this area are almost totally covered with the blooms of the Bua Tong (Mexican sunflowers) - turning the hillsides into a gloriously rich yellow.

Bua Tong is said to be introduced to northern Thailand some 70 years ago by a missionary. The yellow flower subsequently finds its way as far off as Doi Mae
U-Kaw where it Is now growing abundantly.    :

 Indigenous to Central America I and the West Indies, Bua Tong is a top-soil plant belonging to the sunflower family, similar to the African marigold and threeawn. It thrives well in open and sunny fields. Like a smaller version of sunflower, its petals are bright yellow in color. When the flower withers, its remaining seeds will grow into new plants in the following year.

 The beauty of Bua Tong makes a most impressionable sight, especially in the mornings and evenings when the splendor of the blooms is at its highest.