So this morning, we decided to revisit Wat Phra That Si Chom Tong here in Chiang Mai. It is one of those temples that always feels meaningful to visit again, even if I have already been there before. After a quick tour around the temple, we decided not to end the morning just yet. Since the weather was still good and we were already in the area, we thought it would be nice to explore more of the surroundings.
That was how we ended up walking to a nearby lake, and just beside it was a lotus farm. The walk from the temple to the lotus farm was less than 10 minutes, so it really felt like a good opportunity. It would be a waste not to check it out since we were already so close LOL.
Although there are lotus ponds in Singapore, I have never really seen an actual lotus farm before. Most of the lotus ponds that I usually see are ornamental ones, usually placed in gardens, parks, or temple areas. They are nice to look at, but they are usually quite small. This one in Chom Tong felt different because the lotus plants covered such a huge area. It felt more natural, more local, and somehow more connected to daily life.
What made it more interesting is that the lotus being farmed here is the Sacred Lotus, also known as Asian Lotus, or scientifically called Nelumbo nucifera. I have never seen this species up close in Singapore, or at least not in this kind of large and open setting. The leaves were really huge, standing above the water like wide green umbrellas. Some of them were already drying and curling at the edges, while others still looked fresh and full of life.
The flowers were also bigger than what I usually see in ornamental lotus ponds. Our timing was not the best because the lotus blooming season was almost over, so there were not too many flowers left during our visit. Still, the few that remained were beautiful. Seeing a white lotus flower standing calmly among all those large leaves gave the whole place a peaceful feeling.
I learned that the Sacred Lotus is farmed here for several reasons. One of the main reasons is for the flowers, which are harvested and sold near Wat Phra That Si Chom Tong. Devotees buy lotus flowers and bring them to the temple as offerings. I like that connection between the farm and the temple. It shows how local tradition is still part of everyday life here.
Aside from the flowers, many parts of the lotus are also edible. The seeds can be eaten fresh or dried, and they are like a local snack. The roots can also be used as ingredients in soups and stir-fried dishes. It is amazing how one plant can be beautiful, symbolic, and useful at the same time.
For me as a visitor, I was simply amazed to be surrounded by such a large field of lotus. The bamboo walkway made the visit more enjoyable because it allowed us to walk through the farm and see the plants from different angles. Some parts of the path looked a little rustic, but that also added to the charm of the place. It felt simple, local, and not overly polished.
I also enjoyed taking photos of the details, from the lotus buds to the dried seed pods and the wide textured leaves. Even the cloudy sky added a dramatic mood to the scene. It was not the kind of perfect sunny garden visit, but it had its own calm beauty.
Overall, I’m glad we took the time to visit this lotus farm after the temple. It was a simple side trip, but it became one of those small discoveries that made the morning more memorable.
