01 Apr. 2025

Thailand can pride itself on being home to several species of Rafflesia, the world's largest flower. With its striking appearance and unique biological functioning, this flowering plant seems straight out of an animated film. No wonder it inspired a Pokémon character! Intrigued by the Rafflesia? Discover where, when, and how to see the Rafflesia during a trip to Thailand...

What is the Rafflesia and what makes this plant so special?

The Rafflesia in a nutshell...

The Rafflesia is a flowering plant of the Rafflesiaceae family. It is considered the world's largest flower. It is found in only a few Asian countries: Malaysia, Indonesia (notably Borneo and Sumatra), the Philippines, and Thailand. It owes its name to the man who first discovered it in 1818: Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.

There are 28 species of Rafflesia, all endemic to Southeast Asia. The most well-known is the one holding the record for the world's largest flower: the Rafflesia arnoldii. This species can reach up to one meter in diameter and weigh as much as 10 kilograms. Among the smaller species, we can mention the Rafflesia manillana, whose flower has a diameter of 20 centimeters—still an impressive size for a bloom!

Finally, some species are found in only one place on Earth, such as the Rafflesia rochussenii, which grows only in the forests of Borneo.

What does the Rafflesia look like?

The world's largest flower possesses unique physical characteristics. Indeed, the Rafflesia has no stem, leaves, or roots. It is distinguished by an actinomorphic flower (meaning it displays radial symmetry) with five petals. While various tonalities and degrees of darkness can be found among different species, Rafflesias are generally red, orange, or brown in color, with small spots or pustules of white or yellow on the petals.

Did you know?

The Rafflesia has such a particular and astonishing appearance that it even inspired a Pokémon character. It is the second evolution of Bulbasaur!

How does the Rafflesia develop?

Beyond its peculiar appearance, the Rafflesia has a remarkable functioning. It is a holoparasite: it develops exclusively on a host plant, namely a climbing plant of the tetrastigma vine family. In other words, the Rafflesia is a parasitic plant that depends on its host to survive. It first works its way into the roots or stems of the host plant in the form of underground filaments (called mycelia), which allows it to draw nutrients and minerals from the host in order to feed itself.

Like fungi, it is only visible from the outside during flowering. Before the buds emerge, piercing the wood or bark of the host plant, no sign reveals its presence. Once the bud emerges, it will grow for several months before the flower blooms. The flower is usually three times the size of the bud and fades quickly: it lasts only 3 to 7 days!

Why is the Rafflesia nicknamed the "corpse flower"?

When the Rafflesia flower blooms, it releases a nauseating odor (more or less pronounced depending on the species) that is often compared to that of rotting meat or a decomposing corpse. A peculiarity that has even earned it the nickname "corpse flower."

But then, why does the Rafflesia smell so foul? If this flowering plant releases such an odor, it is to attract flies, which are its only pollinators! Thinking they've found a corpse, the flies come to lay their eggs on the flower, ensuring its pollination!

How long does the Rafflesia's bloom last?

While the Rafflesia takes time to develop on its host, its flowering lasts only a few days. It takes an average of 9 months to form buds. When the buds give rise to flowers, they remain open for only 3 to 5 days, sometimes 7 days! Thus, the Rafflesia blooms only every 9 months at minimum, making it a very rare flower.

Where, when, and how to see the Rafflesia in Thailand?

Which species of Rafflesia are found in Thailand?

There are 3 main species of Rafflesia in Thailand:

• Rafflesia kerrii: found mainly in Khao Sok and southern Thailand;
• Sapira himalayana: can be seen in the northeastern part of the country;
• Sapira poilanei: can be observed in the southeastern part of Thailand.

Where to find the Rafflesia in Thailand?

The province of Trang and the regions of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Krabi are among the main places where you can see Rafflesias in bloom.

But if you had to choose just one place to see Rafflesia flowers in Thailand, it would be Khao Sok National Park. Located in Surat Thani province (of which the Rafflesia is the official provincial flower), the park is a natural gem you must discover on a trip to the Kingdom of Siam. Numerous guided treks allow you to venture deep into the tropical jungle and seek out the world's largest flower.

To remember:

Be sure to choose the right time for a Rafflesia-spotting trek and don't be disappointed if you don't find one! The Khao Sok National Park excursions offer many other surprises: you'll see exceptional flora and wildlife such as gibbons and numerous birds!

At what time of year can you admire the Rafflesia in Thailand?

Rafflesia blooming in Thailand extends from January to March. Note that since the bloom lasts only a week at most, an encounter with the world's largest flowers is never guaranteed. To increase your chances of spotting one, hire a guide during your treks.

Code of conduct:

Since the Rafflesia is a rare and fragile flower (one species, the Rafflesia magnifica, is even listed as a threatened plant on the red list), it is important to adopt respectful behavior if you're fortunate enough to see one. Do not touch the Rafflesias and be careful as you walk to avoid stepping on them or trampling a bud.

Would you like to organize a trek to see Rafflesias in bloom during a trip to Thailand? Contact us to take advantage of our English-speaking local guides who will know exactly where to take you!

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. Because for her, traveling is not about checking countries off a map, but about forging bonds (often invisible but always powerful) with places, peoples, and all manner of creatures in the animal kingdom. Her creed? To advise travelers ethically, awaken their awareness of animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble and sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, in the midst of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take the time to listen to…