Gorgeous pink 'sakura' or cherry blossoms bloomed in northern Thailand in time for Lunar New Year celebrations.

The vivid flowers on the Himalayan cherry trees transformed the landscape into a sea of lavender and purple as they covered the Doi Pha Tang viewpoint in Chiang Mai province on Thursday, January 19.

The trees blossomed slightly later this year due to rains and fickle temperatures towards the end of December.

However, they are expected to be in full bloom by the end of January, with the sight lasting until mid-February.

Tourists can enjoy a slice of Japan as they roam under the trees to take photos of the scenery.

The area had previously been a degraded forest, but was restored when authorities planted pines and Himalayan cherry trees to turn it into a tourist attraction.