The famous site of Doi Tung is located in Mae Fa Luang District and can be reached by taking Highway No.110 for about 48 kilometers and turning left onto Highway No. 1149, an asphalt road leading directly to Doi Tung. The route winds through beautiful scenery with many interesting sites including the Doi Tung Palace (Pra Tamnak Doi tung), the Mae Fa Luang Garden and Akha and Muser tribal villages. In addition to scenic lookouts, the most notable attraction is the Phra That Doi Tung Holy Relic, an old religious site atop the mountain.
Also located on Doi Tung Mountain is a beautiful royal residence known as Phra Tamnak Doi Tung. The royal villa, situated on the slopes of the adjacent Pa Kluay Reservoir, was to serve as a royal winter retreat for the Princess Mother, who passed away in 1995 and was originally built on the theory that the local hill tribes would be honored by the royal presence and thereby cease their opium cultivation.
The main attraction for visitors to Phra Tamnak Doi Tung is \’Suan Mae Fa Luang\’, the beautiful landscaped gardens filled with hundreds of different kinds of plants and flowers, named in honor of the Princess Mother and the Doi Tung Development Project established by the late Princess Mother in 1987.
Wat Phra That Doi Tung
The Wat Phra That Doi Tung is situated on top of Doi Tung Mountain, the highest mountain in Chiang Rai Province with an elevation of approximately 2,000 meters, about 50 kilometers south of Mae Sai town which is near the Myanmar border. The temple can be reached via a 40-kilometer mountain road which meanders along the mountainside. The journey is worthwhile as the panoramic views into Laos and Myanmar at the peak are spectacular.
Wat Phra That Doi Tung was constructed in the 10th century and was renovated by Chiang Rai’s most famous ruler King Mengrai during the 13th century and by the famous Chiang Mai monk, Khru Ba Siwichai, at the turn of the 20th century.
The temple complex is comprised of twin Lanna style chedis, one of which is said to contain the left collarbone of the Lord Buddha. Throughout the year, the holy relic draws devout Buddhists from all over Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
Doi Tung Royal Villa
Situated at Km. 12 of route 1149, this beautiful royal residence was built for the late Princess Mother in celebration of her 90th birthday in 1990. The villa is a 2-storey building neatly designed in northern Thai and Swiss chalet styles of architecture. After the Princess Mother passed away, the Palace has continued to draw many visitors to admire its beautiful gardens, especially during the cool season.
Doi Tung is renowned among Thai and foreign tourists as a perfect destination for recreation because of its Switzerland-like environment. Lots of flowers and trees here are of Western species. And the clear mountain air helps refresh visitors. On the mountaintop, a group of buildings constructed to accommodate the Princess Mother\’s entourage are now being converted into a small, ecological hotel. There\’s a restaurant which serves food and snacks.
Mae Fa Luang Garden
This is just in front of the royal villa. Covering a hillside area of about 40 sq.km., this large flower garden also includes a rock garden, a fountain, a palm garden, an ornamental plant section and a handicraft centre. Accommodation is also available.