Located within the Chaing Rai province of Thailand sharing borders with Myanmar and Laos, Doi Tung is an exquisite beauty and a sight to behold. The Doi Tung Palace and its surroundings testify to sustainability, cultural values, rich heritage and fascinating nature. The word ‘Doi’ means mountain, the home of the royal family, who transformed the area from destitute to self-sufficient. Being one of the most popular places to visit in Thailand, it has something for everyone, from nature to adventure lovers. Soak yourself in the architectural magnificence of the palace and the enchanting beauty of the Mae Fah Luang Garden.
Doi Tung Palace History & Architecture
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Doi Tung Palace history reveals that the palace was once the residence of Princess Mother Srinagarindra. In earlier times, it had become a hub for illicit drug production, affecting the quality of the tribal lives. The rapid slash-and-burn form of agriculture led to deforestation of the mountain. In 1972, Princess Srinagarindra took the initiative to transform the place and constructed the palace for her residence. She played a major role in alleviating the impoverished and supported education and upskilling training. With her efforts, opium was replaced by high-quality macadamia nuts and coffee plantations, making Doi Tung a distinguished example of transformation worldwide.
Located at an elevation of 1398 metres, it has a pleasantly cooler climate throughout the year. The Royal Villa, located at the peak of the mountain, is a fusion of Lanna and Swiss architecture amidst the surrounding hills and valleys. The luxurious Mae Fah Luang Garden complements the class wooden architecture of the Doi Tung Palace.
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Doi Tung Palace Tickets
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The palace remains open from 8 AM to 5 PM. Doi Tung Palace tickets are available at the counter outside, and here are the charges:
- Entry into the Doi Tung Palace, Mae Fah Luang Garden and Hall of Inspiration: THB220
- Entry into the Doi Tung Palace, Mae Fah Luang Garden and Hall of Inspiration for students and elderly above the age of 60: THB 110
- Separate entry tickets: THB 90
Doi Tung Royal Villa
One of the most beautifully crafted gems showcasing the amalgamation of Lanna and Swiss architecture is the Doi Tung Palace. Built with walnut and teak wood, exquisite carvings amplify its simplicity. You can take a tour of the villa, which consists of the reception hall, kitchen, and the rooms of the family members. The reception hall ceiling is decorated with light bulbs that resemble the constellation on the day the Prince’s Mother was born, highlighting the attention paid to the intricate details. Dress modestly to get permission to enter the different areas of the royal villa. A tour of the villa takes around half an hour.
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Doi Tung Mae Fah Luang Arboretum
Also known as Suan Doi Tung, the botanical garden is a vast garden in front of the palace. It is spread over almost 10 acres and full of all hues of plants and trees. With an all-year blooming season, the vibrancy of this garden will uplift your mood. The botanical garden is also home to some of the rarest orchids. In the middle of the garden, you would see a tall statue known as Continuity, which shows children creating a human ladder.
The vastly spread garden, with its colourful hues, is a sight to behold. Sit back on the patio to overlook the neighbouring countries. If you visit in the winter season, you will witness the cherry blossoms of the Himalayas as well. If you feel tired as you walk along this art, you can energise yourself at the cafe here, which serves freshly brewed coffee. The coffee beans are locally sourced from the coffee plantation of Doi Tung Mountain.
Hall Of Inspiration
Right in front of the Palace is the Doi Tung Hall of Inspiration, which showcases the life of the Mahidol family and their contribution to the kingdom. It consists of artefacts, photos and videos of the work done by the Royal family. If you are a history geek, you would be astonished by the concise details of the history of Doi Tung and the transformative developmental project. The Royal family created a ripple effect with their good deeds towards uplifting the poor which stood as an example for the entire country.
Here you will see six exhibit halls which display the history most interestingly:
- Exhibit 1: The Mahidol Royal House
- Exhibit 2: History of the Mahidol Royal Family
- Exhibit 3 The return of the royal daily to their motherland
- Exhibit4: The People’s suffering
- Exhibit 5: How to solve the suffering sustainably
- Exhibit 6: Plans to resolve the suffering
- Exhibit 7: Hall of Inspiration
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Tree Top Walk
If you are a nature lover, don’t miss out on the Doi Tung Tree Top Walk. It is a 300-metre walk on the bridges connecting some of the oldest trees at a height of 100 feet, giving you a view of the hill from the top. With a ticket price of THB 120, you can get on this walk which consists of easy and steep walks amidst the clouds over the green foliage. It is a 30-minute walk, and staff will accompany you throughout. The timings for the activity are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
How To Reach Doi Tung
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Doi Tung Palace Chiang Rai is well connected with all modes of transport from Chaing Rai. The distance between the two is 83 km, while the shortest distance by road is 58 km.
By Car: The ride to here from Chaing Rai takes one hour and costs around USD 20 to USD 30. It is also one of the cheapest and fastest ways to reach the hill.
By Bus: You can hop on a bus ride from Chiang Rai and enjoy the beauty of the scenic way to Doi Tung for USD 15 to USD 18 only. The trip duration is around 2 hours. The buses depart at a fixed time so make sure to check with the routine before heading out. Also, Doi Tung closes at 5 PM; hence, make sure to plan your transport to reach back to your hotel.
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Doi Tung Palace and its surrounding nature trail will captivate your attention and leave you mesmerised by their beauty. Experience the vibrant hues, scenic beauty of the hills, and rich heritage of Thai culture in this mountainous region. If this guide about Doi Tung Royal Villa lures you, here are some of the best packages to book a trip to Thailand.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Doi Tung
Is a tour guide necessary for a trip to Doi Tung?
A tour guide is not necessary, however helpful. They would surely tell you stories about the places which otherwise you might miss.
How much time is required for a trip to Doi Tung palace?
You would need 4 to 5 hours for a complete trip to the palace and the major attractions around it. However, you can take more time to see the beauty of the palace properly.
What is the best time to visit Doi Tung?
The best time to visit Doi Tung is in the cooler months of December to February. You can enjoy the Doi Tree Top Walk for this duration comfortably too.
Are there any rules to follow in Doi Tung?
Apart from modest dressing, it is important to remove your shoes before entering any religious building. Be humble and respect the religion and the tradition of the place.
Can a person with a wheelchair go to Doi Tung?
Most of the places in Doi Tung are wheelchair accessible. However, since it is built on a mountain, certain places can be difficult for wheelchair users.
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