Doi Tung Royal Villa: Exploration of Historical Sites and the Recovery from Opium Cultivation

Explore the historical sites of Doi Tung Royal Villa and learn about its recovery from opium cultivation. Visit Mae Fah Luang Gardens and the holiest sanctuary, Wat Phra Thad Doi Tung.

Duration: 3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Doi Tung Royal Villa - The royal residence of HRH the late Princess Mother formerly served as her base of operations to monitor the work progress at the Doi Tung Development Project. It has since been transformed into a symbol of the Princess Mother’s commitment to improving the local people’s quality of life.
  • Wat Phra That Doi Tung - Wat Phra That Doi Tung, or Wat Phra Maha Chin That Chao, is a temple located in Mae Sai County, Chiang Rai. It was probably built in the period of King Achutharat of Yonoknakphan. It is famous for having Lord Buddha’s collarbone relics, which was transported directly from India. The legend says, about 1,000 years ago, Mahākāśyapa and King Achutharat of Yonoknakphan, along with his servants, were the people who brough the relics to the place.
What's Included
  • Roundtrip transportation to and from your Chiang Rai hotel
  • Admission fees included
  • Guided tour of Doi Tung
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Any food, drinks or snacks
Additional Information

Doi Tung is known as ‘Flag Peak’. Historically, the woodland surrounding Doi Tung suffered extensive damage due to the practice of rotational slash-and-burn agriculture. The region was widely recognized for its opium farming. In 1987, the Doi Tung Development Project commenced, inspired by the initiative of the King’s Mother. As a consequence of the Royal Crop Substitution Project, opium farming has been almost entirely eradicated. The tour includes stops at the Mae Fah Luang Gardens and the Royal Villa.

Continuing the journey up to Wat Phra That Doi Tung, located at the summit, this temple is held in the highest reverence by the inhabitants of Chiang Rai and the surrounding areas. Established in 911 A.D., it is said to house the left clavicle of the Buddha within its dual stupas. According to folklore, Phraya Achutarat (the Ruler of Chiang Saen) selected this location for the twin stupas and commanded that a vast flag be hoisted at the mountain’s apex. Signs of this, such as a large hole that once held the flagpole, are still visible at the temple site.

  • At least 2 people are required for this activity to take place. Single traveler may book this product, but is subject to availability and cancellation if minimum number of people is not met on the activity day. (Alternative date or refund will be offered should this occur.).
  • Children 1 and younger are complimentary
  • Should your travel plans change after booking, do not worry. I Asia Thailand will do all possible to change your booking to fit with your new travel arrangements free of charge.
Location
Doi Tung Royal Villa
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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Divisa65
Jul 25, 2024
A haven of peace in the middle of the mountain - Doi Tung, the Royal Villa of the late Princess Mother of Thailand and the Mae Fah Luang Garden We started the tour with the Princess Villa. Upon arrival, the wooden house looks relatively small. In fact, she had it built as a Swiss chalet (she lived there for many years) and it is huge. The Audio Guide is very well designed and makes the tour very pleasant and interesting. It allows you to discover the uncommon life of the princess and the history of the place. The chalet was equipped with modern comforts of the time in Europe (fully equipped kitchen for example), a dental office (very rare). The furniture is not ostentatious. It is even rather simple and very functional. The ceiling of the main room is very original and pretty. There is no chandelier but small lights representing stars and the signs of the wooden zodiac carved in relief. A very large part of the chalet is open to visitors. Its garden is a marvel, fully flowered with European plants (geraniums, impatiences, capuchins, wolfmouths, etc.). The orchid greenhouse contains beautiful specimens. She reforested the hill by suppressing poppy cultivation, gave work to artisans, developed plant cultivation, etc.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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2 Adult
September 2024
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