
The Royal Projects and Minorities of Doi Tung
The Royal Projects and
Minorities of Doi Tung
Sustainable developments by HRH The Princess Mother have benefitted Chiang Rai during her time
at Doi Tung. The Swiss-inspired Royal Villa has been the backbone of her efforts by this
beloved member of the Royal Family, is now open for the public to see.
WHY THIS TOUR?
Blessed with a rich history, a wonderful climate and heritage preserved via the ethnic hill tribe population, Chiang Rai remains one of Thailand’s most scenic provinces.
The region initially gained international name and fame as the gateway to the Golden Triangle, with three countries meeting each other along the Mekong River banks. Influences from the Thailand Royal Family, and in particular Her Royal Highness The Princess Mother, have elevated the region in a prosperous province, filled with tea plantations, vast panoramic views from mountain-based hill tribe settlements and the presence of one of the Royal Villas.
Now accessible for the public, you have now the chance to gain an insight in the life of the late HRH The Princess Mother insider her home in the mountains and her efforts done for the betterment of the surrounding hill tribes.



TRAIL ITINERARY
08:00 - 12:00
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13:30 - 17:30
Your English speaking guide will meet you at your Chiang Rai hotel before heading out into the surrounding mountains. The area known as Doi Tung is a collection of projects, instigated under the supervision of HRH The Princess Mother. The scenic drive into the mountains will bring you in and around the Doi Tung Royal Villa, the enclosed Doi Tung Development Project and the nearby Mae Fah Luang Botanical Gardens.
The Doi Tung Royal Villa was the first residence of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, The Princess Mother, and was used as a base from which The Princess Mother would oversee work on the Doi Tung Development Project. She was personally involved in the development of the concept for The Royal Villa, hugely inspired by her residence in Lausanne, Switzerland, and closely supervised its construction, aided by the late HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, her daughter. A guided visit through all the available rooms will give visitors an impression of the simple lifestyle. The nearby Wat Phra That Doi Tung, with its stunning location of around 2000 meters above sea level, is said to be the first shrine built in Lanna style and is a highly popular place of worship for both the Thai and Tai Yai from neighbouring Myanmar and Laos.
On the way back from Doi Tung, we will make a stop at some of the hill tribe villages of the region. There are around 20 different hill tribes in all living along the border with Myanmar and on the Chiang Rai hills and mountains, yet only a few of these have the high visibility of the Akha and Hmong. Our half-day tour comes to an end as we bring you back to your booked hotel in Chiang Rai.