Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Doi Tung
About halfway between Mae Chan and Mae Sai on Rte 110 is the turn-off (west) for Doi
Tung. The name means 'Flag Peak', from the northern Thai word for flag
(đung)
. King
Achutarat of Chiang Saen ordered a giant flag to be flown from the peak to mark the spot
where two
chedi
were constructed in AD 911; the
chedi
are still there, and the site is a pil-
grimage for Thai, Shan and Chinese Buddhists.
But Doi Tung's main attraction is the journey. The 'easy' way is via Rte 1149, which is
mostly paved to the peak of Doi Tung. But it's winding, steep and narrow, so if you're
driving or riding a motorcycle, take it slowly.
Sights
Doi Tung Royal Villa
( 0 5376 7011;
www.doitung.org
;
admission 90B; 7-11.40am & 12.30-5.30pm)
On the theory that local
hill tribes would be so honoured by a royal presence that they would stop cultivating opi-
um, the late Princess Mother (the current king's mother) built the Doi Tung Royal Villa, a
summer palace on the slopes of Doi Tung near Pa Kluay Reservoir, which is now open to
the public as a museum.
The royal initiative also provided education on new agricultural methods to stop slash-
and-burn practices. Opium has now been replaced by crops such as coffee, macadamia
nuts and various fruits. The rest of the property, including the Mae Fah Luang Garden and
Mae Fah Luang Arboretum
(admission 90B; 7am-5.30pm)
, is also open to the public. There is also
a hotel, restaurant, coffee kiosk and craft shop up here. Near the parking lot, the Doi Tung
Bazaar is a small open-air market with local agricultural products, prepared food and hill-
tribe handicrafts. This entire complex is popular with bus tour groups.
NOTABLE BUILDING
Wat Phra That Doi Tung
( daylight hours)
At the peak, 1800m above sea level, Wat Phra That Doi Tung is
built around the twin Lanna-style
chedi
. The
chedi
were renovated by Chiang Mai monk
Khruba Siwichai, famous for his prodigious building projects, early in the 20th century.
Pilgrims bang on the usual row of temple bells to gain merit. Although the wát isn't that
impressive, the forested setting will make the trip worthwhile. From the walled edge of
the temple you can get an aerial view of the snaky road you've just climbed. A walking
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
