Doi Tung
Date: Friday 18th May 2012Doi Tung is located in Mai Sai District of Chiang Rai Province, and contains some stunning scenery. Notable locations are Wat Phra That Doi Tung, Mae Fa Luang Gardens, and the Doi Tung Royal Villa. Hill tribe crafts, lookout points and panoramic visitas make the trip around Route 1149 well worthwhile!
Wat Phrathat Doi Tung
Wat Phra That Doi Tung is located at Km. marker17.5 on Route 1149 which runs along the mountain-top ridgeline of Doi Tung (the highest mountain in Chiang Rai province). This is a most important place of worship for Buddhists in northern Thailand, and attracts vistiers from all over the country. The temple contains the left collar bone of the Buddha.
On a clear day, there glorious views of the forested mountainsides of this border region.
Mae Fa Luang Gardens
The Mae Fa Luang Gardens are a botanical masterpeice on a mountainside, and include a rock garden, a fountain, a palm garden,an ornamental plant section and a handicraft centre. Accommodation is also available.
Call Doi Tung Development Project at 053 767003, 053 767015 – 7.
Open: 07.30-18.00 hrs.daily
Doi Tung Royal Villa and Mae Fa Luang Garden are best visited in Cold Season (Nov-Jan) when the numerous flowers are in full bloom and the forests across the mountain are luxuriant and green.
Admission Fee: 150 baht/person*
* including the fees of Doi Tung Royal Villa, the Late Princess Mother’s Autobiography Hall and Mae Fa Luang Garden
Hill Tribe Villages & Handcrafts
On the way to the summit of Doi Tung, there are several hilltribe villages, including Akha and Lahu, and a hilltribe handicrafts centre at Km. marker 14, opposite the Mae Fah Luang Gardens entrance – a good place to buy some souvenirs.
Doi Tung Royal Villa
Situated at Km. Marker 12 on Route 1149, the royal residence was constructed to celebrate the 90th birthday (in 1990) of the late Princess Mother. The villa is a 2-storey building neatly designed in northern Thai and Swiss chalet styles. Since the Princess Mother’s death, the Royal Villa continues to draw many visitors who admire its beautiful gardens, especially during the Cold Season.
Open: 07.30-17.30 daily
Located 10 kms south of Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun - the White Temple, by renowned Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat - is a visual symphony in white, a striking architectural masterpiece in a land of beautiful temples! Prints of Chalermchai's paintings are available at a shop within the temple grounds. 
The Karen elephant camp at Baan Ruammit on the bank of the Mae Nam Kok (Kok River) is located 19 kilometres from Chiang Rai. Well worth a visit, its easily reached by either long-tail boat (recommended), car or motorcycle. There are a few souvenir shops, hot coffee, and its a nice trip, however you get there. 
