The Mah Fah Luang Arboretum covers the top of Doi Chiang Moob mountain, some 1500m high, formerly a huge opium field bare of trees. Huge old trees were moved to the summit, and many more trees including several rare species and masses of flowering bougainvillea were planted, completing the reforestation of the devastated area.
There’s a refreshing scent of pine pervading the cool air on top of this mountain, and well-structured paths weave through various sections of the gardens that contain rhododendrons, Himalayan cherries and many types of orchid. Fortunately there are lots of benches and pavilions providing a chance to rest, which is necessary as the gardens are on such a steep slope.
The pathways are lined with ferns and mosses and there is also a garden of strange-shaped stones. Altogether this is a horticulturalist’s dream as it present such a huge variety of flowering plants and shrubs.
Perhaps the best aspect of the arboretum is that it is usually very quiet, as it is the furthest of the attractions on Doi Tung, so few visitors venture this far, certainly nothing like the crowds that flock to the Mae Fah Luang Garden. However, if you’re planning to visit Wat Phra That Doi Tung, it’s only a short diversion to get here and well-worth the effort.
Getting There
Continue north from the Royal Villa complex on Highway 1149 for about 10km on a hair-raising mountain road until a sign to the left directs you to the arboretum, shortly before arriving at Wat Phra That Doi Tung.
Need to Know
- What is it? A wonderland of exotic plants.
- Opening hours: 07:00-18:00 daily.
- Entrance fee: 50B, or 220B including admission to the Royal Villa, Mae Fah Luang Garden and Hall of Inspiration.
- Website: www.doitung.org
- Where: About 10km north of the Royal Villa and a few kilometers west of Wat Phra That Doi Tung.