The people of Doi Tung these days live in harmony with and scrupulously maintain the forested areas around them. However, it wasn’t always like this: in the late 1980s, intensive logging to clear the land for the growing of opium had decimated the trees and wrecked the villagers’ livelihoods.
Timely intervention by the Princess Mother, HRH Princess Srinagarindra, saved the situation. She surveyed the area, set up sustainable micro-enterprise projects in the villages, initiated the reforestation of the damaged area and built the Doi Tung Royal Villa. As part of her project, the Mae Fah Luang Garden was planted on the hillside below the villa and is now one of Northern Thailand’s most popular destinations, especially for Thais who love to take pictures of themselves squatting among the colorful flower beds.
The garden covers 4 hectares, and is crowded with brilliantly flowering plants of all kinds blooming throughout the year. At its center is a sculpture depicting children playing, the creation of a leading Thai sculptress, Misiem Yip-in-Soi. Entitled ‘Continuity’, it represents the late Princess Mother’s efforts to improve the lives of her people.
There are restaurants and coffee shops beside the entrance to the gardens in case you need some refreshment before or after your visit.
Tip: There are clearly marked paths through the garden, but since it is located on a steep slope, it is not an appropriate destination for anyone with mobility problems.
Getting There
By car, take Highway 110 from Chiang Rai towards Mae Sai, then turn left on to Highway 1149 at Ban Huay Khrai, following the signs to Doi Tung. Highway 1149 winds to the summit of Doi Tung for a further 30 minutes.
Need to Know
- What is it? A stunningly landscaped garden that is a blaze of color all year.
- Opening hours: 06:30-18:00 daily.
- Entrance fee: 90B, or 190B for a combination ticket that also allows entrance to the Royal Villa and Hall of Inspiration.
- Website: www.doitung.org
- Where: below the Royal Villa and atop the nearby mountain in the Doi Tung area of Chiang Rai.