The Doi Tung & Royal Villa Guided Tour offers an enriching journey into the heart of northern Thailand’s lush landscapes and cultural heritage. Located in the Chiang Rai province, Doi Tung is part of the high mountains of the Thai-Myanmar border and is known for its royal history, stunning botanical gardens, and hill tribe communities. The tour highlights the region’s development efforts led by the late Princess Mother and showcases the natural beauty of Doi Tung.

Drive up to the highest mountain peak on the Thai/Burma border, Doi Tung, 2,000 meters above sea-level. The name Doi Tung means ‘Flag Peak’. Tung comes from the Northern Thai word for flag. In the past, the forest area around Doi Tung was destroyed by shifting slash-and-burn cultivation. Opium implantation was once common all over Doi Tung. In 1987, Doi Tung Development Project was established according to the King’s Mother initiative. Opium cultivation has been virtually eliminated following a royal crop substitution project. A visit is made at Mae Fah Luang Gardens and Royal Villa.

Drive further up to Wat Phra Thad Doi Tung on the mountain peak, regarded as the holiest sanctuary by the residents of Chiang Rai and nearby provinces. The Wat was built in A.D. 911 and it is believed that the left collarbone of Lord Buddha is enshrined in the twin pagodas. The legend says Phraya Achutarat (King of Chiang Saen) marked the spot where the twin pagodas were constructed and ordered a giant flag to be flown from the peak of the mountain. Evidence of this (a big hole for a flag pole) is still can be seen in the temple area.

The Doi Tung & Royal Villa Guided Tour not only offers beautiful natural sights but also provides a deep understanding of Thailand’s efforts to uplift rural communities through sustainable development and royal initiatives. It’s an educational journey that showcases the lasting impact of the Princess Mother's vision, combining history, culture, and nature into a memorable experience.

This tour is ideal for travelers interested in Thai culture, royal history, environmental conservation, and the peaceful beauty of northern Thailand's mountainous landscapes.