Half Day Chiang Rai : Doi Tung Royal Projects & Ethnic Minorities

Explore one of Thailand's most uplifting royal legacies on this half-day private tour to Doi Tung. Journey begins with visit to Doi Tung Development Project, initiated by Her Royal Highness the Princess Mother transforming deforested hills into model of sustainable living. At its heart lies Royal Villa, inspired by Swiss architecture and built as Princess Mother's mountain retreat. She was personally involved in development concept, inspired by her Lausanne residence. Guided visit through rooms gives impression of simple lifestyle. Continue to Wat Phra That Doi Tung, sacred temple at summit of Chiang Rai's highest mountain around 2000 meters above sea level. Twin Lanna-style stupas crown this peaceful site, believed to enshrine Buddha relic. On clear days, views reach Laos and Myanmar. Before returning, explore hill tribe villages where around 20 different tribes live along Myanmar border, encountering rich cultures and traditional ways of life.

1. 1

   Doi Tung Royal Villa

   1.5 hours

   Your English speaking guide will meet you at your Chiang Rai hotel before heading out into the surrounding mountains. The area known as Doi Tung is a collection of projects, instigated under the supervision of HRH The Princess Mother. The scenic drive into the mountains will bring you in and around the Doi Tung Royal Villa, the enclosed Doi Tung Development Project and the nearby Mae Fah Luang Botanical Gardens. The Doi Tung Royal Villa was the first residence of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, The Princess Mother, and was used as a base from which The Princess Mother would oversee work on the Doi Tung development Project. She was personally involved in the development of the concept for The Royal Villa, hugely inspired by her residence in Lausanne, Switzerland, and closely supervised its construction, aided by the late HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, her daughter. A guided visit through all the available rooms will give visitors an impression of the simple lifestyle.

2. 2

   Wat Phra That Doi Tung

   45 min

   The nearby Wat Phra That Doi Tung, with its stunning location of around 2000 meters above sea level, is said to be the first shrine built in Lanna style and is a highly popular place of worship for both the Thai and Tai Yai from neighbouring Myanmar and Laos.

3. 3

   Hill Tribe Villages

   1 hour

   On the way back from Doi Tung, we will make a stop at some of the hill tribe villages of the region. There are around 20 different hill tribes in all living along the border with Myanmar and on the Chiang Rai hills and mountains, yet only a few of these have the high visibility of the Akha and Hmong. Our half-day tour comes to an end as we bring you back to your booked hotel in Chiang Rai.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply.
• This excursion includes obstacles of various kinds that may not make this excursion suitable for wheelchair users. The obstacles comprise of unpaved roads, small boats and cruise embarkation and disembarkation and insufficient facilities to provide a comfortable sightseeing tour.
• Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself.
• It is of the greatest importance to follow the guide’s instructions during this event in paying respect to the local customs.
• We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.