| Doi Tung | |
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Doi Tung
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| Elevation | 1,389 m (4,557 ft) |
| Listing | Buddhist temples on mountaintops in Thailand |
| Location | |
| Range | Daen Lao Range |
| Geology | |
| Type | granite |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | drive |
Doi Tung (ดอยตุง), "Flag Mountain", is a mountain of the Thai highlands located in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.
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While not the highest elevation of the province, the 1389 m high Doi Tung rises steeply, standing quite isolated close to the Thailand-Burma border. It is located in the area known as "Golden Triangle".
Most of the bedrock of the mountain is limestone and granite. The vegetation below c. 1,000 m is mostly deciduous forest and evergreen above this height.[1]
There are spectacular views of both Burma and Thailand from the top of this mountain. Shan, Akha and Lahu tribal villages are located on the mountain sides.
The Wat Phra That Doi Tung temple is on top of the hill. According to the chronicles, this Buddhist place of worship dates back to the year 911. It is an important pilgrimage spot for the devout.
The Doi Tung royal villa, former residence of the Late Princess mother (mother of the present king) Somdej Phra Srinagarindra is also located high up on the hill.
Thanks to Princess mother's interest and encouragement the hills were reforested. She was also instrumental in fighting against the opium trade, as a result the local hill tribes stopped growing poppies and began to grow other crops.[2]
The royal Villa was originally built as a summer residence for the Late Princess Mother and now houses a museum and displaying her work to improve the life quality of local tribal people.[3]
The Mae Fah Luang Gardens are a botanical park located on the slopes below the royal villa. Flowers and plants grow among rock formations.