Doi Tung

Doi Tung
Doi Tung Thailand
Highest point
Elevation	1,389 m (4,557 ft)
Listing	Buddhist temples on mountaintops in Thailand
Coordinates	20°20′45″N 99°50′04″E / 20.34583°N 99.83444°E / 20.34583; 99.83444Coordinates: 20°20′45″N 99°50′04″E / 20.34583°N 99.83444°E / 20.34583; 99.83444
Geography
Location	Chiang Rai (Thailand)
Parent range	Daen Lao Range
Geology
Mountain type	granite
Climbing
Easiest route	drive

Doi Tung royal villa

Doi Tung (ดอยตุง) is a mountain of the Thai highlands located in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Location

While not the highest elevation of the province, the 1389 m high Doi Tung rises steeply, standing quite isolated close to the Thailand-Myanmar border. It is located in the area known as "Golden Triangle".

Description

Wat Phra That Doi Tung

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.

Doi Tung Royal Villa

The Doi Tung royal villa, former residence of the 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 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.

References

External links

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