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 in the Thai highlands of Chiang Rai Province, Thailand.

Location

While not the highest elevation of the province, the 1,389 m high Doi Tung rises steeply, standing isolated close to the Thailand-Myanmar border. It is 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 1,000 m is mostly deciduous forest, and the vegetation above this height is evergreen.[1]

There are views of both Burma and Thailand from the top of this mountain. Shan, Akha and Lahu tribal villages are perched on the mountain sides.

Wat Phra That Doi Tung 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 high up on the hill.

Thanks to the 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 hilltribes 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 on the slopes below the royal villa. Flowers and plants grow among rock formations.

See also

References

  1. ↑ J. F. Maxwell, Vegetation of Doi Tung, Chiang Rai Province Archived February 23, 2012, at the Wayback Machine.
  2. ↑ Mae Fah Luang Foundation Archived April 8, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
  3. ↑ Doi Tung - Chiang Rai - Overview
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