Doi Tung and Mae Fah Luang Garden are two of the most popular tourist attractions in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Located in the northern part of the country, these destinations offer breathtaking scenery, stunning gardens, and a glimpse into the local culture. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.

Table of Contents

Discover the Beauty of Doi Tung and Mae Fah Luang Garden

Highlights

The flower garden was designed according to the wish of Princess Mother, and it’s a beautiful floral park.
The orchid house was spectacular, and the floral displays were truly impressive.
The local market on the way to the car park offers lots of local products from the hill tribe villagers.
Driving down from Doi Tung to Mae Sai past the Arboretum on route 1149 offers one of the most beautiful routes on the Thai-Myanmar border.
The treetop walk and the zip line are fantastic.
The Hall of Inspiration provides answers to questions about the Royal Pavilion and Gardens, as well as explains the royal project and how it has transformed the region.
The attached restaurant had surprisingly good food.

Drawbacks

The museum about the Princess Mother and the Mahidol family in Doi Tung needs an upgrade as it’s exactly the same as 10 years ago.
The propaganda in the Doi Tung palace is a bit of an overkill.
The walk from the entry to the parking area in Mae Fah Luang Garden is over 10 minutes.
The hill tribe handicraft area in Mae Fah Luang Garden may not be appealing to some visitors.
The botanical garden in Doi Tung is decent but not exciting, with a minimal variety of plant types.

The Natural Beauty of Doi Tung

One of the most famous destinations in Chiang Rai is Doi Tung, a mountain that stands 1,389 meters tall. Doi Tung is famous for its natural beauty, and it’s a popular spot for tourists who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

As you ascend Doi Tung, you’ll notice the temperature drop, and the air becomes fresher and cooler. The mountain is covered in lush forests, which are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The Thai Royal Family initiated the Doi Tung Development Project to help restore the forests and provide jobs for the local people. As a result, the area is now a model of sustainable development.

At the top of Doi Tung, you’ll find a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. There’s also a Royal Villa, which was built for the late Princess Mother, the mother of the current king. The villa is open to the public and showcases the Princess Mother’s love for nature and her dedication to improving the lives of the local people.

Exploring Mae Fah Luang Garden

Mae Fah Luang Garden is another popular attraction in Chiang Rai, located at the foot of Doi Tung. This beautiful botanical garden is named after the late Princess Mother, who was passionate about gardening and preserving the region’s natural beauty. The garden covers an area of over 10 hectares and features a wide variety of plants and flowers.

One of the most famous attractions in the Mae Fah Luang Garden is the Tree Top Walk, which takes you through the canopy of the garden’s lush trees. The walkway is suspended 30 meters above the ground and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. As you walk along the walkway, you’ll be surrounded by the sounds of birds and insects, and you’ll be able to see the garden from a unique perspective.

In addition to the Tree Top Walk, Mae Fah Luang Garden has many other attractions, including a greenhouse, a cactus garden, and a collection of sculptures. The garden also features a coffee shop where you can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the scenery.

Exploring Doi Tung Palace

Doi Tung Palace is another famous attraction in Chiang Rai, located at the top of the mountain. The palace was built for the late Princess Mother and features a unique blend of Lanna and Swiss architectural styles. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

One of the most famous attractions in the Doi Tung Palace is the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park, which showcases the art and culture of the local hill tribes. The park features a museum, a library, and a research center, and it’s a great place to learn about the history and culture of the region.

Other activities to do

Walk the Tree Top Walk: The Tree Top Walk is an exciting activity for adventure seekers. This walkway is suspended 30 meters above the ground, allowing visitors to get a bird’s eye view of the forest canopy. The walk is 300 meters long and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

Visit Wat Phra That Doi Tung: This temple is located on the peak of the mountain and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The temple is a sacred site for many Buddhists and is said to house relics of the Buddha. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere of the temple.

Learn about the Royal Family: Doi Tung is home to the Mae Fah Luang Foundation, which was established by the late Princess Mother to help improve the lives of the hill tribe communities in the area. Visitors can learn about the foundation’s work and the late Princess Mother’s legacy at the Mae Fah Luang Museum.

Visit the Doi Tung Development Project: Thist is a sustainable development project that aims to improve the lives of the hill tribe communities in the area. Visitors can learn about the project’s history and see the various products that are made by the local communities, including coffee, handicrafts, and textiles.

Enjoy Local Cuisine: Doi Tung and Mae Fah Luang Garden are home to several restaurants and cafes that offer delicious local cuisine. Visitors can try traditional dishes such as khao soi, a northern-style curry noodle soup, and nam prik ong, a spicy tomato and pork dip.

Tips for Visiting Doi Tung and Mae Fah Luang Garden

If you’re planning a visit this destination, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. The mountain can be quite cool, so be sure to bring a sweater or jacket.

When visiting Mae Fah Luang Garden, be sure to check the opening hours and plan your visit accordingly. The garden can get quite busy during peak tourist season, so consider visiting early in the morning or later in the day to avoid crowds.

Finally, be sure to take your time and soak in the beauty of these two amazing destinations. Whether you’re exploring the natural beauty of the mountain or admiring the stunning gardens, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Reviews from TripAdvisor:

Subi Traveler
Floral Extravaganza
Jan 2023
Garden of Mae Fah Luang. a lovely floral park The flower garden was created in response to Princess Mother’s request. 90 THB for admission A delight, my previous research of the reviews and other inputs proved me correct, it had a rightful place on my bucket list, I am interested in floriculture, God’s bounty to us. Though smaller, it compares favorably to gardens in Europe and Dubai. Because there are inclines, it is recommended that seniors rent a golf cart.

AvoJim
Great Tree Top walk way and Zip line
Jan 2020
We enjoyed the gardens, the palace was OK but a little too propaganda-heavy, and the tree tops walk was fantastic. Even as 60-year-olds, the zip line was a thrilling finale:)