Doi Tung

Doi Tung
Doi Tung Chiang Rai ( Thailand)
Elevation	1,389 m (4,557 ft)
Listing	Buddhist temples on mountaintops in Thailand
Location
Range	Hills of Northern 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
Geology
Type	granite
Climbing
Easiest route	drive

Doi Tung royal villa

Doi Tung (ดอยตุง), "Flag Mountain", is a mountain 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-Burma border. It is located in the area known as "Golden Triangle".

Description

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 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.

See also

• Doi Nang Non
• List of mountains in Thailand

References

1. ^ J. F. Maxwell - Vegetation of Doi Tung, Chiang Rai Province
2. ^ Mae Fah Luang Foundation
3. ^ Doi Tung - Chiang Rai - Overview

External links

• Doi Tung
• Geographical data
• Wikimapia - Doi Tung
• The Switzerland of Thailand - Doi Tung
• Economic Geology Report (Thai)