The Royal Villa
Upper part of the estate
The Princess Mother’s Thai-Swiss chalet, kept as she left it, with carved wooden ceilings and a star-studded ceiling in the main hall.
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Chiang Rai, Thailand
Doi Tung Royal Villa & Mae Fah Luang Garden
The Princess Mother's mountain home and its colourful terraced garden, part of the project that replaced opium with coffee, crafts and forest.
Favourite places
Mae Fah Luang Garden
Below the villa
Terraced flower beds in bright colours, changed through the seasons, with a modern sculpture at the centre.
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Near the garden
An exhibition on the lives and work of the Princess Mother and her family, and the Doi Tung development project.
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Arboretum near the garden
A walkway through the forest canopy, giving a view of the mountain trees from above.
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Historical places
Wat Phra That Doi Tung
Near the summit of Doi Tung
An ancient mountain temple with twin chedis believed to hold a relic of the Buddha, a pilgrimage site for centuries.
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Local food
Doi Tung coffee
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Arabica coffee grown by hill-tribe farmers on the mountain under the Doi Tung project, which replaced opium.
Macadamia nuts
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Grown on Doi Tung and sold roasted at the project shops — a popular souvenir.
Khao soi
Chiang Rai, Thailand
The signature noodle soup of northern Thailand: egg noodles in a rich coconut curry broth, usually with chicken or beef, topped with crispy fried noodles and served with pickled mustard greens, shallots and lime.
Where to eat
Café Doi Tung
Doi Tung estate, near the garden
The project’s own café serving its coffee, drinks and light meals.
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Doi Tung
A restaurant on the estate serving Thai dishes made with local produce.
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Where to stay
Doi Tung lodge area
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Simple accommodation on the mountain for those who want a quiet night in the cool air.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Chiang Rai town centre
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Around the clock tower and the Night Bazaar: guesthouses and hotels within walking distance of restaurants, the walking streets and the bus terminal.
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Culture
The Princess Mother is deeply loved in the north, and the estate is visited with respect — dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) at the villa, which keeps a dress code. Buying Doi Tung coffee, crafts and textiles supports the hill-tribe families employed by the project.
History
Princess Srinagarindra, the late King's mother, built this Thai-Swiss chalet in the 1980s and started the Doi Tung Development Project to help hill-tribe villages leave opium farming. The Mae Fah Luang Garden below the villa is planted with flowers all year.
Tour plans
Royal mountain and the Mekong
1 dayStep 1: Mae Fah Luang Garden
Arrive early to walk the garden in the morning light.
Step 2: Royal Villa and Hall of Inspiration
Tour the villa and the exhibition.
Step 3: Wat Phra That Doi Tung
Drive up to the old temple near the summit.
Step 4: Golden Triangle
Continue to Sop Ruak for the afternoon.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
November to February, when the garden is in full bloom and the mountain air is cool; arrive in the morning before clouds roll in.
How to get there
About 1.5 hours north of Chiang Rai by car or tour.
Getting around
Doi Tung is about 1.5 hours from Chiang Rai on a winding mountain road. A car with driver or a day tour is the practical choice; buses towards Mae Sai stop at the foot of the mountain, from where songthaews go up when available.
Travel tips
Dress modestly at the villa. Try Doi Tung coffee at the café.