Doi Tung Royal Villa was once a palace of HRH Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother. It features a combination of the Lanna form of art and the Swiss-style chalet. The building is decorated with woodcarvings by Northern craftsmen in various designs on its Kalae (northern-style gable), Choengchai (eave board), and window frames. Around the palace lie gardens of various flowers with many colours, which provide beauty and freshness, especially in the cold season when mist can be seen slightly covering the surrounding hilltops.
Officials lead a tour of 20 minutes each round. It is open daily from 07.00 a.m. – 05.30 p.m. Admission is 90 Baht.
Suan Mae Fa Luang is situated in front of the palace on an area of around 10 rai. It is a garden of temperate flowers; such as, salvia, petunia, begonia, roses, Dok Lamphong (thorn apple), as well as more than 70 species of auspicious plants, perennial trees, and creepers. There is also the Sculpture of Continuity by Khun Misium Yipinsoi. The garden is open daily from 06.30 a.m. – 06.00 p.m. Admission is 90 Baht.
The Hall of Inspiration is a building where the life story of HRH the Princess Mother and the royal family is on display. There are 7 exhibition rooms. It is open daily from 08.00 a.m. – 05.00 p.m. Admission is 50 Baht.
Furthermore, a shop offers souvenirs, silk clothes, as well as products of the Royal Project including flowers, fruits, vegetables, and saplings of various plants.
Doi Chang Mup Stupa and Mae Fa Luang Arboretum on Doi Chang Mup are situated on the Phrathat Doi Tung – Ban Pha Mi Road, around 4 kilometers from the Wat Noi Doi Tung Junction. Here is the highest viewpoint of Doi Tung. The Chang Mup Stupa is a small pagoda on a large rock that looks like a prostrating elephant. There are surrounding pine trees and giant banyan trees which are grown to preserve the soil and watershed. Visitors can see Kulap Phan Pi (rhododendron) from different continents inside the arboretum. Admission is 90 Baht.
A package price for visiting 4 places including Doi Tung Palace, Suan Mae Fah Luang, Hall of Inspiration, and Mae Fah Luang Arboretum is 220 Baht. Students, senior citizens aged 60 years and over, monks, and persons with disabilities, are eligible to pay 110 Baht. The ticket counter opens at 06.30 a.m. – 06.00 p.m.
Contact the tourist information centre, Tel. 0 5376 7015 – 7 ext. 2230, 2413 www.doitung.org
Tag: History / Attraction / Art / Souvenirs / Outdoor
