Doi Tung Travel Guide

Read our travel guide for Doi Tung in Chiang Rai, Thailand including places, activities, accommodations, food and drink, culture, safety and health, transportation, nearby excursions and more.


Doi Tung Travel Guide: A Comprehensive Tour Guide

Doi Tung, in Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand, is a popular travel destination due to its cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and scenic natural areas. From visiting historic sites to hiking or biking, there are plenty of things to do in Doi Tung. This travel guide provides visitors with comprehensive information about the best places to visit, stay, eat, and explore.

Introduction to Doi Tung

Doi Tung is located in the mountains of Chiang Rai and has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists for its unique culture and natural beauty. This area boasts a heritage of the Doi Tung Development Project launched in the early 1990s used to combat opium cultivation by providing alternative sustainable livelihoods to farmers and hill tribes. Today, it emphasizes protecting and preserving natural resources, culture, and community.

List of Places to Visit in Doi Tung

Doi Tung has a wide variety of cultural, historical, and natural attractions for everyone to enjoy. Here are some essentials:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mae Fah Luang Garden - a beautifully designed 18-hectare garden offers a variety of stunning plants, flowers, fountains, waterfalls, and a tea plantation
  • Doi Tung Royal Villa - the former home of the Late Princess Mother, Dame Wan Jirapreechar, this residence was created to promote and support projects focusing on the well-being of the hill tribe people
  • Hall of Inspiration - an exhibition of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s work for development in the area
  • Doi Tung Development Project - showcases the history of the project, and local crafts, such as weaving, pottery, and papermaking.

Natural Attractions of Doi Tung: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Pha Mee Viewpoint - offers panoramic views of the mountains and scenery from the top of the peak
  • Mae Ka Chan Hot Springs - natural mineral hot springs surrounded by lush greenery
  • Doi Tung Trek - hiking is a popular way to explore the natural beauty of Doi Tung, with several trails catering to different levels of physical fitness.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Doi Tung

Doi Tung offers hikes and biking trails with different levels of difficulty suitable for everyone. The popular trekking route is Doi Tung Trek, which offers a choice of 5 paths of varying lengths.

Best Things to Do in Doi Tung: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of things to do in Doi Tung that will keep visitors entertained for days! Here are a few must-tries:

  • Tea Tasting - the area is known for its high-quality tea. Enjoy a tea tasting session in the tea plantation of Mae Fah Luang Garden.
  • Buying Handmade Goods - an ideal opportunity to purchase unique, locally sourced items is at the Doi Tung Development Project.
  • Mae Sai Day Tour - from the hill tribe market to the Golden Triangle, a day tour to Mae Sai will captivate you.

Week-Long Itinerary for Doi Tung

Suppose you have decided to spend a week in Doi Tung. In that case, check out this itinerary to ensure you don’t miss out on exciting experiences:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival, Mae Fah Luang Garden
Day 2 Doi Tung Royal Villa, Hall of Inspiration
Day 3 Doi Tung Trek, Mae Ka Chan Hot Springs
Day 4 Tea tasting, Pha Mee Viewpoint
Day 5 Doi Tung Development Project, Handicraft market
Day 6 Mae Sai Day Tour
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Doi Tung

Thai cuisine is considered one of the best in the world, and Doi Tung boasts authentic and delicious local delicacies as well as fusion cuisine.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Khao Soi - a northern Thai curry noodle dish
  • Kaeng Hang Lei - pork curry flavored with Burmese spices
  • Sai Ua - Chiang Mai-style sausage

Local Beverages

  • Cha Yen - sweet Thai iced tea
  • Bua Loi - a dessert that includes tiny little balls of rice flour served in a coconut milk soup

Where to Stay in Doi Tung: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several options available for accommodations in Doi Tung ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious hotels. Popular choices include:

  • Doi Tung Lodge - a luxury eco-resort with a view of the Doi Tung mountain range
  • Doi Tung View Resort - a budget-friendly resort with scenic views of the hills and valley
  • Doi Tung Home Stay - a great way to experience the local culture and hospitality at an affordable price.

What to Buy in Doi Tung: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Doi Tung has a thriving cottage industry providing high-quality handcrafted goods. Here’s what to buy:

  • Mulberry Paper - handcrafted items such as cards or notebooks
  • Woven Crafts - baskets, bags, and mats made by skilled hill tribe craftsmen
  • Tea - high-quality locally grown tea

Local Culture and Customs of Doi Tung

Doi Tung has a unique culture and customs, influenced by history and the hill tribe communities. It’s recommended not to offend these customs:

  • Show respect for the royal family, the temples and Buddhism, and the local culture
  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and other religious buildings
  • Be mindful of hill tribe communities and their traditions

Best Time to Visit Doi Tung

The best time to visit Doi Tung is between November to March, during the cool season, when the weather is pleasing, and temperatures are moderate.

Do’s and Don’ts of Doi Tung

Do:

  • Respect the local people and their culture.
  • Dress appropriately for the location and activity.
  • Keep the environment clean and free of trash.

Don’t:

  • Display public affection.
  • Disrespect the local culture or royal family.
  • Litter or leave the places you visit in poor condition.

Safety and Health

Safety in Doi Tung

Doi Tung is a generally safe destination, but it is necessary to take some precautions such as:

  • Avoid solo trekking, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.
  • Use a licensed guide or a reliable map on trekking or hiking trips.
  • Drive or ride safely as the winding roads may be dangerous.

Health in Doi Tung

It’s essential to take the necessary precautions during your visit to Doi Tung:

  • Carry mosquito repellent and wear appropriate clothing to prevent bites.
  • Drink only bottled or filtered water.
  • Stick to fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid raw or undercooked meat and eggs.

Getting to Doi Tung: Transportation Options and Logistics

Doi Tung is easily accessible by car, bus, or plane. Consider the following travel options:

Airports Near Doi Tung

  • Chiang Rai International Airport - 63 km away.

Bus Stations Near Doi Tung

  • Mae Sai Bus Terminal, Chiang Rai - 28 km away
  • Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 - 63 km away

Other Options

  • Taxis or shared vans from Chiang Rai or other nearby locations
  • Renting a car or motorbike - a preferred option for more flexibility in exploring the area.

How to Get Around in Doi Tung

There are several modes of transport available to explore this natural paradise:

  • Bicycle - a great eco-friendly and low-cost option to discover the area at a leisurely pace.
  • Motorbike or car - an excellent option for exploring at your pace. Ensure you have the necessary licenses and follow traffic rules.
  • Tuk-tuks or shared songthaews - a convenient choice for getting around within Doi Tung’s main attractions.

Where to Go Next from Doi Tung: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Doi Tung is an ideal starting point for visiting several exciting nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Chiang Rai City - only 60 km away, this vibrant city is a perfect destination for cultural immersion and shopping.
  • Golden Triangle - a place where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet - known for its scenic views and history.
  • Mae Salong - an excellent choice for tea lovers - a place to enjoy high-quality tea, stunning scenery and seek their cultural history.

Conclusion

Doi Tung is a unique destination with a rich history and culture, offering pristine natural beauty and outdoor adventures. From historical sites to outdoor activities and delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Doi Tung. We hope this guide will help you explore and truly experience the essence of Doi Tung.

Doi Tung Royal Villa Doi Tung Royal Villa Mae Fah Luang Garden Mae Fah Luang Garden