Mae Fah Luang Garden Garden

The people of Doi Tung now live in careful harmony with the forested hills around them, but it was not always so. In the late 1980s, intensive logging to clear land for growing opium had decimated the forest and wrecked local livelihoods. Timely intervention by the Princess Mother, HRH Princess Srinagarindra, turned the situation around: she surveyed the area, set up sustainable village enterprises, launched a reforestation program, and built the Doi Tung Royal Villa.

As part of that project, the Mae Fah Luang Garden was planted on the hillside below the villa. It is now one of Northern Thailand’s most popular attractions, especially with Thai visitors who love to photograph themselves among the colorful flower beds.

The garden covers four hectares and is crowded with brilliantly flowering plants of every kind, blooming throughout the year. At its center stands Continuity, a sculpture of children playing by the leading Thai sculptress Misiem Yip-in-Soi, representing the late Princess Mother’s efforts to improve the lives of her people. Restaurants and coffee shops beside the entrance offer refreshment before or after your visit.

Tip: The paths through the garden are clearly marked, but the steep slope makes it an unsuitable destination for anyone with mobility problems.

By car from Chiang Rai, take Highway 110 toward Mae Sai, then turn left onto Highway 1149 at Ban Huay Khrai and follow the signs to Doi Tung. Highway 1149 winds up to the summit for a further 30 minutes.

• What is it? A stunningly landscaped royal garden that stays a blaze of color all year.
• Opening hours: 06:30 - 18:00 daily.
• Entrance fee: 90B, or 190B for a combination ticket that also covers the Royal Villa and Hall of Inspiration.
• Where: On the hillside below the Doi Tung Royal Villa, in the Doi Tung area of Chiang Rai.