Bid goodbye to the old year, and embrace in the new with the annual Colours of Doi Tung celebration, which starts today and takes place every Saturday and Sunday until 28 January, next year.
The Colours of Doi Tung festival takes place at the Doi Tung Development Project, initiated by the late Princess Mother. The event boasts myriad activities and opportunities to enjoy the colourful sights of many beautiful and meaningful landmarks, as well as plenty of shopping opportunities at the Doi Tung Market, created in a walking-street style (the highest in Thailand).
There are 50 stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables from fields and forests, ethic food and handmade arts and crafts by six ethic groups – Akha, Lahu, Tai Yai, Leu, Lawa and Chinese. Visitors can shop ‘til they drop, and take a rest under the shades of trees and enjoy cold drinks, made from fresh fruits and vegetables.
The Colours of Doi Tung event is a great way to explore the local culture as the six ethnic tribes, who have lived in these hills for centuries, will also be putting on displays of dancing and entertainment.
Doi Tung Facts at a Glance
Doi Tung lies in the misty tribal landscape of Chiang Rai province and soars some 1,630 metres above sea level, around 60 km from Chiang Rai town. The cool air and fertile soils make the mountain the perfect place to grow a range of temperate crops and flowers that would find it hard to thrive on Thailand’s hot plains.
Doi Tung Royal Villa
This is why the region was chosen by the late Princess Mother as her northern retreat – the area reminded her of Switzerland where she had lived for many happy years after her marriage. Her villa here is even built like a Swiss Chalet, albeit with a Lanna twist. Building started on the Doi Tung Royal Villa in 1987, and it was made to the Princess Mother’s specifications and with her own funds.
The villa’s exterior is made from concrete and teak slabs while the inside is decorated in recycled pine wood from packing cases. The golden teak wood floor came from the Forest Industry Organisation. The main hall of the villa has representations of the Princess Mother’s favourite star constellations in the ceiling, so don’t forget to look up.
Mae Fah Luang Garden
The Gardens around the villa were the Princess Mother’s pride and joy, and are still tended meticulously. You’ll find petunias, azalea and orchids with ornamental and rock gardens, running streams and ponds adding to the beauty. One of the talking points is a sculpture by the artist Misiem Yip-In-Soi portraying children at play. The sculpture is called “Continuity” in line with the Princess Mother’s belief that it is continuity that ensures success. With many of the plants here being perennials there is always something pretty to look at, whatever time of the year you might visit.
For more information please contact:
TAT Chiang Rai office
Tel: +66 (0) 5371 7433, +66 (0) 5374 4674-5
E-mail: [email protected]
Or TAT Contact Centre 1672
