The name Doi Tung means ‘Flag Peak’, where Tung comes from the Northern Thai word for flag. In the past, the forest area around Doi Tung was destroyed by shifting slash-and-burn cultivation. Opium implantation was once common all over Doi Tung. In 1987 the Doi Tung Development Project was established according to the King’s Mother initiative. Opium cultivation has been virtually eliminated following a Royal Crop Substitution Project. A visit is made at Mae Fah Luang Gardens and Royal Villa.

Drive further up to Wat Phra Thad Doi Tung on the mountain peak, regarded as the holiest sanctuary by the residents of Chiang Rai and nearby provinces. The Wat was built in A.D. 911 and it is believed that the left collarbone of Lord Buddha is enshrined in the twin pagodas. The legend says Phraya Achutarat (King of Chiang Saen) marked the spot where the twin pagodas were constructed and ordered a giant flag to be flown from the peak of the mountain. Evidence of this (a big hole for a flag pole) is still can be seen in the temple area.

3 hours and 30 minutes

Mueang Chiang Rai, Thailand