Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for all. As I mentioned in the last part that I'll dedicate one part of my blog to Doi Tung Royal Villa, and here it is!!! If you do not read the first and second part of this trip, you can find it here...part 1...part 2.
**DOI TUNG ROYAL VILLA**
DOI TUNG: Switzerland in Thailand
This description seems apt when viewing the crisp line of mountains of Chiang Rai in the cool winter season, or when the mist and clouds of the rainy season roll in above the verdant forest against a background of an ever-changing sky.
This natural beauty has been enhanced through the effort and perseverance of the people of Doi Tung in reviving their once deteriorated forests. The now lush forests are their legacy to pass on to their descendants. It is through their work that they accomplished the gracious commands in the memory of Her Royal Highness, the Princess Mother, through the Doi Tung Development Project under Royal Initiative, that has returned the mountains to their natural environment. The Princess Mother has passed away, but her inspiration has lived on through the dedication of the loyal staff of the Doi Tung Development Project.
Visitors to Doi Tung can experience for themselves the natural beauty of the hills, and appreciate the efforts of the people of Doi Tung. They can see how people and forests can live together, while the people preserve the forests, the forests support the livelihood of the people.
TOURISM HIGHLIGHTS OF DOI TUNG
- Doi Tung Royal Villa
- Mae Fah Luang Garden
- Princess Mother Commemorative Hall
- Mae Fah Luang Arboretum
- Phra That Doi Tung
- Ethnic and Hill-tribe Communities
- The Wildlife Conservation Centre and Open Zoo
- On-site Accommodation on Doi Tung Peak
DOI TUNG ROYAL VILLA
Doi Tung Royal Villa is the final residence of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindara of Thailand. The Doi Tung Royal Villa was constructed for the Princess Mother; from 1987 to 1995, it served as the royal residence and base from which Her Royal Highness supervised the reforestation of the project area and other development priorities. The Doi Tung Royal Villa thus came to symbolise her personal commitment and dedication to improving the lives and well-being of her subjects.
Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindara, the Princess Mother referred to the Doi Tung Royal Villa as her ‘home on Doi Tung’. Construction of the villa began on December 26 in 1987 –the year His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej celebrated His Fifth Cycle or 60th birthday anniversary. To mark the inauguration of the main pillar of the villa, ancient northern Thai customs were observed and an ancient Lanna Thai ritual known as the “Pok Sao Heuen” ceremony was performed according to traditional practices.
Set on the gentle slope of Doi Tung, the two-storey split-level villa was built according to design concepts and specifications as briefed by HRH the Princess Mother and her daughter, HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana. It combines architectural elements inspired by the Northern Thai or Lanna style with those of a typical Swiss chalet, reminiscent of the Princess Mother’s residence in Switzerland where she lived for many years. The Royal Residence is on the upper floor and the residential quarters of members of staff in attendance are on the lower floor.
The Doi Tung Royal Villa features teak floors with most of the interior panelling made of pine timber from recycled shipping crates. The wooden gables are decorated with ornate hand-carved designs depicting floral motifs and creatures representing the signs of the zodiac. A set of “Ka-lae”, distinctive Lanna-Thai roof decorations coated with lacquer and laminated with gold leaves, sit on either end. Verandahs and railings are decorated with flowing “Mek Lai” designs.
The villa also includes a section for HRH Princess Galyani, elder sister of His Majesty the King, and her daughter, Thanpuying Tasna Valaya. The residence is open to the general public. Apart from its delightful interior, it offers a picturesque view of the mountains of the Nang Non range.
Doi Tung Royal Villa is open daily from 08.00 - 17.00.
References:
About the Doi Tung Royal Villa, I've quoted things for you to read it because I think it's better that you get more precise information than what I, a travellor, have got in my memory. Here are pictures of me and my families there, in cluding a clip showing scenary from a balcony of the Royal Villa, I hope they can reflects the beauty of the Royal Villa to you.
**MAE FAH LUANG GARDEN**
Close to the Royal Villa located the fair "MAE FAH LUANG GARDEN". This 4 hectares botanical garden consists of flowerbeds planted which many of them I have seen no where. Over 70 species of cool climate and temperate ornamental and flowering plants that thrive at high altitude are planted here along with native plants. It is said that the plants here come into bloom all year round. In 1993, The Mae Fah Luang Garden was awarded the Pacific Asia Tourism Association’s PATA Gold Awards in the ‘Tourism Development’ category in recognition of its outstanding achievement in the development of a new tourist destination.
Personally, I think this garden is of the fairest in Thailand and the more years passed by, the fairer it becomes owing to continuing improvement of the garden itself. I was wishing I could dwelt there for as long as I could, but I can't. 'WALK THROUGH' it was the best I could do at that moment since my family was going to have a long journey that day.
After that, I and my family went to the northern most part of Thailand, Mae Sai, for lunch and souveniors buying. We, then, tried to drove to 'Phu Che Fah' but our rented car couldn't get it and it's getting dark. So, we had to returned to the city of Chiang Rai and spent our night there...Before the end of this part, I've brought you a clip on Doi Tung Palace and Mae Fah Luang gardens from YouTube, please enjoy...
The last part of this journey will be about Chiang Mai...CLICK HERE TO READ...
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1 comment:
the last clip, u took it ?
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