An hour bus journey to Doi Tung where the group will take a pick up truck to visit the Akha Hilltribe Village and Doi Tung Royal Villa ( Summer Palace). They will then go on to Mae Sai, where Thailand borders Myanmar and where there are many goods from Myanmar for sale. Next they will journey on to the Golden Triangle to observe the spot where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge and they can also visit the House of Opium. Finally the group will go to Chaing Saen to explore the fascinating ruins.

The name of Doi Tung means “Flag Peak”. This peak was previously used to cultivate opium until the King’s Mother visited the hill tribe and educated them in vegetable cultivation.

With the theory in mind that the local hilltribes will be so honored by a royal presence that they will stop cultivating opium, the Thai Royal family maintain their Doi Tung Royal Villa on the slopes of the peak near the Pa Kluay Reservoir. It was built to serve as a summer palace with a beautifully landscaped flower garden for the King’s mother, who passed away in 1995.

Although the hilltribes in Doi Tung have been slightly developed, it is actually very interesting to see how the village has progressed since the King Mother’s visit. The hilltribes have preserved their individual lifestyle and traditions, yet they have adjusted and progressed with the new developments.

• Golden Triangle Hotel

Duration: full day (approx. 7 hours)