It's only once a year that we can get to enjoy the festive season amid the refreshing cool breeze right on the hill-tribe walking street at the "Colors Of Doi Tung Festival", which is running on the grounds of the Doi Tung Development Project in Chiang Rai every weekend and on public holidays from 8am to 6pm until the end of January.
Organised by the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under the Royal Patronage, the seventh edition of the festival is meant to help lift people's spirits amid the spread of Covid-19, spread happiness and generate income for villagers in Doi Tung who are being encouraged to fulfil their potential and learn the process of owning a business in the community. As much as Thailand is home to us all, Doi Tung is home to villagers and people in Chiang Rai. This year's theme focuses on "House Of Love", which is meant to deliver love and care to all visitors through quality products and memorable experiences.
Besides an opportunity to witness temperate flowers in full bloom, including geraniums, various species of Lady's Slipper orchid and phalaenopsis orchid, there are also tribal shops offering products that reflect the cultures and traditions of six tribal groups -- Akha, Lahu, Tai Yai, Tai Lue, Tai Lua, and Yunnanese people.
Other highlights include a display of a 9m-tall floral sculpture surrounded by a floral garden featuring fabric patterns of the six tribal groups, live music, and tribal performances in the Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden.
A tribal dish. Mae Fah Luang Foundation
There is also a "Doi Tung Tree Top Walk" activity, which takes visitors on an adventure on a 30m-long bridge around 300m above the ground, a children's playground with fun rides so that children have the opportunity to exercise in nature, and many DIY craft workshops.
The festival is also a rare chance to try tribal foods and special dishes served only during the festival at the famous Krua Tamnak restaurant.
To show love for the environment, the foundation has designed the festival in a way that promotes the circular economy, carbon neutrality and waste sorting for zero waste to landfill.
Visit facebook.com/DoiTungClub or call 02-252-7114 and 053-767-015--7.
