Doi Tung Royal Villa, Royal palace in Mae Fa Luang, Thailand.
Doi Tung Royal Villa is a residence in Mae Fa Luang in northern Thailand that combines Thai Lanna building elements with Swiss chalet style. The wooden structure shows detailed carvings on facades and interiors, while the rooms are arranged around a central living area.
Princess Mother Srinakarindra commissioned the villa in 1988 to support development projects in the region from there. Her presence marked the beginning of an economic shift in the surrounding villages, which had previously relied mainly on opium cultivation.
The name Doi Tung means flag peak and refers to a nearby mountain where a banner once flew. The compound was designed as a retreat for the Princess Mother and still shows her personal preference for understated elegance in the furnishings.
The compound sits at over 1200 meters elevation and is coolest during morning hours when mist drifts through the gardens. Visitors can enter the interior rooms only with a guided tour, while the outer grounds remain open for walking.
The ceiling in the main hall contains small lights that recreate the constellation visible on the Princess Mother's birthday. This detail goes unnoticed by many visitors who walk through the room without looking up.
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