Doi Tung Tree Top Walk is a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Chiang Rai, Thailand. This thrilling activity offers visitors the chance to experience the beauty of the Mae Fah Luang Garden from a unique perspective – 30 meters above the ground. The walkway is 297 meters long and takes visitors through a forest of trees, coffee plantations, seasonal forests, and vetiver grass plantations.
The Tree Top Walk has been around since August 2016 and has quickly become a popular attraction in Chiang Rai. It’s a fun activity that allows visitors to see the jungle from a bird’s-eye view and experience the beauty of Northern Thailand’s natural landscape. The walkway is designed to be safe and secure, with high-quality materials used in its construction. Visitors can enjoy the stunning mountain views and take in the fresh air as they make their way along the walkway.
Overall, Doi Tung Tree Top Walk is an excellent attraction for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Chiang Rai. It’s a unique and thrilling activity that offers visitors a chance to see the jungle from a new perspective, and it’s definitely worth adding to your travel itinerary.
Location and Address
Doi Tung Tree Top Walk is located in the Mae Fah Luang Garden in the Chiang Rai Province of Northern Thailand. The address of the location is 7RQ5+WMQ, Huai Khrai, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai 57240, Thailand.
To get to the location, visitors can take a taxi or a hired car from Chiang Rai city. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Visitors can also take a bus from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal to Mae Sai and get off at the Mae Fah Luang Garden stop.
Once visitors arrive at the garden, they will need to purchase a separate ticket for the Tree Top Walk. The entrance fee is 150 baht per person, which is very reasonable.
The Mae Fah Luang Garden is a beautiful botanical garden that covers an area of 10 hectares. It is part of the Doi Tung Development Project, which aims to promote sustainable development in the region. The garden features a wide variety of plants and flowers, including orchids, roses, and rhododendrons.
The Doi Tung Tree Top Walk is a 295-meter-long path that is suspended 30 meters above the ground. It offers visitors a unique perspective of the surrounding jungle and the coffee plantations below. The walkway is made of steel and is designed to be safe and sturdy. Visitors are given a safety harness and are accompanied by a guide throughout the walk.
Overall, the Doi Tung Tree Top Walk is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It offers a thrilling experience that is both educational and fun.
History and Development
The Doi Tung Tree Top Walk is a recent addition to the Doi Tung Development Project, which is a holistic and integrated sustainable alternative livelihood initiative. The project was established in 1988 under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the late mother of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. The aim of the project was to help the local hill tribe communities in the region transition from opium cultivation to sustainable agriculture and other livelihoods.
The project has been successful in transforming the area from a denuded, deforested landscape to a lush, green environment with thriving coffee and vetiver grass plantations, as well as beautiful gardens. The Mae Fah Luang Garden is a highlight of the Doi Tung Development Project, with its stunning collection of temperate and tropical plants, flowers, and trees, including rare orchids and roses.
The Doi Tung Dam is also an important part of the project, providing irrigation and electricity to the surrounding area. The dam was built in the early 1990s and is a major source of hydroelectric power in the region.
In recent years, the Doi Tung Development Project has expanded its focus to include tourism as a means of supporting sustainable livelihoods for the local communities. The Doi Tung Tree Top Walk is one of the latest attractions in the area, offering visitors a unique perspective of the jungle from a bird’s-eye view. The walkway is 295 meters long and reaches a height of 30 meters above the ground.
Overall, the Doi Tung Development Project has been a remarkable success story, transforming a once-degraded landscape into a vibrant, sustainable community. The project has helped to improve the lives of the local hill tribe communities, while also preserving the natural beauty of the region.
The Tree Top Walk Experience
The Doi Tung Tree Top Walk is an exciting and adventurous activity that offers a unique perspective of the lush forest canopy. The walkway ranges between 50ft-80ft, and the forest canopy rises close to 100ft, providing an excellent opportunity to observe the canopy and its life. Here is what you can expect from the Tree Top Walk experience.
Safety and Harness Guidelines
Safety is of utmost importance during the Tree Top Walk experience. Before starting the walk, visitors are provided with a safety harness, which they must wear throughout the activity. The harness is attached to a steel cable running above the walkway, ensuring that visitors remain safe and secure throughout the walk.
It is important to note that the Tree Top Walk is not recommended for individuals with a fear of heights or those with walking impediments. Visitors should also be aware that the walkway can sway slightly due to the wind, which may be unnerving for some.
The Walk
The Tree Top Walk consists of around 300m of walkways, comprising 5-6 separate walkways. The walkways are suspended above the forest floor and connected by a suspension bridge, adding to the excitement of the experience. Visitors can expect to spend around 1-2 hours on the Tree Top Walk, depending on the size of the group and the pace at which they walk.
The walkways are designed to be safe and secure, and visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the forest canopy without any fear of falling. The walkways are also wide enough to accommodate visitors of all ages, making it an excellent family activity.
Safety Gears
Visitors are provided with safety gears before starting the Tree Top Walk. The safety gears include a safety harness and a helmet, which must be worn throughout the activity. The safety harness is attached to a steel cable running above the walkway, ensuring that visitors remain safe and secure throughout the walk. The helmet is provided to protect visitors from any falling debris.
In conclusion, the Tree Top Walk experience is an exciting and adventurous activity that offers a unique perspective of the forest canopy. Visitors can expect to spend around 1-2 hours on the walk, and safety is of utmost importance during the activity. Visitors are provided with safety gears, including a safety harness and a helmet, to ensure their safety throughout the walk.
The Surrounding Atmosphere
The Doi Tung Tree Top Walk is a breathtaking experience that allows visitors to see the jungle from a bird’s-eye view. The surrounding atmosphere is serene and peaceful, with the beautiful mountains of Northern Thailand in the distance. The fresh air and the sounds of nature make for a truly immersive experience.
Birds
The Doi Tung Tree Top Walk is an excellent opportunity for birdwatching. Visitors can spot a variety of bird species that inhabit the area, including the black bulbul, the blue-throated barbet, and the white-rumped shama. The walkway also provides a unique perspective on the birds, as visitors can see them flying at eye-level.
Wildlife
The surrounding area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including gibbons, macaques, and various species of reptiles. Visitors may also spot the occasional wild boar or deer. It is important to note that visitors should not feed or disturb the wildlife, as it can be dangerous and harmful to their natural habitat.
The atmosphere around the Doi Tung Tree Top Walk is further enhanced by the nearby Huai Khrai waterfall, which is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. The Mae Fah Luang Garden, located nearby, is also worth a visit for those interested in exploring the beauty of nature.
Overall, the surrounding atmosphere of the Doi Tung Tree Top Walk is a serene and peaceful experience that immerses visitors in the beauty of Northern Thailand’s mountains and nature. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a birdwatcher, or simply looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, the Doi Tung Tree Top Walk is a must-visit destination.
Practical Information
If you are planning to visit the Doi Tung Tree Top Walk in Chiang Rai, there are a few practical things you should know before you go. This section will provide you with some important information to help you plan your trip.
Business Hours
The Doi Tung Tree Top Walk is open every day from 8:30am to 4:30pm. However, please note that during the rainy season (June-October), the business hours may be subject to change due to weather conditions. It is always a good idea to check the official website or contact the attraction in advance to confirm the operating hours.
Tour Guide Information
Visitors are not required to hire a tour guide to visit the Doi Tung Tree Top Walk. However, if you would like to learn more about the history and culture of the area, it may be worth considering hiring a guide. Local guides can provide you with a wealth of information about the attraction and the surrounding area, and can help you make the most of your visit.
Guides can be hired at the entrance to the attraction, and prices may vary depending on the length of the tour and the number of people in your group. Alternatively, you can arrange a tour in advance through a local travel agency.
Other Practical Information
Here are a few other practical tips to keep in mind when visiting the Doi Tung Tree Top Walk:
- Admission fees: The admission fee for the Tree Top Walk is 150 THB per person, and the admission fee for the Mae Fah Luang Garden is 90 THB per person.
- Group size: The maximum number of people in a group is 13. If possible, go with a small group (four people is good). It is not possible to pass another person, so larger groups may find it difficult to move along the walkway.
- Safety: Visitors are required to wear a safety harness while on the Tree Top Walk. The harness is provided by the attraction, and visitors are permanently hooked to the walkway structure in the order in which they attached themselves.
- Food and drinks: There is a restaurant and a self-service cafeteria at the attraction, where visitors can purchase food and drinks. Prices are reasonable, with dishes starting at around 40 THB.
- Accommodation: If you would like to spend the night in the area, there is a resort at the top of Doi Tung, the Doi Tung Lodge, where you can stay. The lodge offers comfortable rooms and stunning views of the surrounding area.