Sitting on top of the world
The popular annual festival known as “See san hang Doi Tung” or “Colours of Doi Tung” is back for its sixth edition and the highest cultural walking street market in Thailand is open all day from 8am to 6pm until January 12.
Organised by the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage (MFLF), the festival supports the Tai Yai, Tai Lue, Tai Lua, Lahu and Yunnan Chinese hilltribes in their work to run a green business and create sustainability, says Polchom Chan-u-rai, the foundation’s chief administrative officer.
This year concept is “family friendly” and visitors are invited to eat, shop, spend and chill while witnessing the Doi Tung project’s success in maintaining zero waste.
The food zone includes both traditional tribal restaurants and delicious royal food from the Tamnak kitchen including the Lahu’s Pook rice, which is only available for special festivals or New Year and Khao Fieu Tod made from rice flour mixed with soybean flour.
Traditional handicrafts and Doi Tung-style eco items are also available along with fashion items crafted by the Akha, painted baskets, bags hats and scarves woven and much more.
As ever, the gardens are ablaze with such winter flowers as geraniums and orchids, many of them arranged into the fabric pattern of the 6 tribes. A giant mascot, the legendary lucky animal of the hill people designed by Loley - Thaweesak Srithongdee and standing 9 metres tall, is on hand to greet visitors, who can take a break and relax in the giant bird’s nest and a giant seashell seat.
The more adventurous can walk on the high side on the DoiTung Tree Top Walk or have a go at Wooden Cart Formula Racing, Kong-Kaeng, or Sabah.
Doi Chang Mub, the highest viewpoint of Doi Tung, will teach the little ones more about nature while mum and dad relax with a cup of coffee or tea Faidee Café.
