Doi Mae Salong

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About Doi Mae Salong

Doi Mae Salong, a primarily Chinese community nestled in the hills above Chiang Rai, Thailand, is a unique destination that offers a variety of activities for visitors. The village is known for its morning market, General Tuan's Tomb, a memorial museum, and tea tastings. The tea plantations and high altitude restaurants are among the highlights of this quaint village. The journey to the village is a steep climb up the mountain, with plenty of cafes and orange sellers lining the road. The '888' restaurant is a popular spot, offering a taste of Chinese cuisine in a setting that is far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The beauty and tranquility of Doi Mae Salong make it an interesting place to visit. The town's history and the Chinese community add to its charm. The views across the hills and tea plantations are simply incredible. The road journey to the village is long and winding, and the weather in winter is cool and crisp, a pleasant change from the warmer climates of nearby Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.

The journey to Doi Mae Salong is as much about the experience of the trip as it is about the final destination. The scenery along the winding roads leading to the village is breathtaking. Once in Mae Salong, visitors have the opportunity to buy tea, coffee, nuts, dried fruit, and mushrooms. A visit to a tea plantation to savor some excellent oolong tea is highly recommended.

The journey from Chiang Rai to Doi Mae Salong is particularly enjoyable on a scooter, with beautiful scenery to admire along the way. The last few kilometers can be slightly challenging, but the experience is worth it. The village itself may not be particularly interesting, and the market can be quite touristy, with tribespeople sometimes being quite aggressive in their attempts to sell their products.

Doi Mae Salong is about a two-hour drive from Chiang Rai. It is most popular for its tea plantation and has two Wats, which are not so famous. The scenery is the main attraction here, making it worth a visit.

The village offers a steep hill ride, winding and narrow roads, and a chance to try Yunnan cooking at the villa. The black chicken herbal soup is a must-try. Visitors can chat with villagers in a tea shop and sample their Pu Er and Oolong tea. There are shops specializing in selling dried fruits, where one can buy top-quality dried mango and longan. The village is home to friendly people and has a unique charm that makes visitors want to come back and stay a night or two.

Doi Mae Salong is a great day or two-day trip just out of Chiang Rai. It's a sleepy little Chinese tea village that really feels like you've left Thailand for a Chinese village. The pace is slow, with lots of narrow windy streets to explore and tea tastings available at almost every other shop. To get there, one can take a bus from the old Chiang Rai bus station toward Mae Sai. The bus will drop you at the bottom of the hill where you can catch a songteaw (a pickup truck shared taxi) to take you on the hour drive up the mountain.

Visiting a tea plantation is a must when in Doi Mae Salong. Tea was planted as an alternative to opium, and it has thrived in the village. There are tons of places to taste oolong tea, and you can see how it's grown and cultivated. The Yunanese noodle shop is a great place to try Chinese noodle soup. The large market area just outside of town offers tons of tea to buy, Chinese tea pots, and hill tribe trinkets and gifts. The temple on the hill is a must-see, if nothing more than for the incredible views. The whole town sort of shuts down after 8pm or so, with the exception of restaurants, so you can buy beverages at the 7-11 to get you through the night. There is a bank in the town near the large market.