Santichon Village

📍 Location of Santichon Village 🚘 Directions to Santichon Village

About Santichon Village

The village, often referred to as the Chinese Village, is a charming and tranquil place that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Far from being a mere theme park, the village has a rich history rooted in the story of the Nationalist Chinese who sought refuge here while fleeing from Mao. The village may not be spectacular in the traditional sense, but it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside from its highest point, overlooking the town of Pai.

Unfortunately, during the burning season, the visibility can be somewhat compromised due to air pollution. However, this does not detract from the overall charm of the village. One of the highlights of the village is what appears to be a flower park, but is in fact a tea plantation, complete with a massive gilded teapot. Visitors can purchase the tea, primarily oolong, and there is also good coffee available. The tea shop also boasts a collection of beautiful silk Chinese robes, which ladies can wear for photographs. There are also advertisements for bed and breakfast accommodations in private homes, although the rates may seem a bit steep.

The village is also a great place for families, with a flower garden where visitors can take pictures and a pond where children can feed the fish. There are also shops, restaurants, and activities such as an archery place. The best part, however, is the viewpoint that can be reached by continuing to drive upwards.

The village is home to interesting artifacts and offers a glimpse into the lives of its inhabitants. Visitors would benefit from more explanatory boards detailing the history of the village, which would help them better understand and appreciate the place. The tea offered to visitors is refreshing, and many choose to take a packet home.

The village, better known in Pai as the Chinese Village, is a popular destination for family groups. Visitors can dress up in opulent robes and take colorful, memorable photos. The setting is lovely, and the locals are very friendly. There are numerous activities to try, making it an interesting and fun place for adults as well.

Santichon Village, as it is officially known, has historical significance as a refuge for Chinese Nationalist soldiers and their families after their defeat by the Communist Red Army. The village contains rebuilt copies of the original building style of the Yunnan people and some touristy attractions like a miniature Great Wall of China. There are food and souvenirs for sale, along with a traditional Chinese costume hire service. There are also limited activities available, such as horse riding, shooting, and fish feeding. Further up the road from the village is a great spot to view the area around Pai.

The village may not seem to have much cultural or historical significance at first glance, but it is home to the descendants of the Lost Army of the 93rd Division of the Kuomintang, who retreated south after the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. There is a small museum that explains how the people ended up in Thailand, essentially as asylum seekers or refugees, but with little resources and help. This piece of history is intriguing, and visitors can have interesting conversations with the local school teacher, who also serves as the museum's curator. The museum offers some English translations, and visitors are encouraged to make a small donation to buy Chinese dictionaries for students who are struggling to retain the learning of the Chinese language. The village may not be as historically significant as larger villages in Mae Salong inhabited by Chinese people, but it is worth a visit, especially if you are on your way to Yun Lai Viewpoint.