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What You Need to Know About Doi Mae Salong BEFORE Going

What You Need to Know About Doi Mae Salong BEFORE Going

| Last Updated: May 2024

Do you know Chinese Kuomintang soldiers not only brought tea with them to Thailand decades ago but also founded a tea-growing community that exists today? That’s Doi Mae Salong in a wrap, the rising gem of Chiang Rai Province.

No less than tea experts from China settled in this mountainous Dan Lao range honing their craft. Through our guide, learn what makes Don Mae Salong tick with all the tea to soothe you and all the adventure to get your adrenaline going!

Things to Know

Time Zone: Indochina Time (UTC/GMT+7)

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai)

Calling Code: (+66)

Location: Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Nearest Airport: Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport (62.1 km)

Operating Hours: 24/7

Contact Number: +66 53 607 941

Website: https://www.maesalongnok.go.th/

Best Time to Visit Doi Mae Salong

The best time to visit Doi Mae Salong in Chiang Rai Province is from December to February. During these months, this mountain area will experience optimal weather conditions suited for exploration.

It’s also when Himalayan cherry trees bloom, so you’ll see Mae Salong at its best during this time. That means you’ll have a field day hiking and strolling around its mountain roads from morning until afternoon.

Doi Mae Salong in a Nutshell

Doi Mae Salong is a hill located in the Dan Lao range in the province of Chiang Rai. Nearly 900 kilometers from Bangkok, this hill is about 950–1200 meters in height with an area of 115.26 square meters.

Its rich Chinese culture is on full display in the flourishing tea plantations that are bound to greet the eye when visiting. The community was founded by Chinese Kuomintang soldiers who settled there during the time of Mao Zedong. 

How to Get to Doi Mae Salong

Taxi: Hiring a taxi from Chiang Rai’s city center is the most convenient way to get to Doi Mae Salong. The travel time is approximately 1 hour and should set you back between 800 and 1000 baht.

This is also your best option if you’re flying to Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport from key cities in Thailand like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.

Bus: Boarding a public bus is the cheapest way to travel from Chiang Rai to Doi Mae Salong. It’s not a direct route, so you must first take the 1-hour bus ride from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 to Mae Chan which costs 25 baht.

From Mae Chan, ride a bus to Doi Mae Salong which costs 60 baht. These buses only run 4 times every day, so expect to wait up to two hours before departure.

What to See and Do in Doi Mae Salong

Visit Phrathat Chedi Srinagarindra Stit Maha Santikhiri

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Address: ตั้งอยู่บนยอดดอยสูงสุดของแม่สลอง, Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 88 567 7922

Website: https://www.cots.go.th/travelview/detail.php?id=247

Admission Cost: Free

This temple is located at the highest peak of Doi Mae Salong, so expect a stunning panoramic view of the nearby Santikhiri Village and the surrounding mountainscapes.

That also means you must be ready to climb a steep uphill trail to reach the temple grounds. The highlight of Phrathat Chedi Srinagarindra Stit Maha Santikhiri is its 30-meter Lanna-style chedi.

This multi-level temple also has numerous Naga statues, Buddha images, and a bronze statue of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra. The third floor is where Buddha’s relics are enshrined, so don’t forget to go there!

Drink tea and enjoy the scenic view at the Tea Plantation 101

Media from 101teathailand

Address: 83 Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 98 508 1688

Website: https://www.101teathailand.net/

Admission Cost: Free

This tea plantation is well-known among tourists and visitors who frequent Doi Mae Salong. Here, you can enjoy a free cup of tea while admiring the vast and lush fields dotted with various tea plants.

Aside from that, you can observe and join in tea picking and tea production activities. Tea Plantation 101 makes numerous types of tea: oolong tea, green tea, red tea, and black tea.

Though this place has a booth for tea tasting, you’ll also find an on-site cafe and store that sells milk teas and tea packs. Remember that tea is a great alternative to coffee and should give you the energy boost you need. 

Shop for fresh produce at the Mae Salong Morning Market

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Address: Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Admission Cost: Free

Going to Mae Salong Morning Market gives you the best chance to interact with the locals of Santikhiri Village. Aside from meeting the villagers, it’s also a great place to shop for local produce like fruits, vegetables, and spices.

The market is also packed with vendors selling numerous breakfast options. Think: soya milk, Thai milk coffee, Chinese-style noodles, porridge, and pa thong ku.

The pa thong ku, in particular, is a must-try. It’s a Chinese-style fried doughnut that locals typically eat with warm porridge or coffee—so delish!

Hike to General Tuan’s Tomb and learn about Mae Salong’s history

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Address: Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 24/7

Contact Number: 053 765129

Website: https://www.cots.go.th/travelview/detail.php?id=248

Admission Cost: Free

General Tuan is a Chinese General whose legacy is highly respected in Mae Salong, so his burial site is one of the most popular places in the village. It’s definitely a must-visit if you’re a history buff! 

Just a heads up: this memorial site is on a hilltop, so prepare to hike over 300 meters of uphill concrete road.

There’s also information on the walls of the memorial site about the General and the village’s history. However, everything is written in Chinese so find a local who can help you or download a translation app beforehand!

Pay your respects at The Martyr’s Memorial Hall

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Address: Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: 0 5376 5180

Admission Cost: 20 baht

The Martyr’s Memorial Hall, also known as the Chinese Division 93 Memorial, is a museum dedicated to General Tuan’s troops. These soldiers helped fight against communist insurgents in parts of Chiang Rai and Phetchabun in 1971.

This museum is packed with photos of the soldiers and historical accounts of the battles. That makes it a great place to learn about the history of Mae Salong and Chiang Rai Province.

It’s also perfect for strolling around thanks to its tranquil atmosphere and clean garden area. Also, the museum building itself is one of the most photographed structures in Mae Salong.

Admire the stunning mountainscape at Doi Mae Salong Sunset Viewpoint

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Address: Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 24/7

Admission Cost: Free

Though the scenery is beautiful anywhere in Doi Mae Salong, this place is definitely worth visiting for its vantage point and peaceful atmosphere. Here, you’ll find an excellent view of the mountain’s lush greeneries and hillsides.

If you like taking photos of foggy mountainscapes, hike to this viewpoint in the morning to see a sea of mists covering the hills of Doi Mae Salong. Just don’t take too long to start walking as the heat could prove too hot when the sun is up.

For sunset viewing, look for the Chinese-style gazebo where you can sit. It’s along the mountain road to Phrathat Chedi Srinagarindra Stit Maha Santikhiri so you can stop by before or after visiting the temple.

Stroll around Santikhiri Village to see the Himalayan cherry blossoms

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Address: Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 24/7

Admission Cost: Free

Mae Salong, also known as Santikhiri Village, is popular for its Himalayan cherry blossoms. The trees bloom from December to February, so expect to see more tourists visiting this mountain village during these months.

There’s an annual Sakura and Tea Tasting Festival at the end of December to celebrate the cherry blossom season. You can expect to see cultural activities and performances at this festival.

Since you can find cherry blossoms from the village all the way to Doi Mae Salong, you’ll see a lot of good picnic spots while strolling around. With that said, this place is spot-on if you want to enjoy a romantic stroll!

Set up camp at the Basil Rim Suan Campsite

Address: Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 24/7

Contact Number: +66 88 258 6940

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054622276808&locale=hi_IN

Admission Cost: 150 baht 

If you like camping and stargazing, you can’t visit Doi Mae Salong without spending a night at the Basil Rim Suan Campsite. This place is great for tourists who want to enjoy nature and see Mae Salong’s beautiful sunlit mountains in the morning.

Rental tents and sleeping gear are available at the campsite for 200 to 500 baht. Otherwise, bringing camping gear means you only have to pay the 150 baht fee to use the camping ground.

Where to Eat in and Near Doi Mae Salong

Yunnan Chinese Noodle

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Address: Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 84 664 1215

Prices: ฿

This noodle restaurant is famous for its Yunnan-style wonton noodles. You might think this is all rice but you’d be surprised how this affordable noodle dish served with a clear and savory Chinese-style broth can take hold of your palate. 

Have it with a side of jiaozi dumplings and top it with extra pork rinds to add more saltiness and depth to the broth.

Wang Put Tan Yunnanese Restaurant

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Address: Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 90 995 9695

Prices: ฿ – ฿฿

If you like hot pot, Wang Put Tan Yunnanese Restaurant should top your list!

The Yunnan sukiyaki is a top pick. It’s a Chinese-style hot pot served with pork slices, chicken cuts, meatballs, dumplings, enokitake mushrooms, and numerous green vegetables.

Aside from that, they also have Yunnan-style ala carte dishes like stir-fried pork and veggies, pork-stuffed omelets, sweet and sour meatballs, and many more.

Imm Pochana

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Address: Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 89 637 5290

Prices: ฿ – ฿฿

Imm Pochana is a solid pick for tourists who want to try Mae Salong’s famous Yunnan braised pork leg. The restaurant’s version is tender and savory, so don’t expect the sweet-tasting sauce that’s common with braised pork legs in other provinces.

This dish is usually served and eaten with fresh mantou or steamed buns. You have to dip it in the braised pork sauce to soak its flavor. 

Where to Stay in and Near Doi Mae Salong

101 Tea Green View Resort

Address: 90 หมู่ที่ 6, Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 90 705 9009

Website: http://www.101teagreenview.com/

Prices: ฿

This place is the perfect accommodation if your goal is to visit Mae Salong’s tea plantations. It’s next to Tea Plantation 101, so their vast tea fields are visible from your hotel room.

That also means you have quick access to their cafe and tea-tasting booths. Moreover, they only serve Yunnan-style breakfast which is nice if you like to experience the local culture.

Baan Hom Muen Li

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Address: 90 หมู่ 1 Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11:59 a.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 53 765 271

Website: https://reservation.roomscope.com/1654

Prices: ฿

Baan Hom Muen Li is a trendy hotel offering some of the most beautiful views in Mae Salong. Our team particularly loved the view from their jacuzzi suites.

These suites have a balcony jacuzzi that offers a sweeping view of Doi Mae Salong’s foggy mountainscapes. It’s perfect if you like to have breakfast and tea while enjoying a warm bath.

Mae Salong Mountain Home

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Address: 9 Moo, 12 Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang, Amphoe Mae Fa Luang, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in)

Contact Number: +66 84 611 9508

Website: http://maesalongmountainhome.com/

Prices: ฿

This hotel is located at one of Mae Salong’s highest points, so expect a stunning mountain view to greet you each morning. There are plenty of room options here including some wooden floating bungalows which we recommend.

These bungalows stand at the edge of a hillside, so it makes you feel like you’re floating above the foggy mountains. Aside from that, Mae Salong Mountain Home is surrounded by Himalayan cherry trees, so it’s absolutely stunning from December to February.

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