Doi Mae Salong is a hilltop tea village in Chiang Rai province, about a 1.5-hour drive from the city and only around 6 km from the Myanmar border. Its Yunnanese Chinese roots, oolong tea terraces, and cool mountain air make it feel quite different from anywhere else in Thailand.
This guide explains the village's unusual history, the best things to do, when to go for cherry blossoms, and how to get there from Chiang Rai. It is written for foreign visitors and expats planning a day trip or a quiet night in the mountains.
A Short History of Doi Mae Salong
Doi Mae Salong was settled by soldiers of China's Nationalist army, the Kuomintang (KMT), who left China after the communist victory. After years in the hills of Burma, units of the 93rd Division moved into Thailand in 1961, and one of them settled here at what was then Ban Mae Salong Nok.
The former soldiers later helped the Thai army fight communist insurgents, and in 1982 the Thai government granted them residence rights and citizenship. The village was renamed Santikhiri, which means hill of peace, although most people still call it Mae Salong.
Opium was once a major crop in the area. From the 1970s, tea from Taiwan replaced it, with support from the Thai government. Today, oolong tea is the village's main business, and you will still see Chinese and Thai signs side by side and Yunnanese restaurants along the main road.
Doi Mae Salong at a Glance
| Topic | Details |
| Location | Mae Fa Luang district, Chiang Rai, about 6 km from the Myanmar border |
| Distance from Chiang Rai | About 64 to 73 km, around 1.5 hours by car |
| Elevation | Around 1,200 m in the village |
| Known for | Oolong tea, Yunnanese food, and cherry blossoms |
| Best season | November to February (cherry blossoms December to January) |
| Time needed | A full day trip, or one night for sunrise and the morning market |
Things to Do in Doi Mae Salong
Most sights sit along the main road or a short drive above the village, so you can see the highlights in half a day.
1. Taste Oolong Tea at 101 Tea Plantation
101 Tea Plantation is the best-known tea farm on the mountain, about 5 km before the village on Route 1130. You can walk the terraced rows, watch workers hand-pick leaves, and join a free tasting at the shop. Its signature teas are oolong No. 12 and Four Seasons, both Taiwanese varieties.
For a quieter stop closer to town, Wang Put Tan is the plantation nearest the village and is easy to spot by its two Chinese lion statues.
Visitor Information
- Opening Hours: Usually 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Entrance Fee: Free (tea and snacks extra)
- Time Needed: 45 to 60 minutes
- Best Time: Morning, for clearer views and cooler air
- Location: View on Google Maps
2. Browse the Morning Market
The morning market is where hill-tribe vendors sell vegetables, temperate fruit, tea, dried goods, and handicrafts. It starts around 5:30 to 6:00 AM and is busiest until about 8:00 AM, so it suits an overnight stay better than a day trip.
Visitor Information
- Opening Hours: From around 5:30 AM, busiest until 8:00 AM
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Time Needed: 30 to 60 minutes
- Best Time: 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM
- Location: View on Google Maps
3. Visit the Chinese Martyrs Memorial Museum
This memorial hall honours the KMT soldiers who died fighting in the region. Inside, photos, maps, and a battle model tell the story of the 93rd Division and how the community settled in Thailand. Most signs are in Thai and Chinese, with limited English, so a translation app helps.
On a hill nearby is the tomb of General Tuan Shi-wen, who led the KMT troops that settled in Mae Salong, with views over the village.
Visitor Information
- Opening Hours: Usually 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: Free or a small fee (reports range up to about 50 THB)
- Time Needed: 30 to 45 minutes
- Location: View on Google Maps
4. Climb to the Princess Mother Pagoda
The Lanna-style pagoda on the summit, Phra Borommathat Chedi Srinagarindra, was completed in 1996 in honour of the Princess Mother, Princess Srinagarindra. It is about 30 m tall and offers the best panoramic views of the mountain and the tea slopes below.
You can reach it by a long staircase from Wat Santikhiri or by driving up the steep road. The drive is the easier option, especially in the heat of the day.
Visitor Information
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Time Needed: 30 to 45 minutes
- Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon
- Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees
- Location: View on Google Maps
5. Eat Yunnanese Food
Food is a big reason to visit. Look for Yunnanese specialities such as braised pork leg served with steamed buns, Yunnan-style fried noodles, and tea leaf salad. Many tea shops also offer free tastings, so you can try several oolongs before you buy. Many restaurants close early, so plan an early dinner.
Best Time to Visit Doi Mae Salong
November to February is the best time to visit Doi Mae Salong. The air is cool and dry, and the views are clearest. It also gets cold, especially early in the morning, so bring a warm layer.
The wild Himalayan cherry, known locally as Nang Phaya Suea Khrong, usually blooms along the mountain roads from December to January, sometimes into February. This is also the busiest period, as Thai visitors come for the cool weather, so visit on a weekday if you can.
From March to April, burning season haze can hide the views. The rainy season from May to October turns the hills green, but the winding roads can be slippery.
How to Get to Doi Mae Salong from Chiang Rai
Doi Mae Salong is about 64 to 73 km from Chiang Rai, depending on the route, and the drive takes around 1.5 hours. The last part is steep and winding, so take it slowly.
- By car: drive north on Route 1 to Mae Chan, then take Highway 1089 toward Tha Ton and follow the signs up the mountain road.
- By public transport: take a bus from Chiang Rai to Mae Chan, then a shared green songthaew up the mountain. Fares are commonly around 60 THB per person, and services thin out after midday.
- By private driver: the most flexible option, and the easiest way to add stops on the way.
Choui Fong Tea Plantation sits on the way up, so it is easy to add a second tea stop. See our things to do in Chiang Rai guide for more stops nearby if you are planning a wider trip.
Where to Stay in Doi Mae Salong
A day trip covers the main sights, but one night lets you see sunrise over the hills and the morning market at its busiest. Accommodation is simple and good value. Basic guesthouses, such as the long-running Shin Sane Guesthouse near the market, start from around 300 to 400 THB a night, while resorts with mountain views usually start from about 800 THB. Book ahead for weekends between December and February.
Thinking of Living in Chiang Rai?
Many visitors fall for the slower pace of life in Chiang Rai province. If you are considering a longer stay, browse rental homes in Chiang Rai first, then compare current properties for sale in Chiang Rai on Nestopa. Prices vary by location, project, and season.
Foreigners can own condo units freehold within the 49% foreign quota, but cannot own land outright, so house and land purchases need a different structure. This is general guidance only, so speak to a licensed Thai lawyer before buying.
