Doi Mae Salong, officially known as Santikhiri Village, is a charming mountain destination
in Chiang Rai Province. Perched high in the hills near the Myanmar border, it is famous for
its scenic tea plantations, cool weather, and Chinese Yunnan heritage. The village was
settled by Chinese Kuomintang soldiers in the 1950s and today offers visitors a unique mix
of Thai and Chinese cultures, breathtaking views, and aromatic oolong tea.
- Tea Plantations 🍵: visit local tea farms 🚜 like 101 Tea Plantation 🌱 or Choui Fong Tea 🌿 to learn about oolong tea production 💡🧠
- Chinese Yunnan Village 🇨🇳: stroll 🚶♀️ through Santikhiri’s market streets 🏘️ and sample Chinese noodles 🍜, tea ☕, and pastries 🍰😋
- Phra Boromathat Chedi 🛕: climb 🪜 to this hilltop stupa ⛰️ for panoramic mountain views 🔭👀
- Tea Tasting 🍵: enjoy tea sampling sessions ☕ while admiring the green hillsides 🏞️😌💚
- Local Market 🛍️: explore the morning market 🌅 for fresh produce 🍎, handmade crafts 🎨, and Yunnan-style souvenirs 🎁🛒
- From Chiang Rai City 🚗: About 70 km 🗺️ northwest ⬆️ (2-hour drive ⏱️) via Route 1089 🛣️💨
- By Car 🚙 or Motorbike 🛵: the winding mountain roads ⛰️ offer scenic views 🏞️ – ideal ⭐ for confident drivers ⚠️👍
- By Tour 🚌: several Chiang Rai agencies 🤝 offer day tours 🗺️ including Doi Tung 📍 and Mae Salong 🍵 together ✅
- By Bus 🚍: local buses 🚌 run from Chiang Rai ➡️ to Mae Chan 📍, then take a songthaew 🚐 to Doi Mae Salong ⛰️👍
- Bring a jacket 🧥 – temperatures 🌡️ can drop 🥶 in the evening 🌙🌬️
- Stay overnight 🌙 to enjoy sunset 🌅 and sunrise views 🧡 over the tea fields 🍵✨
- Try Yunnanese dishes 🍽️ like pork leg stew 🍖 with rice 🍚 and Chinese tea eggs 🥚😋🇨🇳
- Avoid visiting 🚫 during heavy rain ☔ – roads ⚠️ can be slippery 🚧🚨
- 7:00 AM – Depart 🚗 Chiang Rai City 🏘️ for Doi Mae Salong ⛰️💨
- 9:00 AM – Visit local tea plantations 🍵 and taste oolong tea ☕🌿😋
- 10:30 AM – Explore Santikhiri market 🇨🇳 and try local Yunnan food 🍜🛍️
- 12:00 PM – Visit Phra Boromathat Chedi 🛕 for panoramic views 🔭👀📸
- 1:00 PM – Lunch 🍽️ at a local restaurant 🍝 overlooking tea hills 🏞️💚👋
