MAE SALONG & DOI TUNG
Mae Salong & Doi Tung offer a unique tapestry of hill tribe culture, royal history, and breathtaking mountain landscapes. This area is a peaceful, lush escape known for its tea plantations and cool climate.
Once the infamous heart of the Golden Triangle, this mountainous region is now a vibrant example of successful development, showcasing Thailand’s commitment to environmental and social upliftment.
Most Popular Attractions
Royal & Cultural Heritage Sites
Doi Tung Royal Villa (Phra Tamnak Doi Tung): The final residence of the late Princess Mother (King Rama IX’s mother), built in a unique blend of Swiss chalet and Lanna architectural styles.
Mae Fah Luang Garden: A beautifully manicured European-style garden surrounding the Royal Villa, showcasing temperate flowers and unique local sculptures.
Wat Phra That Doi Tung: A sacred, twin-pagoda temple believed to house a relic of the Buddha’s collarbone, offering spectacular views across the surrounding mountains.
Hall of Opium, Golden Triangle: A world-class museum detailing the history and devastating impact of the opium trade in the region and the successful royal projects to replace it with legal crops.
House of Opium: A smaller, private museum in the Golden Triangle area showcasing tools, pipes, and the history of opium use and trade.
King Ananda Mahidol Memorial: A memorial site dedicated to the former king, located near the Chiang Rai airport, honoring his early life.
Doi Sa-ngo Viewpoint: A viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Golden Triangle, the Ruak and Mekong Rivers, and the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
Mountain & Hill Tribe Experiences
Doi Mae Salong (Santikhiri): A historic mountain village founded by former Kuomintang (KMT) soldiers from China, now famous for its tea, climate, and Chinese culture.
Phra Borommathat Chedi Srinagarindra Satta Mahaburud: A beautiful, accessible chedi (stupa) at the highest point of Doi Mae Salong, dedicated to the Princess Mother.
Mae Salong Tea Plantations: Numerous estates like Wang Put Tan Tea Plantation or 101 Tea Plantation offer tours, tastings, and stunning terraced views of the hills.
Akha Hill Tribe Village: Several villages around Mae Salong offer cultural insight into the local Akha, Lahu, and Yao communities (e.g., Ban Lorcha).
Huai Nam Dang National Park: A nearby park known for its stunning mountain scenery, sunrise views, and winter mists over the valleys.
Doi Hua Mae Kham: A remote, high mountain known for its magnificent sunflower (Mexican sunflower) bloom in November/December.
Ban Pha Hi: A picturesque mountain village known for its locally grown coffee and unique landscape.
Nature & Scenic Attractions
Tham Luang – Khun Nam Nang Non: The famous cave complex in Tham Luang–Khun Nam Nang Non National Park, known globally for the 2018 cave rescue.
Doi Tung Tree Top Walk: A thrilling canopy walkway providing a unique perspective of the jungle and surrounding Mae Fah Luang Garden.
Choui Fong Tea Plantation: A massive, commercial-scale tea plantation known for its dramatic, rolling green hills and popular café.
Khun Korn Waterfall: A beautiful, tall waterfall in a lush forest, requiring a short but scenic jungle hike to reach.
Pha Soet Hot Springs: Natural hot springs offering a relaxing stop, where you can boil eggs or simply soak your feet.
Singha Park (Boon Rawd Farm): A large, diverse agricultural park near Chiang Rai, known for its fields, scenic routes, zip-lining, and giraffe petting zoo.
Pa Tueng Hot Spring: Another less-developed, natural hot spring area offering a peaceful natural experience.
Activities & Experiences
Go on an Oolong Tea Tasting Tour: Visit a plantation like 101 Tea Plantation or Choui Fong Tea Farm (near Mae Chan but a classic stop) to learn about the tea production process and sample premium Oolong, Green, and Black teas.
Explore the Mae Fah Luang Garden: Wander through this exquisite European-style botanical garden, a project of the late Princess Mother (King Rama IX’s mother) that helped uplift the local economy.
Visit the Doi Tung Royal Villa: Tour the former residence of the Princess Mother, a beautiful chalet-style home, and museum that showcases her work with local hill tribes on crop replacement.
Hike to Wat Phra That Doi Tung: Visit the sacred twin chedis (pagodas) at the summit of Doi Tung, one of Northern Thailand’s most revered sites, offering panoramic views over the mountains and surrounding valleys.
Discover the Yunnanese Culture in Santikhiri Village (Mae Salong): Stroll through the main street of Mae Salong village, a settlement founded by former Kuomintang (KMT) Chinese soldiers, and experience its distinct Chinese-Thai atmosphere.
Hike to Phra Borommathat Chedi Srinagarindra: Climb to this elegant Thai-style stupa on the highest peak of Mae Salong for a 360-degree view, dedicated to the Princess Mother.
Visit a Hill Tribe Village: Observe the unique traditional clothing and customs of the local ethnic communities like the Akha and Lahu, often with opportunities to purchase their unique handicrafts.
Sample Yunnanese Cuisine: Enjoy the unique culinary blend of Northern Thai and Southern Chinese flavors. Must-tries include Yunnan-style noodles in bean gravy and stewed pork leg with steamed buns.
Explore the Local Morning Markets: Visit the early morning market in Santikhiri Village to see a vibrant mix of Chinese and hill-tribe vendors selling fresh produce, traditional spices, and local teas.
Pay Respects at the Martyr’s Memorial Hall: Visit this historical site in Mae Salong to learn about the history of the KMT’s 93rd Division, who settled the area and aided the Thai government.
Seek Out the Cherry Blossoms: If visiting between late December and early February, look for the wild Himalayan cherry trees (Thai Sakura) blooming around the mountains, especially near Mae Salong, for stunning photo opportunities.
Local Tips & Transport
Rental Car/Motorbike is Essential: Public transport to and between Mae Salong and Doi Tung is very limited. Renting a car (4×4 recommended for power on steep grades) or a powerful motorbike from Chiang Rai is the most practical and flexible way to explore. The drive itself is scenic but involves steep, winding mountain roads.
Private Driver/Tour: A comfortable alternative is to hire a private car with a driver for a full-day trip from Chiang Rai. This is highly recommended if you are not comfortable driving mountain passes on the left side of the road. Day tours are common and efficient for hitting the main sights.
Chiang Rai as a Base: Most travelers stay in Chiang Rai city and visit the mountains as a long day trip (4+ hours of driving round trip) or dedicate a single overnight stay in Mae Salong.
Road Conditions: The main roads leading up to both Doi Tung and Mae Salong are paved and generally in good condition, but they are very steep with hairpin bends. Always use low gear on descents to preserve your brakes.
Dress for the Cool Weather: Due to the high altitude (Mae Salong is over 1,200 meters), the mountains have a distinct cool climate, especially from November to February. Temperatures can drop significantly, particularly in the mornings and evenings. Pack a light jacket or sweater and warm layers.
Cash is King: While major attractions like Doi Tung Royal Project accept cards, many small tea shops, local markets, and Yunnanese restaurants in Mae Salong may only accept cash (Thai Baht). Bring sufficient local currency for purchases and small entrance fees.
Cultural Sensitivity – Hill Tribes: When visiting ethnic hill tribe villages, remember you are entering a private community. Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) and always ask permission before taking a photograph of a person, especially elders.
History of Mae Salong: The village of Mae Salong (now Santikhiri) has a unique history as a settlement of the former Kuomintang 93rd Division who fled China. This explains the distinct Yunnanese Chinese culture, language, and delicious cuisine that sets it apart from typical Northern Thai towns.
The Royal Project’s Legacy: The Doi Tung Royal Project sites (Villa and Garden) are not just tourist attractions; they are monuments to the Princess Mother’s successful opium substitution and reforestation efforts. They represent a significant part of modern Thai history and royal philanthropy—treat them with high respect.
Hidden Gems
- The Choui Fong Tea Farm Viewpoint: A beautifully manicured tea farm near Doi Tung with a popular modern café, offering fantastic photo opportunities and a wider selection of tea products.
- The Tomb of General Tuan: A simple yet poignant memorial to one of the KMT leaders near Santikhiri Village, providing a quiet moment for historical reflection.
- Ban Thoet Thai: Another former KMT village, offering an alternative look at the Yunnanese influence, often less visited than Mae Salong.
- Mae Salong’s Sunset/Sunrise Views: Staying overnight and catching the sunrise or sunset from a high-altitude viewpoint near the main pagoda or a tea plantation is an unforgettable experience, often shrouded in a beautiful mountain mist.
Top Restaurants
Im Pochana Restaurant [$10-$20] – The most famous and one of the oldest Yunnanese restaurants in Mae Salong, known for its authentic, generously portioned dishes like Braised Pork Leg with Mantou.
Yunnan Noodle Shop [$8-$15] – A local spot specializing in fresh, handmade Yunnanese noodles, offering a unique regional taste, often with a rich pork leg soup base.
Nong Im Pochana [$10-$20] – Another popular spot in Mae Salong known for its solid Yunnanese menu, including the local favorite of Stir-fried Pork with Pickled Mustard Greens.
Krua Tamnak Restaurant (Doi Tung) [$15-$25] – Located near the Doi Tung Royal Villa, this restaurant offers Northern Thai and local dishes, often featuring macadamia nuts and products from the Doi Tung Development Project.
Doi Tung Lodge Restaurant [$15-$25] – Offers casual dining focusing on Northern Thai and contemporary cuisine, located at the Doi Tung Lodge with a pleasant atmosphere.
Local Khao Soi Stall (Mae Salong) [$5-$10] – Seek out a local, no-frills stall for the classic Northern Thai Khao Soi (curry noodles) with a unique Yunnanese flat noodle twist.
Mae Salong Morning Market Food Stalls [$5-$10] – Various vendors selling simple, fresh, and cheap local Yunnanese snacks, steamed buns (Mantou), and breakfast items.
Ai-un Restaurant [$10-$20] – A recommended spot for Yunnan Sukiyaki, showcasing the freshness of local vegetables grown in the cooler mountain climate.
Pad Mee Yunnan Local Shop [$8-$15] – Look for small eateries specializing in Pad Mee Yunnan (stir-fried Yunnanese noodles), a simple but incredibly flavorful dish unique to the area.
Yunnan Braised Pork Stall [$10-$15] – A specific street food vendor or small shop in Mae Salong focusing primarily on the famous Kha Moo Nam Daeng (Braised Pork Leg in Red Sauce).
Local Yunnan Dim Sum House [$8-$15] – Small, humble establishments in Mae Salong offering various Yunnanese-style steamed buns and dumplings, often for breakfast or a snack.
Mae Salong Flower Hill Restaurant [$10-$20] – Offers Yunnan and general Thai cuisine with the added benefit of being located within a beautiful flower garden setting.
Doi Tung Coffee Shop & Eatery [$10-$20] – Provides simple meals, often Northern Thai or Western-style, using local Doi Tung coffee and macadamia products.
Hakka Cuisine Shop [$10-$20] – Given the Chinese heritage, look for places offering specific Hakka dishes, which share lineage with Yunnanese food in the area.
Traditional Pork Skewers & Sticky Rice Vendor [$5-$10] – Street food stalls outside the main market in Mae Salong offering classic Thai grilled pork skewers (Moo Ping).
Wang Put Tan Restaurant [$10-$20] – Located at the Wang Put Tan Tea Plantation, offering local and Yunnanese dishes alongside its tea offerings.
101 Tea Plantation Restaurant [$10-$20] – Simple food offerings, often featuring tea-infused dishes like Tea Leaf Salad, at the famous 101 Tea Plantation.
Local Forest Vegetable Stir-Fry Shop [$10-$20] – Restaurants that highlight local, seasonal mountain vegetables and herbs in their stir-fries, a hallmark of Northern highland cuisine.
Chiang Rai Gate Restaurant [$15-$25] – Found slightly outside Mae Salong, this spot is known for a wider array of Northern Thai and Thai dishes in a pleasant setting.
Phumektawan Resort Restaurant [$15-$25] – The resort restaurant offers a mix of local and general Thai food, known for fresh ingredients and a good view.
Mountain View Local Shop [$10-$20] – A small, unnamed eatery on the main road in Mae Salong, chosen primarily for its stunning panoramic view while dining on simple Yunnanese fare.
Yunnan Tea Leaf Salad Spot [$8-$15] – A place specializing in Yam Bai Cha (tea leaf salad) made with fresh, not pickled, local green tea leaves.
Farm to Table Eatery (Doi Tung Area) [$15-$25] – Any small, local restaurant in the Doi Tung region advertising food sourced directly from nearby farms or the Doi Tung Project.
Local Honey and Bread Stall [$5-$10] – A vendor selling fresh, locally-sourced honey with baked goods or Mantou for a simple, sweet mountain breakfast.
Spicy Northern Thai Sausage Shop [$8-$15] – Look for vendors specializing in Sai Oua (Northern Thai pork sausage) and other chili-based Northern dips.
888 Tea Cafe [$5-$15] – A popular cafe on Doi Mae Salong known for its excellent oolong tea, good atmosphere, and beautiful tea plantation views.
Wang Put Tan Tea House [$5-$15] – Offers a wide selection of their own oolong teas, along with delicious cakes and snacks, perfect for a mid-day break with a view.
101 Tea Green View [$5-$15] – Part of the 101 Tea Plantation, ideal for experiencing award-winning Oolong tea tasting amidst a dramatic tea field landscape.
Mae Salong Coffee Shop [$5-$10] – A simple, single coffee shop in the village that provides a great cup of local mountain-grown coffee.
Choui Fong Tea Plantation Cafe [$5-$15] – Though slightly further out (near Mae Chan), it’s a must-visit for its stunning views, excellent tea, and a menu of cakes and light meals.
Local Tea Store Tasting [$5-$10] – Numerous tea stores line the main street of Mae Salong, offering free samples of various oolong teas and selling tea-related snacks.
Sweet Mea Salong [$5-$15] – A small cafe on a hill edge, known for its coffee, cakes (like banoffee pie and chocolate cake), and scenic views.
Doi Tung Cafe [$5-$10] – Part of the Doi Tung brand, serving their local Arabica coffee and macadamia products in a convenient location near the main attractions.
Macadamia Nut Booth (Doi Tung) [$5-$10] – Not a restaurant, but a booth selling fresh, locally grown and processed macadamia nuts with various flavorings—a signature local snack.
Tea-Infused Dessert Shop [$5-$15] – Any local bakery or cafe that incorporates local oolong or green tea into their pastries and ice cream.
Phu Chaisai Resort Restaurant [$25-$45] – Located in a high-end resort setting near Mae Salong, offering refined Northern Thai and international cuisine with a spectacular mountain backdrop.
Katiliya Mountain Resort Restaurant [$30-$50] – Offers a sophisticated dining experience with a broad menu of Thai and international dishes, utilizing fresh local and royal project ingredients.
Doi Tung Royal Villa Cafe [$15-$25] – A cafe near the Royal Villa offering a more curated menu of light meals and beverages, highlighting the quality of the Doi Tung brand.
La Panna Restaurant [$20-$40] – A restaurant affiliated with a mid-to-high-end accommodation, offering a fusion of Thai and Western food with an emphasis on fresh, mountain produce.
Wine & Dine with a View (Resort) [$30-$50] – Search for the main dining room of one of the boutique resorts in Mae Salong for a dinner focused on ambiance and local fine ingredients.
The Golden Triangle Inn Restaurant [$15-$30] – Located in a guesthouse, this spot often offers reliable and high-quality Thai and local dishes in a comfortable environment.
Organic Farm Kitchen [$15-$30] – A restaurant connected to a local organic farm (often found in the Doi Tung Development Project area) offering true farm-to-table freshness.
Northern Curry House (Upscale) [$20-$35] – A spot that elevates traditional Northern Thai curries (like Gaeng Hung Lay or Gaeng Kae) with high-quality meats and presentation.
Tea-Inspired Tasting Menu [$30-$50] – A local restaurant that has created a multi-course menu where tea is an ingredient or a pairing in every dish.
Fusion Yunnanese Bistro [$20-$40] – A newer establishment in Mae Salong putting a modern, creative spin on classic Yunnanese dishes and presentation.
Seasonal Wild Mushroom Specialist [$15-$30] – A local shop that excels in preparing the variety of wild mushrooms that grow in the Northern Thai mountains during the rainy season.
Highland Seafood & BBQ [$20-$40] – Despite being landlocked, some spots specialize in high-quality river fish or BBQ meats, adapting them to the highland palate.
Chef’s Table Local Experience [$40-$70] – A small, reservation-only dining experience offered by a boutique hotel or lodge that focuses on hyper-local and seasonal ingredients.
Macadamia Farm House Cafe [$10-$20] – A cafe situated directly on a macadamia farm (near Doi Tung) offering savory and sweet dishes featuring their harvest.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
101 Tea Plantation Viewpoint Cafe: Located right at the famous 101 Tea Plantation on Doi Mae Salong, this spot offers a peaceful setting for enjoying the region’s signature Oolong tea and light snacks with panoramic views of the cascading green hills.
Wang Put Tan Tea Plantation Cafe: Found within the beautiful Chinese-style Wang Put Tan Tea Plantation on Doi Mae Salong, this teahouse provides an authentic Oolong tasting experience, complete with traditional costumes for photos, in a tranquil setting.
Doi Mae Salong Coffee: A charming, small cafe nestled in the main village area of Mae Salong, perfect for a cozy afternoon or early evening stop to sample fantastic local coffee varieties grown on the surrounding hillsides.
The Northernmost Teahouse (Doi Tung): While Doi Tung is primarily a daytime destination (Royal Villa, Mae Fah Luang Garden), some small, unnamed vendor spots near the main tourist areas or local guesthouses offer hot drinks in the early evening to ward off the mountain chill.
Local Yunnanese Restaurant/Bar: Many of the Yunnanese restaurants along the main street in Mae Salong village serve local Chinese spirits (often with unfortunate pickled contents like snakes or bugs, if you’re feeling adventurous) alongside their traditional cuisine, providing a unique local “bar” experience.
Xin Shi Dai Bakery: Though a bakery, this spot in Mae Salong village is known for its Yunnanese pizza and provides a pleasant, warm evening stop for a hot drink and dessert in a relaxed environment.
Coffee & Viewpoint Spots (Santikhiri): Scattered viewpoints and small, independent shacks near the Santikhiri village center in Mae Salong convert into simple drink stalls in the evening, offering basic beers and soft drinks with a sunset view over the valley.
Choui Fong Tea Plantation Cafe (Nearby Area): Although not directly in Mae Salong or Doi Tung, this large and popular teahouse en route is a must-visit for its grand scale and incredible views, offering a wide range of teas and a perfect early evening stop before heading up the mountain.
Mae Salong Resort Restaurant & Terrace: The restaurant and associated terrace at the historic Mae Salong Resort often provides an open-air setting for dinner and drinks, serving local beer and simple spirits with a nice view over the developing town.
Guesthouses with Balconies (Various): Many of the small, family-run guesthouses and hotels in Mae Salong, such as Baan See See Mountain View or Central Hill Hotel, have balconies or communal terraces where guests can bring their own drinks (or buy them from the small hotel shop/7-Eleven) to enjoy a quiet, social evening with stunning views. This is the primary form of “relaxed nightlife.”