Mae Salong tourist guide
Arresting views over Burma from Wat Boromathat
Mae Salong, Santikhiri (Hill of Peace) as it is sometimes called, is a small town perched high on the mountains some 1,800m above sea level, around 80kms northwest of Chiang Rai. The high altitude of the village means that it is characterised by a cooler climate than most of Thailand; its third name of 'Little Switzerland' thus being apt.
If you visit Mae Salong in the right season, you will be treated to the sight of spectacular blooming Japanese cherry trees - an unusual visual extravaganza in Thailand's otherwise humid climate. It is also a prime tea growing region populated by Chinese immigrants, which gives it a tourist appeal.
Mae Salong has an interesting history, having been chosen as a place of refuge by a significant number of Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) soldiers who fled from the communist regime in 1949. Today, there is still a large Yunnan Chinese population, imparting a strong cultural influence to the town.
Chinese temples are scattered through the area and many of Mae Salong's shops offer Chinese specialties, such as Chinese jade, preserved fruit, dried mushrooms, herbs and wines, while restaurants serve predominantly southern Chinese cuisine. Architecture, too, is typically Chinese, giving the town its own distinct appearance.
On the hill above the town is a rather distinctive, new chedi (named Boromathat) that was built in honour of the late Princess Mother. From here you can gaze out across mountainous frontier which was, 10 years ago, off-limits due to the area being controlled by notorious opium baron Khun Sa.
The town's mountainside location not only means that it is blessed with a crisp, cool climate, but also endows it with incredibly lovely views across its alpine-like landscape. The drive to Mae Salong winds its way up a breathtaking mountain pass, and the experience of getting there is just as enjoyable as the destination itself.
Tea is Mae Salong's most important crop and a variety of local and imported strains are cultivated on mountain terraces. Tea shops are a trademark feature of Mae Salong, and a pleasant pastime for visitors is to wile away the hours in one of these atmospheric establishments, sipping away at a favourite brew. Fruit growing is also a popular agricultural practice, and the area is famed for its deliciously-sweet peaches and lychees.
A typical Mae Salong farming scene
The nearby Akha and Lisu settlements use Mae Salong as a profitable market base from which to sell their wares, and you can choose from a good selection of traditional local handicrafts here.
From early January, Mae Salong and the surrounding region comes alive with the advent of gorgeous cherry blossoms, adorning the trees that flourish in Mae Salong's clear mountain air. The Sakura Route is the name given to a four-kilometre stretch of road leading to the town that literally glows with pink flowers at this time of year; an ideal season to visit Mae Salong.
Mae Salong can be accessed from Chiang Rai in approximately two hours by bus or songtheaw. From Chiang Rai, take a bus heading for Mae Sai and get off at Pasang. From there, take a taxi to Mae Salong.
Guest houses and hotels in Mae Salong
Shin Sane Guest House: a long-running wooden affair with good atmosphere and nice views from some rooms. Central, cheap and easy to find and they can also arrange trekking. Rooms 100 baht with shared bathroom, 300 double w/bathroom; 119 Moo 1, Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang, tel: (053) 765 026.
Mae Salong Villa: a slightly upmarket place just below the town with good views, pleasant gardens, and a decent restaurant. Rooms 800-1,000 baht (February-November), 1,500 baht (December), 1,200-2,000 baht w/ac (January) - all prices include breakfast. Soi Mae Salong, Mae Salong Nok, Mae Pha Luang, tel: (053) 765 114-5, Fax: (053) 765 039, email: maesalongvilla@yahoo.com.
Mae Salong Resort: is above the town on the hillside among the forest, with nice, secluded, comfortable bungalows and a large Chinese restaurant. Rooms 700-1,000 baht. 8/3, Moo 1, T. Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang, tel: (053) 765 014-8, 765 132-4, Fax: (053) 765 135, email: maesalong_resort@hotmail.com.
Note! To secure a guaranteed room and find the best rates, we suggest you look online at Agoda.com. They seem to be the most competitively priced of the hotels sites.
Updated: January 2012
