Doi Mae Salong, also called Santikhiri, is a ridge-top village whose character is quite unlike the rest of Chiang Rai. It was settled by Chinese Nationalist soldiers and their families, and Yunnanese Chinese culture is still strong in the food, the language and the architecture. The surrounding hills are covered in tea terraces, mostly oolong, and the climate is noticeably cooler than the plains, which makes it a welcome escape in the hot season. The drive up is winding and scenic, and the village itself is a pleasant place to wander, taste tea, eat noodles and look out over the mountains. A temple on a hilltop reached by a long staircase adds panoramic views. Thailand's tourism authority points visitors towards Mae Salong along the road to the tea plantations.
The village rewards a slow visit. Along the main road you will find tea shops where you can taste different oolong and green teas before you buy, small restaurants serving Yunnanese dishes such as slow-cooked pork and hand-pulled noodles, and a lively early morning market. The hills around are dotted with tea estates, and several have cafes with views over the terraces. The cool season brings clear air and pleasant temperatures, and flowering trees can add colour on the hillsides.
Getting here means a winding mountain road. The village is roughly an hour to an hour and a half by road from Chiang Rai city, and many visitors drive themselves or hire a driver. Take it slowly, especially in wet weather. If you stay overnight, the cool evenings and mountain quiet are a highlight, but accommodation is simple compared with the city.
Mae Salong pairs well with the Choui Fong tea plantation lower down the road, and with a day continuing to other hill villages. Bring a light layer for the evenings, and allow time for tea tasting, because the best shops will brew samples for you.
What to expect
The experience
A scenic mountain drive to a ridge-top village, with time for tea tasting, a Yunnanese meal and viewpoints over the terraces.
Best time
Cool season mornings for clear views and comfortable temperatures.
How long
Half a day at least, or a full day if you combine it with the tea plantations.
Tips
Take it slowly on the winding road, bring a light layer and try tea at several shops before buying.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want cool mountain air, tea and a change from temples.
- Families
- Pleasant for children who can cope with a winding drive, with tea and noodles as easy stops.
- Couples
- A romantic mountain escape, especially for an overnight stay.
- Pair with
- Choui Fong tea plantation and Doi Tung make a full mountain day.
- Time needed
- Half a day, or a full day with other stops.
Good questions
What is special about Mae Salong?+
It is a mountain village settled by Chinese Nationalist soldiers and their families, and Yunnanese culture is still strong. Tea terraces cover the surrounding hills.
How far is it from Chiang Rai?+
Allow roughly an hour to an hour and a half by road, depending on the route and the traffic. The road climbs steeply with many bends.
What tea is grown there?+
The hills are best known for oolong tea, along with green tea. Many shops let you taste before you buy.
Is it cooler than Chiang Rai city?+
Yes, the altitude makes the evenings and mornings noticeably cooler. Bring a light jacket in the cool season.
Can I go without a car?+
Public songthaews run on the route, but a hired driver or your own car is far more flexible. Many visitors choose a driver for the day.
