Mae Salong

Doi Mae Salong Chiang rai  is the location of the village of Santi Khiri which was formerly named Ban Mae Salong Nok. It is a community of Burmese migrants from Division 93 in Myanmar. Two battalions have migrated from Myanmar to Thailand since 1961: the 3rd Battalions to stay in Amphoe Fang, Chiang Mai, and the 5th battalion to settle in Ban Mae Salong Nok. From December to February, whitish pink cherry blossoms or Dok Nang Phaya Suea Khrong (Prunus cerasoides D. Don) which is the smallest variety of Sakura (Rosaceae) are in full bloom the way up to Doi Mae Salong. It is a species rarely found in Thailand because it grows naturally in a very cold climate. 

Interesting activities on Doi Mae Salong include seeing tea plantations, studying how to produce tea leaves, horse riding to view the scenery around the village of 
Chiang Cha Sai, and visiting the Chinese Martyrs’ Memorial to study the history of the people of Doi Mae Salong It is open daily from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. Admission is 30 Baht. For more information, contact Tel: 0 5376 5170, 0 5376 5180, The coordinating centre for a community tour, homestay and camping services at Tel: 0 5371 0024, 08 5038 6362, and the Mae Salong Nok Sub-district Administration at Tel: 0 5376 5129 

To get there: Take the Chiang Rai – Mae Chan Route for 28 km.  After one kilometer from Amphoe Mae Chan, turn left for 23 km. past the village of Pha Duea where hilltribe handicraft products are available for sale. Then, from the l-ko Sam Yaek, go straight to Doi Mae Salong for 10 km. The total distance from Chiang Rai is 64 km. on an asphalt road. From Doi Mae Salong, there is road to link with village of the Tha Ton in Amphoe Fang, Chiang Mai, totaling 45 km. Alternatively, take a bus from the town of Chiang Rai to the entrance to Doi Mae Salong and take a mini-bus there.the fare is 50 Baht Per person. A charter rate is 400 Baht per trip and 800 Baht for a return trip. For further details, contact Tel: 08 1024 0813.

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