This little town was settled by the Kuomintang (anti-communist) after they fled China during the aftermath of the 1949 Revolution. Originally, the 'lost army' moved to Burma (Myanmar) but later took refuge in Thailand where they helped to fight the communist insurgency as the Thai frontier until 1982. In gratitude, the Thai Government granted them and their families Thai citizenship.
It is also long been the home to many hill tribes such as the Akha, Karen, Hmong and Yao who originated from southern China and Myanmar. Together they formed a population of about 20,000. Mae Salong is an entirely safe and peaceful village. A popular tourist destination with numerous homely-styled accommodation available.
On the road with our Toyota Vios, firstly driving 200 km north east of Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, (about 3 hours) then another 80 km north west to Mae Salong. Thanks God, my brother is a fast and experience driver who drove with a speed of a jet plane up and down the spiral mountainous roads. Another hair raising roller coaster ride but the jaws dropping stunning panoramic mountain views were all worth it.
My legs started wobbling when i stood at this edge
Of the most amazingly curvy roads imaginable
Guess what's the beautiful manicured landscape behind?
Set on the hillside below the road, about 2km before Mae Salong
Continue on our way to the heart of Mae Salong,
Continue to enjoy the beautiful views that captured my eyes..
Is the temperature reading at 20 °C?
Bought a beautiful tea mug from this store
Khum Nai Phol Resort - the ideal place to park your car to explore the marketplace.
Doi Mae Salong is highly noted for its High Mountain Oolong tea, a high grade Chinese tea. Other popular teas are green tea, jasmine and chrysanthemum. After endless cups of different tea tasting, sure end up buying packs and packs of teas!! (If not this shop, the next shop) We all end up buying different teas at different shops and had a good laugh.
A popular Yunnan Restaurant on the main street - the best spOt for interesting views of passer-by and happenings.
Chinese Yunnan's cuisine - Simply Delicious as proven
Happy Children on the way home from school
Leaving Mae Salong on our way back to Chiang Mai
The hills are alive with the cheerful pinkish Sakura Cherry blossoms
and White Plum Blossoms
(December to February only)
Taking Highway 1234 back to Chiang Mai; passing through the towns of Thaton - Mae Ai - Chiang Dao - Maetang - Mae Rim; seeing a wide variety of local seasonal fruits and vegetables growing off the sides of the highway, trucks transporting produces, and dare devil drivers speeding and overtaking each other while avoiding the oncoming traffics.
NOTE:
Thaton is a town that lies along both sides of the Mae Kok River as it enters Thailand from Myanmar.
Mae Ai is a more traditional northern Thai town that is predominantly a center for the farmers.
Chiang Dao is the town of famous Hot Springs, Waterfalls, Caves, and Elephant Camps that have attracted visitors for years.
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