Mae Salong in North Thailand – A 2 Day Itinerary! (2025)

BySteffan Updated on

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If you are tired of the crowds that Thailand draws and seek a truly authentic experience, then the village of Doi Mae Salong is worth adding to your Northern Thailand itinerary. 

Doi Mae Salong (ดอยแม่สลอง), also known as Santikhiri (สันติคีรี) in North Thailand is a small mountain village tucked away near the border of Myanmar in Chiang Mai Province. 

Home to a primarily Chinese, Yunnanese community with a rich history, beautiful landscapes and gorgeous tea plantations (offering the best lemon iced tea we found during our three months in Thailand), Doi Mae Salong truly is very different to anywhere else you may have been. 

The village may be small but it is full of culture, beautiful views and some stand-out temples that make for beautiful photographs. 

After exploring Thailand for three months, Mae Salong was the most unique place we visited. 

But what is there to do in Mae Salong and how long should you spend there?

Two days is more than long enough to spend in this rural mountain village but you can also opt to see Mae Salong on a day trip. 

Whichever you choose, the activities and tourist attractions in this itinerary can be squeezed into either option as they are all close together. 

But one thing is for certain, if you are looking for a TRUE off the main tourist track destination, then you must add this place to your itinerary for Northern Thailand.

So, what is there to see and do here? Let’s jump in!

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Drone photography of huge green hilly landscape in Doi Mae Salong North Thailand with small colourful villages below and a tall temple in the foreground with a white and golden pagoda
Golden pagoda overlooking Doi Mae Salong
Camera Settings – Mavic 3 – Fstop 6.3, Shutter speed 1/200, ISO 100, Focal Length 12mm

💡The hilltop village of Mae Salong in Thailand is 1200 metres above sea level and “Doi Mae Salong” is actually the name of the hill overlooking the village. But the area is often known interchangeably as Mae Salong and Doi Mae Salong although its official name is Santikhiri. It can get confusing!

Day 1 – Arriving in Mae Salong

The drive to Doi Mae Salong

Including the drive doesn’t seem like a “thing to do” but it is certainly something you will want to allocate time to. 

Especially if you are a photographer like us or just enjoy pretty views! 

The drive is one of the most scenic drives we experienced in North Thailand and there are plenty of little coffee shops along the way to stop and take a break.

💡If you arrive earlier in the day and find you have a lot of time then you can choose one of the activities from day one to spread things out.  

Or choose an additional thing to do from the “Other things to see and do” list below.

A large sweeping view of green hills and trees with yellow and pink flowers in the foreground and lots of white and red buildings dotted around the hills showing the landscape of Doi Mae salong
Vista of Doi Mae Salong
Camera Settings – Sony A7riii – Fstop 8, Shutter speed 1/100, ISO 100, Focal Length 22mm

Check in to your accommodation and soak in the views

Mae Salong is such a beautiful village that even just walking up and down the street from our hotel was enjoyable. It’s one of our favourite things to do when we travel, just step outside the door and walk and see what the area is like. 

The people living in the village are extremely friendly so you will feel very welcome as you wander around. Don’t forget to take your camera with you!

If, like us, you choose to book accommodation with a view, soaking in the sunset from your balcony is a fantastic way to spend your first evening and one we thoroughly recommend.

A green landscape shot of Doi Mae Salong showing green rolling hills covered in trees with the peak of the golden temple in the distance on the hill and some small buildings in the middle of the hillside
View of Golden Pagoda taken from Coffee Plantation Below
Camera Settings – Sony A7riii – Fstop 8, Shutter speed 1/800, ISO 200, Focal Length 70mm

🛎️Our accommodation recommendation is Maesalong Villa as it has breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and we were able to fly the drone straight from our balcony when the sun started to set! More information on this hotel the “Where to Stay in Doi Mae Salong”  section below.

Day 2 – A Photography-Packed Day

Start the day at Wang Putan Tea Plantation

A visit to Mae Salong is not complete without visiting one of the gorgeous tea plantations and partaking in Oolong tea tasting, the tea that this area is most famous for! 

Tea plantations make wonderful photography spots due to the sweeping hills and greenery and Doi Mae Salong has a few to choose from!

Rolling green hills with layers of tea plantations built into the hills taken at Doi Mae Salong in North Thailand
Rolling hills and rice fields
Camera Settings – Sony A7riii – Fstop 2.8, Shutter speed 1/1600, ISO 100, Focal Length 70mm

We chose to visit Wang Put Tan as it looked to have the most dramatic views and we were not disappointed with our choice.

Wang Put Tan Tea Plantation is a Chinese-style tea farm and teahouse where you can wander around, drink the famous oolong teas and eat delicious cake! 

You can even dress in traditional costumes and have a little photo shoot (free of charge!) around the plantations!

Lots of colourful Chinese lamps that are yellow, red and blue in the entrance of the tea plantation in Doi Mae Salong
Emma stood on a viewpoint ledge overlooking green tea plantations wearing a red skirt and white shirt with backpack through a framed archway

Visitor Information

Address: 7/1 หมู่ 12, Mae Salong Nok, Maefahluang, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Opening Hours: 8.30-5.30 pm every day but be sure to check online in the event of public holidays

Distance from centre: 40-minute walk or 7-minute drive

Entrance Cost for Wang Put Tan Plantation: Free to enter

How long to spend here: The tea plantations do not cover a large area so you can walk around and take photographs within an hour. But be sure to allow another hour to order some famous Oolong tea and cake!

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A restaurant cafe paying station with orange Chinese lamps hanging from the ceiling and menus with tea and coffee listed and a seating area in the background all decorated with light brown wood

Helpful Tips

  • There is free parking and well-serviced toilets
  • There are lots of beautiful spots to take photographs, including the plantations themselves and cosy spots in the gardens
  • You can dress up in traditional tea-picking outfits along with a basket for those perfect Instagram photos! And even better, there seemed to be no charge when we visited!
Large statues of Three tea cups pouring into cups at the entrance of Wang Put Tan tea plantations in Doi Mae Salong with green trees in the background
  • Wang Put Tan has a delicious menu of various cakes, teas and coffees which we highly recommend. We had the banoffee pie, chocolate cake and iced teas and the iced teas were the best we have had in 8 months of travelling Asia! The cost was £7/ USD9 which although high for Thailand, the location and quality of the food made it worth it. 
Two plates with a slice of cake on each and two drinks of iced tea in plastic cups with green tea plantations in the background
  • There is accommodation on site that looks nice and very Instagram-worthy! Little colourful painted huts with sweeping views of the plantations if you want to stay longer than one day. Contact them on their Facebook page for rates and availability.
  • The cafe and restaurant sell some lovely local souvenirs so be sure to check those out!
A white Chinese styled hut with red bling surrounded by lush green plants and hills in the background showcasing the accommodation at Wang Put Tan tea plantations in Doi Mae Salong
Four white Chinese styled huts with grey roof and green hills and tea plantations in the background and lots of green leaves and pink flowers in the foreground showing the accommodation Wang Put Tan in Doi Mae Salong

Photography Tips

  • We visited in November and although the plantations were lush and green there was no one in the fields harvesting. If capturing this is important to you, it may be worth planning your visit around the harvest, which, according to a Google search, is from late February to October. But we would recommend contacting the plantations directly to check this with them. 
  • There are lots of ledges and viewpoints around the cafe and restaurant where you can pose for photographs and get some elevation over the view beneath you. 
  • Do not be afraid to take a walk into the plantations and capture some photos of the rolling hills. We walked for some time and captured some nice shots further away from the cafe. Just be careful not to stand on any of the crops!
Emma wearing a red skirt and white shirt standing between some low hedges and tea plants with rolling green tea plantations in the distance taken at Wang Put Tan Tea Plantation in Doi Mae Salong
Emma looking out over the coffee plantations
Camera Settings – Sony A7riii – Fstop 2.8, Shutter speed 1/400, ISO 100, Focal Length 70mm
  • There are no signs prohibiting drones, so if you have a licence to fly a drone in Thailand, then you could take off from the entrance or car park to capture the surrounding views.  The most important thing to be aware of if you are considering flying a drone in Thailand is ensuring you have the correct approval and licences. More information on which licences and approvals you need and how to do this can be found here in the Drone Travellers blog. 

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Continue to Wat Phra That Santitham Temple

Thailand is known for its stunning temples and Wat Phra That Santitham Temple has to be our ultimate favourite for how majestic it looks perched on top of this hill! 

The symmetrical staircase made a perfect photography subject and dramatic composition, with both the handheld camera and drone. 

It also felt magical and slightly surreal that we were the only people visiting at the time. A huge majestic Buddhist temple perched on top of a hill with sweeping panoramic views all to ourselves! 

Another perk of visiting off-the-beaten-path places!

Wat Phra That Santitham Temple in Mae Salong - Thai Temple that is pink, white and golden temple surrounded by green trees taken with a drone from above. Emma on the wide sweeping staircase and lots of green hills in the background.
Emma climbs the stairs to the temple
Camera Settings – Mavic 3 – Fstop 6.3, Shutter speed 1/800, ISO 100, Focal Length 12mm

Visitor Information

Address: Wat Phra That Santitham, Mae Salong Chinese Village, 159 หมู่4 บ้านธาตุ ตำบลแม่สลองนอก อำเภอแม่ฟ้าหลวง จังหวัดเชียงราย 57110 Thailand

Opening Hours: There are no opening hours online but as with most temples in Thailand visit between 7/8 am and 4/5 pm to be safe

Distance from Wang Put Tan Tea Plantation: 1-hour 25-minute walk or 10-minute drive

Entrance Cost for Wat Phra That Santitham: Free to enter but bring some cash with you for the donation box

How long to spend here: The temple is very small and you can explore it in under 30 minutes. But be sure to allow additional time for photography on the temple stairs and of the surrounding views

Wat Phra That Santitham Temple in Mae Salong - Thai pink, white and golden temple surrounded by green trees taken with a drone from above
Drone view of a temple
Camera Settings – Mavic 3 – Fstop 6.3, Shutter speed 1/400, ISO 100, Focal Length 12mm

Helpful tips

  • There is a large car park that is free to use
  • Toilets are available to use but be sure to bring tissue with you
  • Ensure you are dressed modestly as this is a temple. This means covering your knees and shoulders and no revealing outfits.
Emma wearing a red skirt and white shirt walking through a large white arch way with golden decor on the ceiling which is one of the arches at Wat Phra That Santitham Temple in Doi Mae Salong
  • Be sure to remove your shoes before entering the temple at the top, there are signs to remind you. 
  • Keep your voice low when wandering the temple grounds as a form of respect. 
  • Take some time to admire the views from the top and the four corners of the temple. It’s so easy to rush when visiting places for photography but it really is worth slowing down and taking it all in as well.
Large drum and three small drums on a wooden frame inside a covered section of Wat Phra That Santitham temple in Doi Mae Salong with red and white roof

Photography Tips

  • The stand-out unique feature of Wat Phra That Santitham is the huge sweeping staircase – it is simply breathtaking. Capturing a shot with someone on the staircase makes for a beautiful photograph with both the drone and handheld camera. We used a wide lens to capture the width of the staircase.
  • Be aware of other visitors to the temple before flying your drone. If other people are visiting be sure to fly the drone far enough away that it does not disturb anyone. We visited at 1 pm on a weekday and had the whole temple to ourselves so there is a good chance you may not encounter anyone. 
  • We arrived here later in the day around 12-1 pm which is not ideal for photography due to the harsh light. But luckily for us, we had a cloudy sky so this meant our photographs turned out okay. But do be mindful of arriving too late in the day if you have clear skies. 
  • If you want to capture a photo with someone on the stairs then wear bright colours to stand out such as white or red which always helps when taking photographs outside.
Wat Phra That Santitham Temple in Mae Salong - a wide orange sweeping staircase with white bannisters on each side and a white and golden pagoda at the top. Emma is stood on the stairs wearing a red skirt and white shirt.
Wide angle shot of Emma climbing stairs to the temple
Camera Settings – Sony A7riii – Fstop 4, Shutter speed 1/2500, ISO 100, Focal Length 16mm

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Take a stroll down the market street and grab a coffee and some lunch 

Although known as the Morning Market this market remains open all day! 

We visited around 3 pm and it was still bustling with street vendors and locals. 

Although not a very large market, it really gave us insight into the local area and the people that live and work there.

Doi Mae Salong market full of local sellers and vendors set up on tables by the roadside with umbrellas used for shade and roofs. Selling various vegetables hanging from the roof such as onions and potatoes.
Market stalls selling gourds
Camera Settings – Sony A7riii – Fstop 4, Shutter speed 1/1600, ISO 400, Focal Length 70mm

Visitor Information

Address: Mae Salong Morning Market, 5J8G+C97, Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Opening Hours: 5 am – 5 pm every day although it may be busier early morning

Distance from Wat Phra That Santitham: 1-hour 35-minute walk or 10-minute drive

Entrance Cost for Doi Mae Salong Market: Free to enter

How long to spend here: The market is very small and you can explore it within 30-45 minutes. But allow more time if you want to visit the shops and a cafe as well for a nice tea or coffee.

Traditional Yunnan children's outfits hanging on clothes hangers outside a stall in Doi Mae Salong. A dark blue denim trousers and top with red patterns embroidered around the edges and a black and white patterned trousers and top with red embroidered around the edge.
Traditional clothing for children
Camera Settings – Sony A7riii – Fstop 4 Shutter speed 1/400, ISO 400, Focal Length 70mm

Helpful Tips

  • There is a car park just at the end of the market street on your right-hand side as you drive from the plantation.  You can’t miss it! It was free when we visited but bring some change with you in case this changes. 
  • The market stalls are full of locals selling various fruits and vegetables, nuts and teas as well as souvenirs
A market stall selling golden ornaments and big bags of nuts in the background showing the stalls of Mae Salong Market in North Thailand
Chinese-style decorations for sale
Camera Settings – Sony A7riii – Fstop 8, Shutter speed 1/400, ISO 400, Focal Length 70mm
  • You will no doubt be offered free samples of nuts and oolong teas from the shops leading to the market. While there is no pressure to buy, purchasing local goods from local people is a nice way to give back as you explore. 
A smiling local lady wearing a red shirt pouring some traditional OOlong tea at her market stall on the market street in Doi Mae salong with lots of nuts and teas for sale in the front of the photo
  • You may also meet local ladies in beautiful colourful traditional dresses selling trinkets and jewellery. I purchased a small silver coloured bracelet for 50 Baht (£1/1.29USD) but you could also buy small stuffed toys, keyrings or scarves. 
  • You will find a few cute Instagrammable coffee shops along the main street where you can grab a drink and relax for a while or buy some lunch. We paid 130 baht for two iced coffees (£3 / 3.80 USD) at a lovely cafe that had seats outside overlooking the bamboo and tea fields.
A black wall with a blue and white piece of artwork of a woman with flowers in her hair and surrounding her upper body with the words "Coffee is always a good idea" to the left hand side showing a coffee shop in Mae Salong Village
Steffan wearing a white T shirt and baseball gap sat on a bench with coffee overlooking tea plantations surrounded by green trees at a coffee shop near market street in Doi Mae Salong

 🤝We paid 100 baht for a bag of delicious macadamia nuts ( £2.10/2.50 USD) and the vendor also gave us a free cup of Oolong tea! 

Although bartering is common in many parts of Asia, we do not barter as standard practice and would advise others not to either. 

Always consider what the product is worth to you and if it’s a reasonable cost. Be respectful of the work that has gone into producing the products and do not assume everything should be “cheap” just because you are in Asia. 

It is also important to note that while you may feel good about saving 50 pence on a purchase which is often a small amount to many travellers, 50 pence is worth much more for many people living in Asia.

Photography tips

  • The stalls selling various colourful fruits and vegetables make for some lovely photos that capture the essence of Mae Salong Village
  • The market is a great place to capture local village people as well as hill tribe villagers who travel into Doi Mae Salong to sell and buy goods
  • You will likely meet ladies in traditional dress selling trinkets and souvenirs. The colourful outfits make for perfect travel photography, but be sure to check with them to see if you can take their photograph first.
A road lined by market stalls with umbrella rooves selling fruit and vegetables such as onions and potatoes and some local children looking at the stalls near the road side - taken of the morning market in Doi Mae Salong
Children coming hope to their parents at the market stalls
Camera Settings – Sony A7riii – Fstop 8, Shutter speed 1/400, ISO 400, Focal Length 120mm

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A collage of six vibrant photographs capturing cultural and natural beauty. The top left showcases lush green rice terraces bathed in golden sunlight, with a mountain in the background. The top right features a baby orangutan clinging to its mother against a blurred jungle backdrop. The middle left displays a collection of colorful traditional hand fans arranged in an intricate pattern. The middle right shows people waving massive, rainbow-colored kites under a clear blue sky. The bottom left highlights terraced rice fields with rich greenery, palm trees, and soft lighting. The bottom right portrays an elderly craftsman seated at a wooden table, surrounded by intricate shadow puppets, as his work casts a silhouette on the wall.
Five children standing on in the back of a silver pick up truck on their way back from smiling, two are looking at the camera and smiling.
Children riding the pickup truck home from school
Camera Settings – Sony A7riii – Fstop 8, Shutter speed 1/2000, ISO 400, Focal Length 70mm

Head uphill to Wat Chedi Srinagarindra Stit Maha Santi Khiri Temple 

Wat Chedi Srinagarinda Stit Maha Santi Khiri Temple sits 1500m above the village and is the highest point.

Built in 1996 in honour of the late Princess Mother, Princess Srinagrinda, the temple has breathtaking panoramic views of the village below and can be spotted standing proudly for miles around.

Wat Chedi Srinagarindra Stit Maha Santi Khiri Temple - a tall majestic white and gold building with a pointed golden pagoda on top surrounded by a peach coloured floor and framed by some trees
Golden Pagoda
Camera Settings – Sony A7riii – Fstop 4 Shutter speed 1/1600, ISO 400, Focal Length 24mm

Visitor Information

Address: Phrathat Chedi Srinagarindra Stit Maha Santi Khiri, ตั้งอยู่บนยอดดอยสูงสุดของแม่สลอง พระบรมธาตุเจดีย์ศรีนครินทร์สถิตมหา Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Opening Hours: 6 am-5 pm every day but be sure to check online in the event of public holidays

Distance from Mae Salong Market: 1 hour and 20-minute walk or 11-minute drive

Entrance Cost for Wat Chedi Srinagarinda Stit Maha Santi Khiri: Free to enter but take some change with you for the donation box

How long to spend here: The temple complex consists of a few buildings but you can easily explore and have time to take photographs within an hour or so.

Wat Chedi Srinagarindra Stit Maha Santi Khiri Temple in Doi Mae Salong - a dark red, white and gold building decorated ornately and se in gardens with green lawn and trees in the foreground
Red Pagoda with contrasting afternoon light
Camera Settings – Sony A7riii – Fstop 7.1, Shutter speed 1/200, ISO 125, Focal Length 35mm

Helpful Tips

  • There is a small free car park to visit the temple 
  • At the entrance of the temple, you will find some small stalls selling local handmade goods such as jackets, handbags and trinkets. We didn’t purchase anything since we had no room in our bags but the local vendors were very friendly and the goods looked very good quality! 
The inside of Wat Chedi Srinagarindra Stit Maha Santi Khiri Temple. A grey marble raised level with beautifully presented stands full of pink and white flowers and a photograph of the King in the background. inside a dark red and white painted room.
  • Ensure you are dressed modestly as this is a temple. This means covering your knees and shoulders and no revealing outfits.
  • Be sure to remove your shoes before entering the temple buildings.
  • Keep your voice low when wandering the temple grounds as a form of respect. 
  • Take some time to admire the views from the top – it is, after all, the best view in the area!
A green Thai styled puppet adjourned in silver sequins hanging from a wooden pole inside Wat Chedi Srinagarinda Stit Maha Santi Khiri temple in Doi Mae Salong

Photography Tips

  • You can fly the drone from the Temple car park. It’s a small car park but the temple does not get busy so you will likely have it to yourself. 
  • When taking photographs around the temple complex, be mindful and considerate of people praying or coming to worship.
  • The temple closes just before sunset so a good time to arrive is an hour before sundown to make the most of the golden light.
A drone shot of Wat Chedi Srinagarindra Stit Maha Santi Khiri Temple - a peach, white and gold coloured temple taken from above surrounded by green trees and hills
Top down view of golden pagoda
Camera Settings – Mavic 3 – Fstop 6.3, Shutter speed 1/120, ISO 100, Focal Length 12mm

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Watch the sun go down from Sunset View Point

Doi Mae Salong Sunset View Point is one of the most popular things to do in the area! 

A small yellow and red Chinese-inspired pagoda perched on the roadside with far-reaching views of the hills and terraces below. 

Despite the skies starting to cloud over before sunset we got lucky with some beautiful light rays shining through and illuminating the surrounding green hills!

Green hills with sun rays shining down on them as the sun sets from sunset view point in Doi Mae Salong
Final rays of light coming over the mountains at sunset
Camera Settings – Sony A7riii – Fstop 8, Shutter speed 1/80, ISO 250, Focal Length 65mm

Visitor Information

Address: Doi Mae Salong Sunset Viewpoint, 5J67+CW9, Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Opening Hours: 24 hours 

Distance from  Wat Chedi Srinagarinda Stit Maha Santi Khiri: 26-minute walk or 3-minute drive

Entrance Cost for Sunset Viewpoint: Free

How long to spend here: It is a very small area so 30 minutes is long enough to allocate or until the sun has gone down.

Concrete steps leading up to a small yellow and red Chinese styled pagoda with trees surrounding it which is the sunset view point at Doi Mae Salong

Helpful Tips

  • Sunset View Point is very popular with locals, so you will unlikely have this place all to yourself. However, we were only joined by another 6-7 people which is hardly a crowd, especially in busy Thailand.  
  • There is a small parking area enough for 5-6 cars but this didn’t get full when we visited
Concrete steps leading up to a small yellow and red Chinese styled pagoda with as the sun sets in the distance which is the sunset view point at Doi Mae Salong
  • The Sunset View Point is potentially the smallest sunset spot we have been to. The Pagoda is about five steps from the car and the surrounding area is another 2-3 steps in either direction so you do not need to arrive here early. 
  • There are some seats inside the Pagoda so bring along some snacks and a drink so you can watch the sun go down with refreshments.
Beautiful green hills with a road winding through it and warm yellow sun rays coming down illuminating the hills, taken at Doi Mae Salong from the sunset view point.
Sun setting over the road leading to the temple
Camera Settings – Mavic 3 – Fstop 6.3, Shutter speed 1/320, ISO 100, Focal Length 12mm

Photography Tips

  • You can fly the drone from the car park to get a birds-eye view of the surrounding area whilst still keeping out of the way of other visitors.
  • For a hand-held shot, you can squeeze under the bannister and take a photograph without the railing in the foreground.

Other things to see and do in Doi Mae Salong (Santikhiri)

If you are planning more than two days in Mae Salong or you find yourself with extra time then there are a few other recommended things to do in the area that you may like to add to your itinerary.

❗As Doi Mae Salong is well and truly off the main tourist track, it’s quite difficult to find the correct opening hours for other things to do in the village. 

So be sure to check with your accommodation provider before setting out in case the information is incorrect or has changed.

Tomb of General Tuan

General Tuan died in 1980 and was buried here as a memorial site to remember his sacrifice in fighting against the Communist regime. 

You will also find some photographs here showcasing the general’s history and events significant in his life. 

An orange and brown large sign in a traditional Chinese style with pagoda roof saying the words "Doi Maesalong Tourism Village" in English, thai and Chinese.

Visitor Information

Address: 5J7C+GCV, Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Opening Hours: There are no hours online so it’s best to ask your homestay or hotel for the correct opening times

Distance from centre: 26-minute walk or 4-minute drive

Chinese Martyr Museum / Martys Memorial Hall

The Chinese Martyr Museum is a great place to learn more about the local history. 

The Museum consists of three buildings and covers the rich and complex history of the Chinese people who now call Mae Salong their home. 

The side of a roof of a building that is a white Chinese style pagoda with red tiles and small Chinese red hanging lantern decorations showing the Chinese influence in Mae Salong, North Thailand
Chinese lanterns decorating a local hotel
Camera Settings – Sony A7riii – Fstop 8, Shutter speed 1/320, ISO 160, Focal Length 100mm

Visitor Information

Address: The Martyr’s Memorial Hall (Chinese Division 93 Memorial)

5J3C+3M7, Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Opening Hours: 8 am-5 pm daily but be sure to check online in the event of public holidays

Distance from centre: 28-minute walk or 5-minute drive

A open door way with lots of green leaves on the floor and machinery in the background taken at a tea plantation in Mae Salong
Freshly harvested tea leaves ready for processing
Camera Settings – Sony A7riii – Fstop 8, Shutter speed 1/160, ISO 1000, Focal Length 70mm

Rai Cha 101 Tea Plantation

If visiting one tea plantation is not quite enough for you then Rai Cha 101 tea plantation in Doi Mae Salong is worth adding to your itinerary.

Visitor Information

Address: 83 Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand

Opening Hours: 8 am-5 pm but be sure to check online in the event of public holidaysDistance from centre: 1-hour 17-minute walk or 10-minute drive

Where to Stay in Doi Mae Salong (Santikhiri)

Our Personal recommendation

Doi Mae Salong is a fairly small village but there are a small number of nice hotels and guesthouses near to the centre that you can find on booking.com. 

A doorway looking out onto a large tall pine tree with sweeping green hills in the background showing the view from Maesalong Villa in doi Mae Salong

We chose to stay at Maesalong Villa for two nights for £22 / 28 USD per night including breakfast and the view from our room made it worth every penny. 

Our room included:

  • A huge comfortable bed
  • A fan (air conditioning was not needed due to the altitude) 
  • Fridge/freezer
  • Drinking water
  • A kettle and some cups
  • Mirror and desk
  • A huge modern bathroom with hot water
  • An excellent HOT shower that felt like a spa! 
  • A balcony with the most breathtaking views of the hills (be sure to ask for a top room!)
  • A basic but tasty breakfast which included toast, eggs, fruit and tea or coffee
  • The hotel also has a restaurant on-site with a varied menu that had some vegetarian options.

🛎️BOOK YOUR STAY AT MAESALONG VILLA HERE🛎️

A large double bed with white sheets and blue under sheets in a room with patterned grey tiles and orange walls with a white ceiling and a window behind the head of the bed showing the room at Maesalong Villa
Large bathroom with wooden floors, a long white tiled bathroom side surface near the sink, large mirror and shower partitioned off at the far end showing the bathroom at Maesalong Villa
Dark wooden double balcony opening doors with pink curtains on either side and on the outside a balcony with chairs, wooden craved balcony wall and trees in the distance showing the view at Mae Salong Villa

Other Doi Mae Salong Hotels

Options on Booking.com

🏩Pay a Little Less

🛎️Wang Put Tan Boutique House with sweeping tea plantation views

💰£16 / 20 USD per night

📝8.4 out of 10 on Booking.com

🛎️BOOK YOUR STAY AT WANG PUT TAN BOUTIQUE HOUSE 🛎️

🏩Pay a Little More

🛎️Twins Farm Resort – High-end rooms with large balconies and mountain views

💰£39 / 50 USD

📝8.1 out of 10 on Booking.com

🛎️BOOK YOUR STAY AT TWINS FARM RESORT🛎️

Red roses with green leaves and a blurred white building in the background taken at the gardens of Wang Put Tan tea plantations

Options on Agoda.com

🏩Pay a Little Less

🛎️Shin Sane Guesthouse & Bungalow with a great location at the foot of the morning market 

💰£5 / 6.50 USD

📝8.5 out of 10 on Agoda

🛎️BOOK YOUR STAY AT SHIN SANE GUESTHOUSE 🛎️

🏩Pay a Little More

🛎️Wata Khiri by Wang Put Tan with gorgeous tea plantation views

💰£53 / 68 USD

📝9.5 out of 10 on Agoda

🛎️BOOK YOUR STAY AT WATA KHIRI PUT TAN🛎️

Green fields and lots of green trees taken at Wang Put Tan Tea Plantations at Doi Mae Salong

How to get from Chiang Rai to Doi Mae Salong?

Doi Mae Salong village is in the Mueang Chiang Rai District with Chiang Rai City being the closest major city and transport hub. 

If your first stop in Thailand is the capital of Bangkok, then after spending some time here exploring the sights, we recommend that you book a ticket on the overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and make your way north. 

The upper and lower berth on the overnight sleeper train from bangkok to Chiang Mai which are red bunk beds with white sheets and a cream privacy curtain
The overnight sleeper train that we took on the way to Chiang Mai was a very different experience from the day train!

We book all of our Asia travel including buses and trains, through 12go.asia as they have incredible customer service and a really simple booking system.

🚂BOOK YOUR TRAIN TICKETS FROM BANGKOK TO CHIANG MAI🚂

If you don’t fancy a sleeper train, you will be pleased to know there is also a day train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. 

Once you are in Chiang Mai you can catch a bus to Chiang Rai which takes under four hours.

💡Make sure you allocate some time to spend in Chiang Mai, either on your way to Doi Mae Salong or, on your return, to visit the beautiful Doi Inthanon National Park. It has some of the most amazing waterfalls and nature hikes! As photographers, we would highly recommend a visit!

You have arrived in Chiang Rai, now what?

The drive from Chiang Rai city to the village of Mae Salong takes around 90 minutes and while it is not a difficult journey, it is a little remote, meaning your transport options are limited. 

The best option would be to hire your own transport as this gives you the freedom to explore the sights in the village and explore more of Northern Thailand afterwards.

🛎️If you plan to stay overnight in Chiang Rai then consider staying at Baan Pordeedin! 

As we travel we always try and stay at smaller guesthouses or homestays to support local communities.

Baan Pordeedin is owned and run by the Mirror Foundation, a Thai grassroots NGO, which works to help the ethnic minorities of Northern Thailand.

The property has free parking, a good breakfast and air-conditioned rooms, and you can relax knowing you are contributing positively to communities as you travel! 

BOOK YOUR STAY AT BAAN PORDEEDIN

The room and hotel at Baan Pordeedin in Chiang Rai, a white double bed with cream walls and large windows and another photo of a communcal area with sofa and murial in the background with a positive mantra on a yellow wall
The room and hotel at Baan Pordeedin in Chiang Rai, a white double bed with cream walls and large windows and another photo of a communcal area with sofa and murial in the background with a positive mantra on a yellow wall

Option One – Hire a car / Motorbike

We visited Doi Mae Salong as part of our Northern Thailand road trip, and hiring a car gave us the most flexibility. 

The hire car cost £22 a day ( 29USD) with the highest level of insurance possible, and fuel was fairly affordable.

You just need your driver’s licence and an International driver’s permit. 

International Drivers Permits are usually inexpensive, but you must apply for this before travelling, depending on your country.

In the UK, we have to apply for this in person, and it costs just £10 and lasts one year.

We found the process very simple and booked online through booking.com

A silver car in a car park surrounding by other cars with Steffan stood next to it smiling as we collect our hire car to explore Northern Thailand.
Steffan with our hire car!

🚗Hiring through Rental Cars by Booking.com was a really simple experience with a minimal deposit of £250 and free cancellation up until the day before we collected the car. We could also extend the hire via WhatsApp. I am always cautious about who we hire a car from after hearing one too many horror stories, but we found this to be a stress-free hire.

🚗BOOK YOUR STRESS-FREE CAR HIRE🚗

If you have a motorbike licence and are not travelling with much luggage, then hiring a bike is another very affordable option and can be arranged with many local rental companies.

Despite being able to hire motorbikes in Thailand on a normal car driver’s licence, unless you have a motorbike licence in your home country, we would NOT recommend motorbike hire. 

The number of motorbike accidents in Thailand is one of the highest in the world, so having experience is essential for your safety. 

From an insurance and legal perspective, if you do not have a motorbike licence, then it is likely that your insurance company will not cover you for any accidents, so be sure to research this thoroughly before deciding on bike hire. 

💡TIP: We use SafetyWing Nomad Insurance and have no hesitation in recommending them for your travels. We have had personal experience of filing a claim and dealing with them as an organisation. We found the claims process straightforward, and the payout was very quick!

Sun beams shining through a cloudy sky as the sun goes down with Green rolling hills and mountains in the background taken from Sunset view point at Doi Mae salong

Option Two – Transport by Taxi 

There are many taxi and private transport options from Chiang Rai City to Doi Mae Salong, which cost around £10 / 13USD. 

You can then walk to and from each place in Doi Mae Salong or hire a motorbike taxi which you can find on the main street to take you from place to place. 

This can be booked on 12go.asia or via your homestay or hotel.

🚗BOOK YOUR TRANSFER TO MAE SALONG🚗

Getting Around Doi Mae Salong

If you have hire a car or motorbike then getting around Doi Mae Salong is very simple as the roads are easily navigated with tourist attractions close to one another. 

If you choose to get a taxi from Chiang Rai City then you can either walk or hire a motorbike taxi to get from place to place.

Tours to Doi Mae Salong

If you are limited in time and prefer to have your visit to the village arranged by a tour company, then there are a few tour options with both GetYourGuide and Viator. 

We have listed two recommended tours below that pick up from Chiang Rai City.

A large sweeping view of green hills and trees with yellow and pink flowers i the foreground and lots of white and red buildings dotted around the hills showing the landscape of Doi Mae salong

GetYourGuide Doi Mae Salong Tour

🏔️Mountains Discovery: Doi Mae Salong & Doi Tung (Private Tour)

  • FREE Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance if you change your mind
  • Reserve now and pay later
  • English speaking guide
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Chiang Rai

Highlights

  • Immerse in the rich cultural heritage of Doi Mae Salong and Doi Tung
  • Explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the region
  • Visit historical sites such as Watsantiibha and The Martyr’s Memorial Hall
  • Indulge in a tranquil tea-tasting experience at the 101 Tea Plantation
  • Marvel at the architectural beauty of Doi Tung Royal Villa & Mae Fa Luang Garden

🚌BOOK YOUR DOI MAE SALONG TOUR WITH GETYOURGUIDE🚌

Green hills with lots of trees and some sandy coloured roads winding down the hill with some white buildings in the distance and an Asian styled roof which is a tea plantation in Doi Mae Salong
View of coffee plantation with Chinese-style pagoda
Camera Settings – Sony A7riii – Fstop 8, Shutter speed 1/400, ISO 100, Focal Length 70mm

Viator Doi Mae Salong Tour

🏔️Doi Mae Salong and Mae Sai Explored

  • FREE Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance if you change your mind
  • Reserve now and pay later
  • English speaking guide
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off from Chiang Rai

Highlights

  • Explore the Mae Salong and Mae Sai areas during a full-day trip from Chiang Rai. Interact with Akha, Yao, and Lisu hill tribe villagers 
  • Enjoy the stunning view of the Mekong Valley from Doi Mae Salong 
  • Travel to the northern-most point along the Thai border with Myanmar 
  • Great way to experience the rugged scenery and culture of Thailand’s far north 
  • A private guide ensures personalized service and attention

🚌BOOK DOI MAE SALONG AND MAE SAI EXPLORED🚌

Emma wearing a red skirt and white shirt walking up the stairs at the entrance to one of the temple pagodas at Wat Chedi Srinagarinda Stit Maha Santi Khiri in Doi Mae salong

Travel Tips for Visiting Doi Mae Salong

  • Prepare to dress more conservatively than you might in Chiang Rai or the south of Thailand. This means covering your knees and shoulders and no revealing outfits.
  • Bring enough Thai Baht cash with you as debit and credit cards are not widely accepted.
  • Pack some warmer clothing with you, especially if you are visiting during the winter months of November – February. Temperatures can drop as low as 10c in the evenings and mornings. 
  • If you are vegetarian or vegan, then bring some food with you as the options are limited and although you will find egg and rice, you will not find specific vegetarian meals.
  • If you hire a car or motorbike be sure to fill up with fuel before leaving Chiang Rai City as there are fewer fuel stations the further you head North.
  • Pack a reusable water bottle – we recommend Water-to-Go filter bottles, as they can be used almost anywhere and filter out viruses and bacteria. Keeping you hydrated, safe and reducing single-use plastics!
Four young children with rucksacks standing outside a small shop selling bananas. One child is pouring cola into the other child's mouth as the other two look on.
Child gives friends some coca-cola after school
Camera Settings – Sony A7riii – Fstop 8, Shutter speed 1/400, ISO 400, Focal Length 140mm

History of Doi Mae Salong

The area of Doi Mae Salong also known as Santikhiri, has a rich and complex history. 

Located on the border of Myanmar and home to a primarily Chinese community you would be forgiven for thinking you had left Thailand. 

Almost all signage is in both Thai and Chinese and it’s clear to see the colourful Chinese influence in the area. 

In past years, many Chinese people have migrated to the mountains of other countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

History tells us that General Tuan led a large army of soldiers and families originating from China to the Thai border and Northern Thailand.

9 white large plastic bags full of seeds, nuts, herbs and spices at the morning market in Doi Mae Salong with large onions and vegetables hanging from the roof

The Thai Government allowed them to stay if they agreed to fight against the communist group, and in return, the majority of the families were granted Thai Citizenship. 

Despite being granted citizenship, the government had difficulty integrating the area and its people into the Thai Nation as the area became a hub for opium growth. It was even off-limits to tourists and outsiders until the late 1970s.

However, in the late 1980’s the government managed to make a success in eliminating the illegal opium growth and trade the area had become so well known for by offering a crop substitution plan and offering the area a new name. 

“Santikhiri” means hill of peace and alongside this reformed name and identity the crop substitution program encouraged the growth of coffee, tea, fruit and corn.

An orange fence with a green and brown building in the background and the words "Doi Mae Salong" in white along the top of it

This was a success and now Doi Mae Salong is known for its tea plantations and coffee production and has become a calm, welcoming area popular with tourists and backpackers looking to escape the typical Thailand crowds. 

One of the most famous developments that has come from the crop substitution program is the delicious Oolong tea known for its health benefits and unique flavour.

Where to go after Doi Mae Salong?

Northern Thailand has SO much more to discover than just Chiang Mai and Pai. 

The mountains, incredible waterfalls and unique temples do not bring the usual mass tourism that other parts of Thailand see.

So we highly recommend you allocate some time to exploring this beautiful part of the world. 

So where next? 

Phu Chi Fa  – For breathtaking mountain views, the mysterious blanket of fog at sunrise and 360 views across into Laos. 

View of cloud below the mountains at Phu Chi Fa as the sun rises
Mavic 3 – Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/6.3, 1/320 sec, 12mm

Lampang  – Home to a breathtaking temple perched on top of a mountain that was carried piece by piece by Buddhist monks!

A drone image of the white Pagodas which look like bells, perched on top of craggy mountains covered in green trees. The white Pagodas are the Sky Temple near Lampang in North Thailand.
Closeup Aerial View of Floating Pagodas Mavic 3 Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/5.6, 1/800 sec, 12mm

Doi Inthanon National Park – For epic waterfalls, nature walks and mountain views and just 90 minutes from the city of Chiang Mai.

Emma stood in a flowing white dress stands on rocks in front of the majestic Mae Ya Waterfall, captured with a long exposure to create a soft, ethereal effect on the cascading water.
Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/10, 1/2 sec, 24mm

Heading back down south?

Don’t miss beautiful Kanchanaburi with its peaceful temples, interesting history, ethical elephant sanctuary and clear blue waterfalls!

Just a short few hours by train from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is packed with photography spots and has a fraction of the crowds you find in both Chiang Mai and the capital city.

Frequently asked questions

How many days should I spend in Doi Mae Salong?

2 days is more than enough time to see the main sights and not feel rushed. But given all of the main sights are within easy reach of one another you could see the village on a day trip if you are short on time.

How much money do I need for 2 days in Doi Mae Salong?

The main sights in Doi Mae Salong are free entry making this beautiful village a very affordable place to visit if you are travelling on a budget. 
Bring enough cash for motorbike taxis (if you do not hire your own transport), donations at temples, coffee and cake at the plantations and money for food. This can easily be covered with 20 USD per person per day.

A white and golden temple with an orange tiled floor in the foreground and a golden tall steeple pagoda in the middle with a blue sky and white clouds

When is the best time to visit Doi Mae Salong?

The best time to visit Doi Mae Salong is during the Winter months of November to February when you can experience cooler temperatures and the village’s Cherry Blossom Trees are in full bloom. (although we totally missed them!)

It’s also important to note that visiting anywhere in Northern Thailand between February and April is NOT recommended due to the burning season.

During this time the skies are often smokey and air quality is low which not only makes for a rather unpleasant trip but creates difficult conditions for photography as the landscape views are often clouded by smoke.

Final Thoughts on Doi Mae Salong, Santikhiri Village

Doi Mae Salong is a beautiful village worthy of a trip during your time in Northern Thailand. 

It offers something that other places in North Thailand do not. 

A glimpse into a rich history, an alternate culture and perspective than you may see in other areas of Thailand and breathtaking views with a fraction of the crowds. 

If, like us, you are a photographer, or you are simply seeking a true off-the-beaten-path corner of this busy country, then Doi Mae Salong should be high on your bucket list.

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Steffan, a bearded man with long, curly hair tied back, stands on a white wooden bridge holding a professional camera with a large lens. He wears a blue and green insulated jacket, a yellow bandana around his neck, and carries a black backpack with photography gear. Behind him, colorful houses in shades of pink, green, and blue are built on a hillside, with bright natural light casting a warm glow on the scene.

I’m Steffan, the founder of InWanderment, a travel and photography blog dedicated to sharing my experiences and insights from around the world.

I’m a self-taught photographer with a passion for helping others explore the outdoors through photography. My goal is to make capturing the beauty of nature feel accessible to everyone — whether you’re shooting with a professional camera or just your phone.

Now back in the UK after 18 months of travel across Asia, I’m focusing on creating new content, editing thousands of photos, and sharing everything I’ve learned along the way to inspire others to get outside and start shooting.