Destination Travel Guide Mae Salong Nok

Mae Salong Nok, a little piece of China in the mountains of Northern Thailand. When people talk about Mae Salong or Doi Mae Salong the are actually talking about the village Mae Salong Nok, also called Santi Khiri (or Santikhri). Mae Salong Nok is a sub-district (tambon) of Mae Fa Luang in Chiang Rai province in Northern Thailand. Doi Mae Salong is actually on the west side of the village Mae Salong Nok. This little village is a little 

The village Mae Salong Nok is famous for its original settlement of the lost Kuomintang Army (KMT) that escaped the civil war in China. They were allowed to settle here in the mountains on the understanding that they would protect Thailand against the Communists (as there was also a Communist Party Thailand). Fierce battles were fought in 1970's and it would take until begin 1980s that the lost KMT army would give up their weapons and assimilate in the normal civilian life in Mae Salong. But in the years of battles and life in the mountains the lost KMT army had turned to opium production so the mountains of Doi Mae Salong became famous for the poppy fields. 

In the mid 1980s the Thai government started campaigns to eradicate the opium production and to replace it with Royal Projects of tea plantations. To start with a new beginning Mae Salong was also renamed in Santakhiri. So nowadays the mountains of Mae Salong are famous for tea plantations (and the tea packed in bags with "made in Taiwan"). And nowadays Mae Salong Nok is a populair tourist destination for Thai people, especially in the cool season.

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The highlights of Mae Salong Nok

The most visited part of Mae Salong Nok sub-district is of course the area of the village Mae Salong Nok (Santakhiri) with tea plantations. And for Thai tourism to enjoy the cool weather and clouds (a sea of fog between the mountains). See all my postings about Mae Salong Nok

What to do in Mae Salong Nok?

In & around the village Mae Salong Nok you could visit

• Morning Market, with prime-time from 5:00 - 8:00 but open all day.
• Hill-Tribe Market, all day and located in the middle of town along the road.
• Phrathat Chedi Srinagarindra Stit Maha Santi Khiri, located behind / above the village. Best to go there walking from the village as the road going there is very steep. Great for sunrise view.
• Doi Mae Along Sunset Viewpoint
• Chinese Martyr Memorial Hall
• Visit tea plantation like "101 Tea Plantation" and "Wan Put Tan Tea Plantation"
• Wat Sri Mahapho Mongkol
• Wat Phra That Santitham
• Viewpoint Mae Salong Nai
• Ban Thoet Thai (Ban Hin Taek) with former HQ of Khun Sa

When to go to Mae Salong Nok?

Of course you can travel to Mae Salong Nok the all year around, the weather is as hot as everywhere in Thailand during the hot season of April and May. Then the monsoon season begins that lasts until end October with chance of heavy rains and some local flooding. From November to March the cool season hits the North of Thailand and temperatures in Mae Salong Nok may go down to about 5℃ during night time (December-February). Mae Salong is an attractive destination almost the all year around, but for outdoor activities it is recommended to visit during the cool season, from September to February.

When traveling to North Thailand, Mae Salong Nok included, in March & April be aware of the so called "burning season". During this months (and sometimes a bit longer and/or earlier) is smog haze in North Thailand due to burning of farm fields & garbage. Known area's are Chiang Mai, Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai and Nan. But make no mistake also the air in Bangkok or some places in North-East Thailand can be unhealthy for sensitive people. Check the air quality at World Air Quality Index. 

Where to sleep in Mae Salong Nok?

In & around Mae Salong Nok is a good range of accommodation ranging from simple Guesthouses / Homestay's to comfortable hotels. Be aware that many hotels are simple and lets say typically Chinese. Also to not expect a western style breakfast buffet. I would recommend to stay really in the village. Have a look at the hotels where I have stayed at Accommodation in Mae Salong Nok. 

• Mae Salong Villa, one of the first bigger hotels and in typically Chinese style.
• Shin Sane Guesthouse & Bungalow, the oldest guesthouse of Mae Salong and a good point of tourist information.
• Thai T Garden Home
• Baan See See Mountain View
• AMA Mae Salong
• Vintage Home
• Mae Salong Resort
• Hill Top Home
• Saeng Arun Resort
• Mae Salong Flower Hill

Where to eat & drink in Mae Salong Nok village?

There is very limited choice of places to eat or drink. There are of course a few shops that sell tea and where you can taste tea. Around the 7-11 are a few places. And along the main road are a few places in the village.

• CJ Coffee & Food (Thai & Chinese)
• Yunnan Chinese Noodle (Chinese)
• Xin Shi Bakery & Restaurant (best and only bread in town)
• The Kaew Steak Deknoew
• Son Son Restaurant (Chinese)
• Ping Ping Restaurant (Chinese)
• Yes I Do Coffee Shop
• A Mao Coffee Shop
• Imm Pochana Restaurant (Thai & Chinese)

How to get there & around?

Within Mae Salong Nok are no motorbike-taxi's, samlors or Tuk-Tuk's. You walk or have your own transport (recommended). There is no airport or train station nearby. And there is no bus-station as busses are not going to Mae Salong Nok.

• By Car or Motorbike :  Going to Mae Salong Nok is a stunnig route from Chiang Mai (Route 107, Route 1089 and Route 1130) or from Chiang Rai (Route 1 and Route 1130).
• By Songtheaw : From Tha Thon (along route 1089) or from Mae Chan (along route 1).

Where to go next from Mae Salong Nok?

• Mae Sai
• Chiang Rai
• Tha Thon
• Chiang Mai

Geographical location of Mae Salong Nok sub-district

Mae Salong Nok district in Northern Thailand

Map of Mae Salong Nok village

Mae Salong Nok Village in Northern Thailand

Disclaimer : All information is created in good faith and is an expression of fair comment.