Doi Mae Salong

Doi Mae Salong (also known as Santikhiri) is a small Yunnanese village stretching along a ridgeline at an altitude of 6000 ft. Located 80 kms north-west of Chiang Rai, it was established in the early 1960′s as home to the 93rg Regiment of the Chinese Nationalist Army, led by General Tuan Shi-Wen.

When the KuoMin Tang (KMT) forces were defeated by the Communist army, most fled to Taiwan, but the 93rd were cut off and slipped over the border into Myanmar. After several years of harassment by the Myanmar authorities, they negotiated a settlement with Thailand, the Thai government being appreciative of a regiment of battle-hardened anti-communist soldiers guarding the norther flank!  Ther early days were wild and lawless, and the region became known for its opium production. These days, its a peaceful scenic village, at its heart is a thriving, high-quality tea-growing industry.

There are a number of tidy guest-houses, restaurants, tea-shops, and resorts. there is also a significant Akha hill tribe population, engaged in horticulture and markets.

There is a pleasant, bustling morning market near the cluster of guest houses in the centre of town.

The “Asian Croissants” (hot fried bread sticks) are mighty fine, washed down with a glass of hot, sweet Thai-style coffee.