Doi Mae Salong, located in northern Thailand’s Chiang Rai province, is famous for its stunning tea plantations, cool climate, and rich cultural history. Here’s a quick guide to tea plantations in Doi Mae Salong:
History & Background
Originally settled by Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) soldiers fleeing China after the civil war, Doi Mae Salong has a strong Yunnanese influence.
The region was once known for opium cultivation, but in the 1980s, the Thai government encouraged a shift to tea farming.
Today, it is a major center for high-quality oolong tea production.
Tea Varieties Grown
Oolong Tea (especially No. 12 and No. 17) – The most famous tea here, known for its floral and smooth taste.
Green Tea – Some plantations also grow high-altitude green tea.
Pu-erh Tea – Though more common in Yunnan, some farmers produce fermented tea varieties.
Best Tea Plantations to Visit
101 Tea Plantation – One of the largest and most famous tea estates in the area, offering tea tasting, guided tours, and panoramic views.
Wang Put Tan Tea Plantation – Another well-known plantation with high-quality oolong and beautiful surroundings.
Tea Tasting & Buying
Most plantations offer free tea tastings.
Popular purchases include loose-leaf teas, compressed tea cakes, and tea-related souvenirs.
Best Time to Visit
November to February – The cool season offers pleasant weather, misty mornings, and beautiful views.
Tea harvests take place throughout the year, but winter months provide a great atmosphere for...
Read moreThe Tea Plantation 101 Maesalong in Chiang Rai, Thailand is a beautiful and serene place to visit. The plantation offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and tea fields, which makes it an excellent spot for photography and nature walks.
The tea plantation produces various types of high-quality tea, including oolong, green, and black tea. Visitors can enjoy the delicious teas served in the plantation's tea house, which overlooks the stunning tea fields.
The tea house also offers an excellent opportunity to relax and take in the natural beauty of the plantation while savoring a cup of tea. The tea house staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they can provide recommendations on the best teas to try.
Overall, the Tea Plantation 101 Maesalong is a peaceful and scenic destination that offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy delicious teas and the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It's a great place to unwind and connect with nature while enjoying the taste of...
Read moreAfter my visit to the Mae Salong, I stop at the 101 Tea Plantation and is impressed by the beauty of the place and hospitality of the people. Amazingly, after several generations living in Thailand, the decedents of the former Kuomintang solders can strike conversation with me in fluent Mandarin Chinese. I ask who would provide financial support to them, mainland China or Taiwan, one lady says it's the latter. It seems to make sense. I say that after all, we are all Chinese, speaking and writing in the same language, no matter where we are settled. She nods. Different from another prestigious and highly showy tea plantation, this one offers tea products and snack foods that you can purchase. Highly...
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