Doi Mae Salong

The Kuomintang army from China relocated to settle in Santikhiri in 1961 with approximately 15,000 soldiers. By 1969, they were formally integrated into the Thai military as the CIF (Chinese Irregular Forces) and fought for the Thai government against communist insurgents in Thailand, ultimately achieving victory. In recognition of their contributions, in 1982, the Thai government granted them the right to reside in Doi Mae Salong and extended Thai citizenship to them. In 1971, Doi Mae Salong gained notoriety as a hub for heroin production stemming from opium cultivation. However, in response to changing circumstances, the community transitioned to alternative sources of income, focusing on fruit cultivation as a sustainable economic activity. Kriangsak Chamanan, the prime minister at that time supported and did a project to plant tea and three-needled pine for reforesting at Doi Mae Salong. Doi Mae Salong became a tourist attraction in the name of "Santi Khiri village" (, ) which means peaceful place. The name of Doi Mae Salong in Chinese, Mei Si Le (美斯乐) is a homonym of the word "Mei Shi Le" () that means peaceful place. Doi Mae Salong is known for growing tea, cherries, plums, lychee, and peaches. == Nationalities ==

There are seven nationalities, and they can be classified into three large groups. The nationalities present include Chinese, Thai Yai, Akha, Lahu, Mien, Lishu, and Lawa. To classify people into three large groups, there are the Chinese people, Akha people, and Mien or Yao people. Most Chinese people live in Santi Khiri village. The other two groups live in Mae Chan Luang, Mea Dee, and Lao sib. Most of them originate from China or have a Chinese sub-nationality. == Town ==

Doi Mae Salong is a small town situated atop a mountain, predominantly inhabited by native Chinese, and it serves as a tourist destination known for its tea, coffee, and fruit plantations. The town has a morning market where local villagers sell agricultural products and other goods. The majority of restaurants in the village are run by native Chinese residents who specialize in preparing Chinese or Yunnan cuisine. Accommodations in the village primarily consist of homestays, which are managed by local villagers, while some hotels are on larger properties in natural settings. == Tourist attractions ==

The most famous activity at Doi Mae Salong is 'Oolong tea tasting', and also other agriculture such as coffee and fruit. Temples Prabaromathat Chedi Srinakarindra Satismahasantikiri is located on the top of the highest mountain of Mae Salong at an altitude of 1,500 m. It is an applied Lanna pagoda on a rectangular base, 30 meters high and 15 meters wide on each side with decorative gray tile. There are three arches on each side. The bell is decorated with gold leaf and a carved pattern. It was completed in 1996 to offer royal merit to Princess Srinagarindra. It is the highest point of Doi Mae Salong mountain. Phra That Srimahapo Mongkol Boonchum is a Thai-Chinese temple that was created by people in Doi Mae Salong with Phra Kru Boonchum on the 60th anniversary of King Bhumibol Adulyadej's reign and 80th birthday that was consecrated on November 5, 2006. Inside the main hall of the temple, there is a Buddha image and Chinese architecture with sculptures inside. . Inside, there are exhibits showing historical photographs depicting the challenges of settling in Thailand, along with a library that houses a collection of pertinent historical information. Sala Kriangsak and Ban Kriangsak is the place of the administrative division for former tree-needled pine projects. Descendants of the Chinese always worship and go to this place every year. This cemetery is located behind Khum Nai Phol resort which can see the view of the village. Natural places • Mae Salong Flower Hill is the garden hill of flowers that people decorate with the word Doi Mae Salong in Thai. It is one of the biggest colorful flower gardens at Doi Mae Salong. It is located in the Doi Mok Dok Mai Resort (Mae Salong Flower Hill Resort). There are souvenir shops and tea shops from the villagers and also Yunnan restaurants. • Wang Put Tan is a tea plantation and it also has a café that serves tea and cake. It also contains a Yunnan restaurant and a hotel. The Wang Put Tan Tea plantation has three of the world's largest teapots and a gold lion and silver lion. Visitors can see the view of the mountain with tea plantations. This is one of the tea plantations completed. The signature dish is pork knuckle in brown sauce with Mantou (Chinese Bun). It is one of the oldest restaurants at Doi Mae Salong. == Geography ==

Doi Mae Salong is located in the Daen Lao Range, in Chiang Rai province, north of Thailand. It is a high mountain with complex mountain ranges and a plain between the foothills. In the middle, there is a hill and a channel. The height of this hill is about 950–1200 meters from the mean sea level. The area of Mae Salong Nok Subdistrict is around 115.26 square kilometers. == Climate ==

The weather in Doi Mae Salong is cool all year round. The average temperature is between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius, and the temperature will drop between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius during December–January, which is the coldest in Doi Mae Salong. During April, the hottest season, the temperatures at night are between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius. In the daytime, not too hot or cold during June–November, the temperature is between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. == References ==