Doi Mae Salong Tea Festival

Doi Mae Salong Tea Festival

When it comes to Chiang Rai, many people immediately think of Doi Mae Salong, a famous tea-growing area not far from Chiang Rai city. For me, mr.hotsia, the tea tasting event here is an absolute highlight you must not miss! The last time I had the chance to visit Doi Mae Salong was during the annual tea festival. This event is held to celebrate the culture of tea cultivation and the production of high-quality tea by the local villagers.

The tea tasting event at Doi Mae Salong is not just about sampling tea; it is filled with a warm and impressive local atmosphere. I traveled from Chiang Rai city, taking about an hour. The winding mountain road is a bit curvy but very beautiful. Tea plants line the green slopes, and the cool weather is pleasant throughout the journey. Upon arrival, I saw locals setting up tea tasting booths offering green tea, wild tea, black tea, and oolong tea with its unique aroma.

What I enjoyed most was listening to traditional tea brewing methods from local professionals. Some booths demonstrated careful tea leaf picking and ancient roasting techniques, which gave me the feeling of learning culture through a small warm cup of tea.

Taste quality tea while enjoying perfect natural views

Besides tea, Doi Mae Salong also boasts stunning landscapes. I, mr.hotsia, recommend everyone to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to experience the soft sunlight filtering through the light mist over the tea plantations. The scenery is breathtaking. This tea festival is not just a ceremony but an opportunity to experience nature and the lifestyle of various hill tribes blending harmoniously.

Additionally, the event features sales of high-quality tea products and souvenirs. I didn’t miss buying tea to bring back for my friends in Bangkok so they could taste authentic Doi Mae Salong tea.

Travel and Accommodation in Chiang Rai

For those who want to attend the tea tasting at Doi Mae Salong, I recommend staying overnight in Chiang Rai city first. It’s convenient and offers many accommodation options ranging from affordable and good places likeSuknirand Hotelwhere I have stayed before, close to the clock tower and night market. Or if you prefer a chill atmosphere, you can visitChiang Rai Walking Streetwhich has many interesting food and products.

Traveling from Chiang Rai city to Doi Mae Salong is not complicated. You can rent a car to drive yourself or hire a songthaew (local pickup truck) to the mountain. I, mr.hotsia, chose to drive myself because I wanted to stop and explore along the way, enjoying mountain views, tea plantations, and local eateries at small roadside shops.

Taste Local Food and Street Snacks

Speaking of food, Doi Mae Salong and Chiang Rai have many delicious dishes to try. I, mr.hotsia, once tried a small village restaurant serving khao soi and hang lay curry, which were rich and flavorful. If you like coffee or desserts, don’t forget to stop by local coffee shops in Chiang Rai city such asYellow Car Coffeewhich I really like for its fragrant coffee aroma and affordable prices.

There are also many markets and restaurants in Chiang Rai waiting for you to explore, such as Roy Han restaurant with its excellent braised beef basil dish or the duck noodle shop in San Khi Bao alley. I have compiled these in my YouTube channel for those interested to check out.

Connections to Other Attractions in Chiang Rai

If you have more than two days in Chiang Rai, I, mr.hotsia, recommend continuing toWat Rong Khunwhich is a world-class beautiful temple not far from the city. Or if you enjoy nature and fresh coffee, try driving up toDoi Changwhich is also close to Chiang Rai.

Visiting Chiang Rai along with the Doi Mae Salong tea tasting event is a complete experience, covering culture, lifestyle, and surrounding nature. This is why I, mr.hotsia, want to return every year.

Summary

The Doi Mae Salong Tea Festival is not just an ordinary event but an opportunity to experience the real life of the local hill tribes, learn and appreciate authentic tea cultivation culture, and relax with the beautiful natural views of Chiang Rai. If you love tea and want a different experience from typical trips, this event is the answer I, mr.hotsia, highly recommend everyone to experience themselves.

Finally, for those interested in seeing the full atmosphere of the Doi Mae Salong tea tasting event, I have a videoDoi Mae Salong Tea Festivalon my YouTube channel. I guarantee watching it will make you want to pack your bags and head north immediately!