Understand

Mae Salong's early history revolves around the opium trade in the Golden Triangle. In the aftermath of the Chinese Nationalist Army's defeat in 1949, a division of 12,000 soldiers refused to surrender to Chinese communists. Unlike most nationalists who escaped to Taiwan, these soldiers fled to Burma and continued to fight against the People's Republic. Supported initially by Taiwan and the USA, the soldiers eventually disbanded in Burma due to changing diplomatic relations. Some settled in Mae Salong, using the town as a military base to prepare for a counter-attack against communist China. Funding their armament with opium production, they had connections with the infamous Burmese warlord and drug baron Khun Sa. Today, Mae Salong has transformed into a peaceful town known for its cultivation of oolong tea and mushrooms, but it still retains traces of its turbulent past. With its crisp climate, Chinese influence, and delightful native dishes, Mae Salong remains a popular destination worth exploring.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Pad Thai: Pad Thai is a signature Thai dish consisting of stir-fried rice noodles with a uniquely balanced blend of sweet, sour, salty, and tangy flavors. It typically includes shrimp or chicken (though can be prepared with tofu for a vegetarian version), scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and is garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions. The dish is served with a side of som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice for a complete meal.

Tom Yum Goong: This spicy and aromatic soup is a beloved Thai classic that features a fragrant broth made from stock, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. It's packed with succulent prawns, mushrooms, tomatoes, and other vegetables, with optional additions like snakehead fish or even chicken. The dish is often garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of pepper.

Mango Sticky Rice: This iconic Thai dessert is a delightful combination of sweet, creamy mango and glutinous rice. The sticky rice is cooked in coconut milk and sugar until it achieves a chewy texture, then served alongside ripe, juicy mango slices. The dish is sometimes garnished with toasted coconut flakes or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. It's typically enjoyed during the mango season (May to September) as a sumptuous, refreshing treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing