DOI MAE SALONG, a pleasant hill-station in the proximity of Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Last Tuesday, 23^rd August 2013, my friend Samantha was readying to go to Doi Mae Salong, on his weekly mushroom sampling trip. This was part of his systematic, enduring study of macrofungi aimed at understanding the biodiversity of mushrooms in the highlands of northern Thailand. He invited me to join the trip. I had been to Doi Mae Salong twice already last year together with my wife. This trip, the third one, I readily agreed because, this cool hill town just about 60 km distance from Chiang Rai is undoubtedly an interesting place to visit and enjoy.

Doi (=mountain) Mae Salong is a hill station with vast tea plantations. The hill road leading to Doi Mae Salong from Chiang Rai is undoubtedly a marvel; asphalted, well built and with numerous sharp curves, steep slopes and undulating terrains.  On either side, half-way through the journey, you will see extensive corn cultivations. Then on, as long as your eyes can see, it is vast expanse of tea plantations dotted with litchi and other fruit trees.

Doi Mae Salong has an interesting history but of just 6 decades. It seems, on conclusion of a civil war in 1949, in the border villages of southwestern China (Yunnan), Myanmar and northern Thailand, some remnants of anti-communist Chinese forces led by a General refused to go back to China. They not only took asylum in Doi Mae Salong but also willingly fought for Thailand against communist insurgency in the northern border of the country. As a reward for their help, the Thai Government granted citizenship to these soldiers and their families. Then on, these people permanently settled down in Doi Mae Salong. Presently, they practice agriculture (tea cultivation) as their main occupation.

Doi Mae Salong, known as ‘Little Switzerland,’ is a wonderful, tourist attractive, hill town. Besides tea, the people living here grow cherry blossom and other dry fruits. There are many shops selling attractive handicrafts, vanity bags and much artistry.  Every shop name is written in 3 languages: Thai, English and Chinese; I felt that they truly maintained their ancestry.

There are magnificent Buddhist temples built at the top of high mountains in Doi Mae Salong. These temples, shops, hotels and other eating places are very clean and tidy. You will enjoy taking a stroll on the serene roadsides and buy the souvenirs, before getting back to Chiang Rai. Sam collected many mushrooms. I went around with him. Undoubtedly, it was an enchanting trip for me.  I and my wife visited this place last year, along with Mr. Phonguen who was then carrying out the mushroom diversity study.  My wife too fondly remembers this ‘Little Switzerland’...............!

 

 

 

D. Jayarama Bhat