North
Thailand / Mae Salong
Mae Salong,
a small town in Chiang Rai Province, some 80km (50mi) northeast
of Chiang Rai city can be reached via Mae Chan. What makes
this little town different from others in northern Thailand is
its Chinese populace. The inhabitants are mostly the families
of Chinese Kuomintang soldiers who fled from the communists
in 1949, first to Burma. They were driven out of Burma in 1961
and then settled on Doi Mae Salong (Mae Salong Mountain), just
some 7km (4.4mi) from the Burmese border. Architecture
as well as cuisine are Southern Chinese, and in spite of
the fact that the place has become a popular tourist destination,
it has kept its own distinct appearance.
Authors note:
Tourism for idiots
I can understand some forms of tourism: for example, if people from cold countries want to go to a beach place in a warm country for two weeks. I can also understand those who go to a fun place to party. I can even understand parents who bring their children to Disneyland (though I personally regard this as a waste of money).
But the tourism you have in Northern Thailand and in Laos is for idiots.
Remote hill tribes! Wow. The Golden Triangle, the world's traditional opium-growing region. And you were there! Elephant trekking through the jungle. Real adventure!
The fact is that all of this is so totally commercialized, that it is no different from a theme park. Only less convenient.
But at least a theme park is honest in that it admits that it's all just show. On the other hand, North Thailand and Laos tourism promotion pretends that all of this is authentic. But it's a lie. It's all only about making stupid tourists spend money. Preferably a lot. For nothing of genuine value.
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The phyllanthus urinaria tea is prepared by mixing 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried herb into hot but not boiling water.
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http://www.asiatour.com/thailand/e-05nort/et-nor22.htm
Jan Garanoz
869/116 Thanon Pemavipat,
Chiang Rai, 57000 Thailand
Created: September 1, 1995
Last updated: January 28, 2010