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.

Additional information on North Thailand:

The Region

Economy

Climate

Phitsanulok

Sukhothai

Si Satchanalai

Lampang

Lamphun

Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai (Golden Triangle)

Mae Sai

Mae Chan

Chiang Saen

Mae Hong Son

Additional information on Thailand: