Chiang Mai (Northern Thailand) Tourist Guide


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A Journey to Shangri-La

Text & Images: Mario

Travel to Thepsadej sub-district, Doi Saket, and you may be lucky enough to stumble upon this quaint little village, steadfast in its devotion to a simplistic existence in an increasingly complex modern society.

Inhabitants of this northern Thailand rural farming village are believed to be of Khmer origin, having migrated here from the once prosperous Khmer kingdom more than 150 years ago. The village is best known for its tea plantation, not the common-or-garden cuppa leaf, but mieng, well known for its mastication appeal.

Houses are located along the Phi Pan Nam mountain range, which serves as a natural border between several provinces, and the village is only 17 kilometers from the Huay Hong Krai Royal Initiative Project. Rotational plantation strategies allow for year-round farming, and crops include coffee, tealeaf, persimmon and apricot, as well as a variety of other fruits. However, the most important farming done here is bee farming. Villagers have integrated local wisdom into their bee keeping with strategies such as putting holes into logs to create beehives, which keeps the honey pure and natural. A single beehive can produce up to seven bottles of honey, providing a solid income for villagers. Other farming methods used here are also environmentally conscious - abstaining from the use of harsh chemicals, for example - making this a great eco-tourism destination.

The most popular spot to catch a view of the area as whole is from the top of Doi Phulangka, Moo 8, Thepsadej sub-district, Doi Saket. After you’ve taken in some of the scenery, move on to more thrilling adventures, such as Baan Namkong’s Jungle Flight, where you can zip through the trees and fly through the lush evergreen forest. This treetop adventure activity boasts Thailand’s longest, highest zip line, more than forty meters above the ground. But don’t take our word for it, check it out for yourself!

Not so far from the village, move on to the hot springs at Baan Pong Kum village in Pa Mieng district, and soothe yourself after your extreme flight through the jungle. You can even soak yourself in a private hot spring, or eat eggs and bamboo shoots boiled fresh in these natural hot spots.

To get to there from downtown Chiang Mai, go east on highway no. 118 (Doi Saket - Chiang Rai). At km 27 turn right and head south. You’ll pass Baan Pong Din, Baan Pong Kum and then Wat Baan Pong temple, from where the hot springs can be seen on both sides of the road. No need to panic about food as food shops are located nearby.

Leave the hustle and bustle of town life behind and head out for a truly relaxing getaway. Be alone with your thoughts or go wild with forest adventure. This charming Doi Saket village is just far enough away to satisfy the travel itch, but close enough to be a one-day special.

Without a doubt, there’s plenty of Shangri-La to be found in Thailand, and around the world. Just step out and open your eyes. Even - perhaps particularly - in Chiang Mai, there’s plenty to be seen.

**Described in the 1933 novel Lost Horizon by British author James Hilton, “Shangri-La” is a mystical, harmonious valley, and has become synonymous with any earthly paradise but particularly a mythical Himalayan utopia - a permanently happy land, isolated from the outside world. (wikipedia).