Discovering the magnificent tea plantations of northern Thailand
From the hills of Mae Salong to Ban Rak Thai, discover the most beautiful tea plantations in northern Thailand, where mountain vistas, tastings, and peaceful villages await.
While not the most renowned for tea production, Thailand certainly holds its own. It is in the mountainous landscapes of the north, along the Burmese border, that you'll find the country's most spectacular tea plantations. From Mae Salong to Ban Rak Thai and through Singha Park, we invite you to discover the sublime tea plantations of northern Thailand…
Mae Salong
Mae Salong is the most renowned destination among travelers seeking to admire Thailand's tea plantations. It is the name of a mountain located along the Burmese border in Chang Rai Province, at the heart of the famous Golden Triangle. The majority of the region's tea plantations are found around the small village of Santikhiri, nestled on the mountainside. Once used for opium cultivation, these lands now host a Chinese tea variety called 'oolong' (translated from Chinese as 'dark dragon').
Among the most renowned producers, you'll find 101 Tea Plantation and Wang Put Tan. When you visit, you'll have the privilege of enjoying a tea tasting, admiring the sumptuous landscapes, and picking up some shopping if you'd like to bring home local products as travel souvenirs!
Good to know
Take advantage of your escape to the region to visit Wat Santakhiri temple. Perched on high ground, you'll enjoy breathtaking views over the valley, stretching from tea plantations to lush green expanses…
Ban Rak Thai
Still within the Golden Triangle, head toward the small village of Ban Rak Thai. While its official name is Mae Aw, locals affectionately call it Ban Rak Thai, which can be translated as 'Beloved Thai Town'. Indeed, with its tea plantations, terraced rice fields, authentic wooden houses, and gentle pace of life, this small settlement has everything to charm you. And to top it off, its remote location and difficult access make it a haven of peace, preserved from mass tourism.
With a cool climate and significant altitude, the place is especially known for its green tea plantations. To fully explore the tea culture, we highly recommend arranging a visit with a local English-speaking guide. This way, you'll learn more about the cultivation secrets of this delicate plant with its distinctive flavors…
Beyond the famous green tea, you can enjoy sampling regional culinary specialties, a cuisine heavily influenced and inspired by Chinese Yunnan. You'll even find local wine!
Singha Park
Formerly called Boon Rawd Farm, Singha Park is a leisure center and more. Located near Chiang Rai, this 8,000-rai space (approximately 12.8 km²) is Thailand's largest agricultural tourism attraction. It is also one of the largest and finest tea production sites in the country. Open since 2012, the park boasts no fewer than 237 acres of tea plantations and produces nearly 400 tons of tea annually!
Beyond the tea plantations, the park offers numerous family activities: cycling, zipline courses, climbing wall, vegetable garden, farm, and zoo… Plenty to plan an enjoyable family outing and keep the children entertained during your Thailand journey!
Frequently asked questions
The ideal period extends from November to February, during the cool season, when temperatures are more pleasant and the landscape is lush and green.
You can rent a car, take a tuk-tuk, or join an organized tour. Mae Salong is approximately 1.5 hours' drive from Chiang Rai.
Yes, most plantations have shops where you can purchase their teas and enjoy complimentary tastings.
