Northern Thailand - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 939

For a taste of China without crossing any international borders, head to this atmospheric
village perched on the back hills of Chiang Rai. Originally founded by KMT fighters es-
caping Myanmar (Burma) in the 1960s, it's a great place to kick back for a couple of days,
and the surrounding area is ripe for exploration.

Sights & Activities

A tiny but interesting morning market convenes from 6am to 8am at the T-intersection near
Shin Sane Guest House. An all-day market forms at the southern end of town, and unites
vendors selling hill-tribe handicrafts, shops selling tea and a few basic restaurants.
To soak up the great views from Wat Santikhiri go past the market and ascend 718 steps
(or drive if you have a car). The wát is of the Mahayana tradition and Chinese in style.
Shin Sane Guest House and Little Home Guesthouse have free maps showing approx-
imate trekking routes to Akha, Lisu, Mien, Lahu and Shan villages in the area. Nearby
Akha and Lisu villages are less than half a day's walk away.
Shin Sane Guest House arranges horseback treks to four nearby villages for 500B for
about three or four hours.

Sleeping & Eating
All accommodation and restaurants are on, or just off, the main road.

Little Home Guesthouse
( 0 5376 5389; www.maesalonglittlehome.com ; bungalows 800B; ) Located behind a
wooden house near the market intersection is this handful of great-value bungalows.

GUESTHOUSE $$

Baan Hom Muen Li
( 0 5376 5271; [e-mail] ; no roman-script sign; r incl breakfast 1000-2000B; )
Located in the middle of town, this stylish place consists of 14 rooms decked out in mod-
ern and classic Chinese themes.

HOTEL $$

CAFE $

Sweet Maesalong
(mains 45-155B; 8.30am-5pm; ) If you require more caffeine than the local tea leaves
can provide, stop by this modern cafe with an extensive menu of coffee drinks using local
beans. Located more or less in the middle of town.