Thailand

At the border of the Burmese country, the green city of Mae Sariang, two hundred kilometers from Chiang Mai, attracts nature lovers. Here's a rundown of the highlights of the destination:

Verdant rice fields, rushing rivers, a Karen tribe village, and a herd of elephants roaming freely in Salawin Park—Mae Sariang looks like a hiking paradise. The town itself is just a rice basin where thatched-roof houses dot flooded rice paddies. But in the surroundings, the terrain is rugged, with rocky cliffs over 800 meters high and turbulent rivers, perfect for rafting enthusiasts. However, it's the wild environment of Salawin, with its dense, untouched forests reminiscent of a scene from "The Jungle Book," that makes Mae Sariang particularly interesting as a stopover on a circuit to Chiang Mai. There are two tourism products to discover: ecotourism and cultural immersion.

A brief description of the city

Mae Sariang is a gentle valley in the northwest of Thailand, crossed by Lake Yumam. It is within the administrative territory of Mae Hong Son, a Thai province bordering Myanmar, just 200 kilometers from the prestigious city of Chiang Mai. By public transport, it takes 4 and a half hours by bus from Chiang Mai, compared to 5 hours by bus from Mae Hong Son.

The 2005 census indicates a population of 9,968 inhabitants spread across 9 villages. Subsistence rice farming employs the majority of the workforce. Venturing into the surrounding hills, tea, corn, and coffee orchards fill the view. These cash crops gained prominence in the 1990s, when the government discouraged opium cultivation. Previously, opium was the driving force of the local economy.

The lush valley of Mae Sariang has an average altitude of 190 meters. If hiking is your only concern, you'll need to head to the Thanon Thong Chai mountain range, a few kilometers east of the town. The fragrant tea gardens and terraced rice fields are a sign that you're approaching a Karen village. This indigenous tribe has made their home in the high hills of the district. The Karen claim a lifestyle in harmony with nature, reflected in their humble bamboo dwellings, colorful costumes, animistic beliefs, and environmentally friendly farming techniques.

Good reasons to visit Mae Sariang

Here are five good reasons to explore Mae Sariang on a trip to Chiang Mai:

• A haven of absolute peace, where you can isolate yourself from the crowd and temporarily disconnect from civilization;
• A large number of rivers favoring boat trips or water sports (canoeing, kayaking, canyoning, paddleboarding, etc.);
• Cultural openness by getting to know the Karen tribe;
• You'll encounter the second-tallest teak tree in Siam.
• There are two protected areas nearby: Salawin National Park and Mae Ngao National Park.

If you identify with these types of hobbies, Mae Sariang is definitely the destination for you.

Must-see attractions

Salawin National Park

Spanning 722 km2, Salawin Park is home to a lush and generous jungle. It awaits you 6 kilometers from downtown, on the road between Mae Sariang and Sop Moei. Almost intact virgin forests, breathtaking mountain scenery, elephants splashing mud, a ballet of water birds to discover on a boat excursion… The park is a must-visit for wildlife and flora enthusiasts.

Mae Lam Saep Village

Cliffs, ravines, and high-altitude lakes make Mae Lam Saep an interesting hiking destination. To get there, just follow Route 1194 from Mae Sariang. The village is about fifty kilometers away, on the border of Thailand and Burma. For your information, it's also a refugee camp.

Wat Jong Sung and Wat Si Bunruang

It's hard to miss the two Buddhist sanctuaries that stand on the main avenue of the town. The first is arguably the most interesting. Inaugurated around the end of the 19th century, Wat Jong Sung, with its towering stupas and teak wood monasteries, is a fine example of Shan architecture.

A Buddha statue is enthroned on a hill

Nicely perched high, this oversized idol attracts visitors because it offers a breathtaking view of the rice fields and Lake Yumam. It is located within the grounds of Phra That Jom Thong. 3 km outside the city center.

The best time to visit

Mae Sariang enjoys a characteristic savanna climate. April is the hottest month of the year (up to 37 °C). The rainy season starts in May and ends in October, with peak rainfall in June. If you're going trekking, it's best to go between the first and last months of the year.

How to get to Mae Sariang?

Whether you're coming from Mae Hong Son or Chiang Mai, you can use public transportation to reach the town.

Public transportation comes in two types: shared taxis (songthaew) and buses. Travelers in a hurry will opt for songthaews, even if they cost more. Thus, the bus to Chiang Mai will accept you onboard for 120 baht (€3.36), while the songthaew will ask for 200 baht (€5.6). Although slower, buses have the advantage of luggage storage facilities.