Thailand
The Martyr’s Memorial Hall pays tribute to the defeated soldiers of the KMT. It's an essential stop during a green getaway to Doi Mae Salong, a mountain station in northern Chiang Rai, Thailand.
The Martyr’s Memorial: Honoring Heroic Nationalist Soldiers in Northern Thailand
Thailand's struggle against communist movements exacted heavy sacrifices. The Chinese village of Mae Salong was once a focal point of this conflict, stirring deep emotions among local tourists. Amidst tea plantations and sakura cherry trees adorning the hills, it's hard to believe this peaceful haven was a lawless outlaw hideout just fifty years ago. Yet, the Martyr’s Memorial stands testament to that dark era.
The memorial functions as a historical museum recounting the saga of KMT Chinese soldiers, detailing battle dates and times with precision. It chronicles their flight to Thailand, the routes taken for transporting the wounded, the founding of Mae Salong village, the illicit opium trade, and the personal effects of the soldiers. The heroic story of these Chinese soldiers comes alive within the museum’s three halls. When planning your next road trip to Mae Salong, be sure to include a visit to the Martyr’s Memorial!
Historical background
Mae Salong hasn’t always been a picturesque rural village draped in tea fields and fruit trees. The security now enjoyed in these mountains came after years of military service.
The village was founded in 1959 when KMT soldiers fleeing from Yunnan, China, wandered into the northern Thai hills. Refusing to surrender to the Chinese government, they opted for exile and established a new homeland in Mae Salong. Thai authorities granted asylum in exchange for their commitment to fight alongside law enforcement against communist rebels. The bloodiest battles occurred in the Doi Luang, Doi Kao, and Doi Pha Mon regions of Chiang Rai.
It wasn’t until the mid-1980s that the soldiers were able to repay their debt. As a reward, they were officially recognized as Thai citizens. To this day, their children and descendants live peacefully in Mae Salong.
Today
The KMT soldiers’ memorial is a short hike from Mae Salong. Since the establishment of an agricultural research station that ended the opium trade dominance, Mae Salong has undergone significant transformation. Renamed Santi Khiri, meaning "Peaceful Dwelling," custom tours departing from Mae Hong Son or Chiang Rai are available to explore the memorial.
Touring the Martyr’s Memorial
The Martyr’s Memorial commemorates the soldiers of the 93rd KMT Division through a historical museum.
The museum’s exhibits are divided across three distinct halls. The central hall hosts the museum on the Heroic Past of Chinese Nationalist Soldiers in Northern Thailand. To its right is a hall detailing the soldiers’ misfortunes before immigrating to Thailand, including their defeat against the communist party. Models depict soldiers’ lives amidst battlefields. The third and final hall is equally compelling, documenting efforts by Chinese humanitarian organizations to aid the exiles. Soldiers’ families received provisions and clothing, while their children received scholarships to attend school.
Near the Martyr’s Memorial lies the tomb of General Tuan, another significant historical site. The building housing the founder of Mae Salong’s remains resembles a Buddhist pagoda, guarded by a Chinese military sentinel.
If you still have energy left, continue climbing to reach the summit of Doi Mae Salong, where you’ll be delighted to visit the beautiful Srinagarindra Pagoda, built in honor of a royal princess who tirelessly fought for equality in Thailand.
Practical information
How to get there
The Martyr’s Memorial Hall is located in Santikhiri village, Mae Fah Luang district, Chiang Rai province. There are no public transportation services available. Consider renting a car or using a songthaew (shared taxi).
Nearby tourist attractions
After visiting the Chinese soldiers’ memorial, take your time exploring Mae Salong. Enjoy Chinese tea houses and restaurants, renowned for their high-quality oolong tea production. You can also visit agricultural farms and purchase local products such as strawberries and plums.
