Heli-Hiking at Doi Mae Salong
Travel in style with your own private helicopter, taking in the gorgeous vistas of northern Thailand from the air. Once back on terra firma, you will then have the chance to explore some of the country's most stunning scenery on foot.
Area
Northern Thailand
Doi Mae Salong is a mountain to the north of Chiang Mai province, close to the border with Burma. The area has a fascinating history and culture. It was once opium country, but now it is the premier producer of Oolong tea in Thailand.
As well as being home to a number of indigenous hilltribes, the mountain also became a haven for renegade Chinese soldiers, who came over from Burma in the 1960s. These soldiers created their own community, producing a unique culture which is still very much alive today. In some of the villages, locals still speak in Yunnanese (a Chinese dialect) and the cuisine is often more Chinese than Thai.
After travelling to the closest heli-pad, a 20-minute (approximate) helicopter ride will take you up the mountain. This being the centre of Oolong production, you will be able to sample some of the tea at a family tea house before hiking through the lush plantations and along hilltribe paths.
Enjoy a delicious picnic of local dishes whilst you learn more about the lives of the indigenous tribes. After lunch, visit the beautiful shrine dedicated to HRH the Princess Mother. Perched on the hillside, the shrine is a wonderful example of Thai-Burmese temple architecture. Before you go, receive a blessing from the resident monks to ensure a safe onwards journey. The helicopter will then take you back down the mountain and you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationAnantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
The Anantara is a stunning luxury hotel set high up in the lush hills of Thailand's border overlooking Myanmar and Laos, in the heart of the Golden Triangle. Explore three countries, enjoy a walk with elephants, or simply relax and take in the view.
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Resort Chiang Mai
A wonderful Four Seasons resort set in a tranquil, idyllic location. The perfect luxury base from which to explore the local culture, relax, enjoy the peaceful surroundings and experience excellent service and facilities.
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View AccommodationFour Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Discover the legendary Golden Triangle up in the north of Thailand, at the fantastically luxurious Four Seasons Tented Camp, stunningly located on the border of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, and overlooking the Mekong River.
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View AccommodationAnantara Chiang Mai Resort
Located within the city, Anantara Chiang Mai (formerly the Chedi) stylishly combines a resort feel with a prime location. It is in the heart of beautiful scenery and traditional culture and a stone's throw from the bustle of the night markets.
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View AccommodationThe Legend Chiang Rai
The Legend Chiang Rai is located along the Mae Kok river just a few minutes from the town centre of Chiang Rai, affording it idyllic panoramic views of the lush surrounding hills and mountains. It is a boutique resort and spa with a tranquil atmosphere.
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View Accommodation137 Pillars House
137 Pillars House has the feel of being secluded in a secret and lush tropical garden in the heart of Chiang Mai. This hidden gem has an old world charm, transporting you to times gone by with the history of the main house.
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View AccommodationTamarind Village
Tamarind Village is a beautiful boutique property surrounded by temples and shopping streets and is the perfect base from which to explore the wonders of Chiang Mai.
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View AccommodationTatvani
Tatvani is a rare find; an entirely private estate in Northern Thailand’s Golden Triangle where a dedicated team of over 30 staff ensures every moment is exquisitely tailored to your group alone.
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View AccommodationGypsy, Mekong River Cruise
Artfully crafted from teak and thatch, the exclusive two-suite Gypsy is a beautifully appointed vessel that charts a path along the Mekong River, stopping as and when you wish to curate a voyage of discovery between the Golden Triangle and Luang Prabang.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperiencePrivate Cooking Class at Grandma's Cooking School
Escape to the countryside south of Chiang Mai for a private cooking class at Grandma's, where the day begins in the garden – harvesting herbs and collecting eggs – before learning to coax authentic Thai flavours from ingredients you've picked yourself.
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View ExperienceThai Art Workshop
Learn traditional Thai lacquering and gilding from an artist who's restored temples including Wat Pho, creating your own wooden plaque with gold leaf and lacquer at Baan Thongjaya.
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View ExperienceChiang Mai Evening Street Food Tour
Wander through Chiang Mai's night markets as the city comes alive after dark, sampling northern Thai dishes perfected over centuries – from sizzling street snacks to the region's legendary Khao Soi.
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View ExperienceWat Rong Khun
Wat Rong Khun, or rather the White Temple as it is better known as amongst foreigners, is located between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and is a rather spectacular temple, very different from the many others in the area.
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View ExperienceDoi Suthep Monk Trail
Follow the ancient Monk's Trail to Wat Pha Lat's hidden jungle temple, then climb Doi Suthep's 308 steps to where the city unfolds beneath you.
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View ExperiencePicnic and Exclusive Scenic Dinner
Escape to a highland farmhouse outside Chiang Mai for a private picnic that transforms into a farm-to-table dinner as the sun sets over the countryside.
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View ExperienceElephant Discovery Camp
Spend the day with three female elephants, learning about the species' behaviour and their relationship with the northern Thai people.
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View ExperienceCoffee Hilltribe Experience
Head into the highlands west of Chiang Mai to a Karen hilltribe village, trek through coffee forests, plant your own tree, then learn to roast and brew coffee – returning home with beans you've roasted yourself.
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View ExperienceHloyo Akha Hilltribe Experience
Delve into the traditions and culture of the Akha people. Travel into the hills to Hloyo village and spend a day partaking in the daily activities of the Akha. Learn to cook traditional food, and chat with farmers in the fields.
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