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 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 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.
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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 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 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 AccommodationRaya Heritage
Located just north of Chiang Mai centre, Raya Heritage provides a tranquil retreat, welcoming you home after days exploring. With Lanna architecture and a keen focus on local craftsman, Raya Heritage fully immerses you in culture of North Thailand.
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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 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.
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 ExperiencePedal Lanna
The countryside around Chiang Mai is lush and green, dotted with local shrines, swathed in rice paddies and encased by dramatic mountains. What better way to make the most of the fresh air than exploring by bicycle?
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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 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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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 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 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 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 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 ExperienceCooking at Home
Food plays a very important part in Thai culture. This lovely cooking class in rural Chiang Mai offers an exciting opportunity to not only gain an understanding of the cuisine, but also to get hands on and try some of the dishes yourself.
Call us on 020 8682 5060 to start planning