I was thrilled to arrive in Chang Rai early in the morning, and be the only tourist at the bus stop. Unlike it's more well known brother Chang Mai (which I avoided)... Chang Rai is a laid back area, filled with less tourists and more life. Mae Salong, which is 1800 meters above the sea level, is a town of Chinese temples, open air bazaars, beautiful blooming cherry blossom trees, and shops that offer Chinese specialties as tea and locally grown preserved fruit. About 2 hours away from Chang Rai. The area has an alpine-like landscape and climate, and is known for its hill tribe villages, tea plantations and cherry blossoms. I found that my journey there was just as, and maybe even more spectacular and worthwhile then the town itself. The little town was founded
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