Even if tea isn’t your cup of tea, tea plantations are still wonderful places. Lush green tea plantations with mountains looming in the distance, locals calmly picking tea leaves, crisp cool air… It’s a picture of pure happiness. If you visit in the morning, you get morning mist as an added bonus.  

Thanks to its mountainous landscape and cooler climate, Northern Thailand is the ideal place for tea plants. Other than Chiang Mai, the neighboring cities Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son have their own tea plantations, including the winning tea at World Tea Festival. Below are some of the top tea plantations in Thailand.     

Top 5 Tea Plantations in Thailand (Northern Thailand)

1. Wawee Tea Plantation in Chiang Rai

Over 30 years ago, Wawee Tea Plantation was the first Thai tea plantation to grow oolong tea. Located on picturesque Doi Wawee, the plantation produces Taiwanese tea like Ching Ching no. 12 and no. 13 and also Assam tea and local tea. Apart from tracing the origin of Thai oolong tea, you can see the local life of Chin Haw people (Chinese who migrated from Yunnan to Thailand via Myanmar and Laos). Their village is on Doi Wawee and tea planting is their way of life.  

2. Choui Fong Tea Plantation in Chiang Rai

When you look for something to quench your thirst at 7-Eleven or supermarkets in Thailand, you’ll find a vast array of tea brands such as Oishi, Ichitan, Lipton, Unif and Malee. The tea leaves behind all these famous brands come from Choui Fong Tea Plantation. But if you taste Choui Fong tea at the source, it’s going to be a different story. An even more delicious story.

Going strong for over 40 years, Choui Fong Tea Plantation is the biggest and arguably the most beautiful tea plantation in Chiang Rai. There are two branches, one in Mae Fah Luang and the other in Mae Chan, the latter being over 1 square meters large. The tea plants are grown on descending hills and if you visit the Mae Chan branch, don’t miss its on-site restaurant. Sit on the terrace overlooking the tea lots, slurp green tea smoothie and savor other tea-based desserts like green tea tiramisu. Sounds like a sweet day already.

Sip your way through your Chiang Rai trip at the Choui Fong tea plantation and visit the famous White Temple with our Local Expert here.

Interested but staying in Chiang Mai? No worries. Your Local Expert will happily pick you up from your hotel.

3. Singha Park (Boon Rawd Farm) in Chiang Rai

Singha Park is a property of Boon Rawd Brewery. Yes, the manufacturer of the famed Singha Beer. But the park is all about agro-tourism and you’ll find fruit orchards, vegetable farms, flower fields, tea plantations and family attractions. It also hosts many events ranging from music festivals to cycling events as well as Singha Park International Balloon Fiesta (every February).       

Don’t visit Singha Park without tasting their farmfresh produce and good food and drinks. Their oolong tea no. 12 is one of their best products. If you prefer it cool and sweet, try bubble oolong tea.

Discover the breezy and verdant world of Singha Park and the must-visit Blue Temple here. The bonus is that your Local Expert will also happily pick you up from your hotel in Chiang Mai area.

Or you can opt for a combination of a Singha Park tea plantation and the equally stunning White Temple here. What's more is that you will get the chance to savor authentic Northern Thai food while you're in Chiang Rai. Sounds like a chance you just can't miss! 

4. 101 Tea Plantation in Chiang Rai

Doi Mae Salong is home to some tea plantations and all of them offer top-notch tea. However, the tea that hit the world’s stage and also won the first place came from 101 Tea Plantation. Having placed first at the World Tea Festival in 2004 for their oolong tea no. 12 and no. 17, 101 Tea Plantation is rightfully famous. Fortunately, the mountain remains blissfully calm. Sipping hot tea in such a dreamy location… Heavenly. Their Four Season tea and herbal tea are also well-known.

101 Tea Plantation has an interesting history. The family of the founder is Taiwanese and they have been harvesting tea for generations. The company also involves in the royal initiative to help the hill tribes. Previously growing and trading opiums, the hill tribes in the area are now working in the tea plantation and have a better quality of life.

Khun Nattamon, our Local Expert in Chiang Rai is always more than happy to show you an exclusive tea plantations trail which include 101 Tea Plantation and the previously mentioned Choui Fong Tea Plantation. Tea lovers, this is your chance!  

5. Ban Rak Thai in Mae Hong Son

This is not a Chinese movie set. Situated near the stunning reservoir Pang Oung, Ban Rak Thai is a Thai-Chinese village founded by Kuo Min Tang soldiers or Nationalists who migrated from Yunnan. In addition to Chinese-style charms, you’ll be awed by the beauty of tea plantations of the locals.

Some villagers open tea shops. Drinking Chinese tea is a must-do and there’s one more thing you mustn’t miss. Try Yunnan-style stewed pork leg, which is eaten with buns. It’s Ban Rak Thai’s specialty.

In addition to the lush and aromatic tea plantations, Chiang Rai also charms travelers with the White, Black and Blue temples, tantalizing Northern Thai cuisine and friendly locals. Discover more things to do in Chiang Rai here.

Welcome to Amazing Thailand – Open to the New Shades. This is your ultimate Thailand travel guide, off-the-beaten-track edition. Go local and explore Thailand through new perspectives. Open your heart and mind… to the shades of Thailand that you never knew exist!

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On one of the many koh (islands) of Trat and Rayong, you’ll find yourself one of the few foreigners there. Rayong and Trat islands have long been locals’ favorites. What’s more, each island has its own unique things to see and do, so island hopping is highly recommended.     

Now are you ready to kick back and relax? Here are all the hidden eastern islands—the best islands near Bangkok.

8 Best Islands near Bangkok (Eastern Thailand)

1. Koh Samet in Rayong

Just about 2-3 hours’ drive from Bangkok and another 40 minutes’ ferry ride, Koh Samet is truly a paradise within reach. It has always been a favorite getaway among Thai locals and is therefore well-developed. You can expect fantastic fire shows and some party scene, especially in Sai Kaew Beach and Ao Phai (Phai Bay) areas. Thankfully, the island remains well-preserved after all this time. There are also quiet beaches and bays, such as Ao Wai and Ao Pakarang.

Other than enjoying banana boat and other water sports, snorkeling, fishing (including squid) and turtle and shark spotting (if you’re lucky), Koh Samet is an interesting location for Thai literature fans. Koh Kaew Pisadan in the all-time famous Thai epic poem Phra Abhai Mani is inspired by Koh Samet. Penned by the UNESCO-honored bard Sunthorn Phu, Phra Abhai Mani features not only human characters but also mythical creatures like mermaid, sea ogress and dragon horse. Don’t be surprised when you find their life-size statues scattered around Koh Samet.

2. Koh Talu in Rayong

Talu means pierced and it’s obvious where the name of the island comes from. Hop on a ferry from Koh Samet for not only the hole in the rock wall but also turquoise water, powdery white sand and the most beautiful coral reef in Rayong.

3. Koh Mannork in Rayong

Part of the Man islands, which consists of Koh Mannork, Manklang and Mannai. The three islands are all beautiful, but Koh Mannork is no. 1 and is also the biggest. Owned by the Thai Navy, the island is private. Come enjoy stunning natural scenery in peace and quiet and meet the gorgeous local residents: peacocks.  

You can start your journey from either Koh Samet or Rayong city.

4. Koh Chang in Trat

The largest island in the east and the third largest in Thailand after Phuket and Samui, Koh Chang isn’t only well-known for its size. From Bangkok to Koh Chang or Elephant Island, it takes about 4-5 hours by car or bus and then a 45-minute ferry ride. Quite a long journey, but it’s very worth it. The island offers a wide range of activities. Thanks to its mountainous and forested landscape, Koh Chang visitors get to enjoy not only the beaches but also hiking and relaxing in Khlong Phlu waterfall area.

While there are a lot of hotels on Koh Chang, the island has a strong sense of community. Want to go snorkelling or fishing? Visit Bang Bao Fishing Village and let the locals take you to the sea. If you’re missing the green life, go to Salak Kok Fishing Village. The village is located close to mangrove forest and you can choose between a Thai-style gondola experience or kayaking. Come at night and thousand of fireflies await.

Discover other things to do in Trat, Thailand.

5. Koh Kood in Trat

Located about an hour from Koh Chang by ferry, Koh Kood is an ideal destination for those wanting to go more off-the-beaten-path while enjoying a variety of activities. Go snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing and swimming in the stunning Klong Chao Waterfall… You can even hold onto a rope and swing into its pool Tarzan-style.

But if you simply want to relax, it’s perfectly fine. Apart from its crystal clear water, pristine beaches, lush tropical rainforest and waterfalls, Koh Kood is fringed with super photogenic rows of coconut trees. No wonder it’s called the jewel of the east.

Discover other things to do in Trat, Thailand.

6. Koh Mak in Trat

An island located between Koh Chang and Koh Kood, Koh Mak is unmissable. Inhabited by only 350 islanders who rely mostly on rubber and coconut farming, Koh Mak is tranquil and a place to enjoy a simple and sustainable way of life. The island also offers turquoise sea and white sandy beaches.

In addition to the view, Koh Mak is best base for divers. It’s not far from Rang Islands, where you’ll find more corals than anywhere in Eastern Thailand. Among them, Koh Wai is the best diving spot as it’s home to a coral reef conservation project.

Discover other things to do in Trat, Thailand.

7. Koh Kham in Trat

The island hopping in Trat still goes on. Koh Mak’s neighbor (less than 15 minutes away by ferry!), Koh Kham is a small private island with impressive natural beauty. Of course, the sand and the sea are heavenly, but there’s more. Koh Kham’s shore is adorned with black volcanic boulders unlike anywhere in the east. If you want to explore under the sea, Koh Kham is also rich in marine life, including the giant clams.

* Not to confuse with another Koh Kham in Chonburi

Discover other things to do in Trat, Thailand.

8. Koh Kradad in Trat

Koh Kradad is a kind of strange you’ll love. Unlike Trat’s other mountainous islands, Koh Kradad is entirely flat. Instead of rainforests, the island is covered by grass and coconut trees, one of them somehow bending horizontal to the ground before lifting its top up to the sky. However, the stars of the island are deer. Thousands of them, roaming freely in the middle of the sea! Since it takes only about 10 minutes from Koh Mak to Koh Kradad, don’t miss Thailand’s very own deer island.

Discover other things to do in Trat, Thailand.

Welcome to Amazing Thailand – Open to the New Shades. This is your ultimate Thailand travel guide, off-the-beaten-track edition. Go local and explore Thailand through new perspectives. Open your heart and mind… to the shades of Thailand that you never knew exist!

The post Best Islands near Bangkok (Eastern Thailand) appeared first on Amazing Thailand.

Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak located in Chiang Mai is hands down the most popular destination for international mist hunters and sunrise chasers. However, there are actually many other cities to enjoy the sea of mist in Thailand. These top spots also offer other unique experiences.

There’s no more enchanting way to start your morning than this, so you can’t miss it. Here are the best places to view the sea of mist in Thailand.

16 Best Places to View the Sea of Mist in Thailand (Other than Chiang Mai)

1. Khao Krajom in Ratchaburi, Central Thailand

It’s hard to believe there’s a sea of mist that’s only about 3 hours away from Bangkok, but this is the reality. Marking the end of Thailand, Khao Krajom is the tallest mountain in Suan Phueng, a locals’ favorite nature retreat in Ratchaburi. It’s a proof that viewing the sea of mist above verdant forests is possible during your weekend getaway.

Discover other things to do in Ratchaburi, Thailand.

2. Thung Salaeng Luang National Park in Phetchabun, Northern Thailand

Savannah landscape right in Thailand! Dotted with pine trees and flowers that bloom from October to December, Thung Salaeng Luang National Park is in and of itself a stunning savannah, complete with wildlife. Simply drive to Sala Dusita viewpoint for the scene of mist shrouding the forest below. This is the best option for the elderly and people with mobility impairment.

And when the sun is completely above the horizon, stroll in the pine forest and marvel at the golden sunlight shining through.

3. Phu Tub Berk in Phetchabun, Northern Thailand

At Phu Tub Berk, the sea of mist is served with cabbages. The largest field of cabbages in Thailand, might we add. Traveling in the rainy season is normally not very ideal, but it’s another story in Phu Tub Berk. It’s the best time to enjoy the greenery there.

4. Khao Kho in Phetchabun, Northern Thailand

You can’t visit Phu Tub Berk without including Khao Kho in your itinerary. Of course, you get to view one of the most beautiful seas of mist and clouds in Thailand, but there are a lot of more highlights.

Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, one of the most unique temples in Thailand, is there with Buddha images that will make you wonder if you’re hallucinating, as well as colorful mosaic that will show you how Antoni Gaudí can mix with Buddhist arts. In the colder months, Khao Kho is also abloom with colorful flowers.

5. Nam Nao National Park in Phetchabun, Northern Thailand

We’re still in Phetchabun because it’s such a wonderful hidden gem. If you haven’t had enough views of picturesque seas of mist, go to Nam Nao National Park. It’s a huge national park of unspoiled forests, waterfalls, caves and wildlife. If you love bat- and birdwatching, you’ve come to the right place.

6. Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park in Phitsanulok, Northern Thailand

Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park is packed with unique landscapes, but Lan Hin Pum has to be the most unique among them all. Situated on a mountain, Lan Hin Pum is a rock plain dotted with lumpy stones formed by erosion. Add in the view of morning mist that you can see from Lan Hin Pum and it’s going to be even more unforgettable.

In addition to mountains, forests and waterfalls, Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park is steeped in history as it was the headquarters of the Communist Party of Thailand (CPT) in the 20th century. You can find the buildings from the era as well as the museum in the national park area.

7. Doi Hua Mhod in Tak, Northern Thailand

Tak, the westernmost city in Thailand, has always been known for its dense forests, towering mountains and grand waterfalls. Its remote location discourages many travelers from visiting, but it isn’t a too difficult destination and this is your chance to witness one of the rawest national parks in Thailand. Take on Doi Hua Mhod in Umphang and you’ll be rewarded with the seemingly endless sea of mist and the unique landscape of limestone mountains dotted with only shrubs and flowers.

Need more reasons to venture out to Doi Hua Mhod? You can pair it with a trip to Thi Lo Su Waterfall, the largest and most beautiful waterfall in Thailand.

8. Phu Chi Fa in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand

Two hours away from Chiang Rai city center is Phu Chi Fa, one of the most popular spot to view the sea of mist and sunrise among Thai travelers that remains under the radar among foreign visitors. Pointing to the sky as its name says, the silhouette of Phu Chi Fa peak against the sunrise is a stunningly unique sight.

Once you catch the sunrise at over 1,600 meters above sea level, don’t leave right after. Phu Chi Fa straddles the border of Thailand and Laos, so you can see the Mekong River, forests and mountains in the other side after the mist is gone. While you can enjoy the sea of mist at Phu Chi Fa all year round, visit in December or January for wild Himalayan cherry blossoms.

9. Doi Pha Tang in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand

Few people have been there, even Thai locals. This makes Doi Pha Tang a great destination for explorers. Apart from panoramic views of mist and clouds from Hill 101, Hill 102 and Hill 103 (the peak that rises 1,653 meters into the sky), Doi Pha Tang is unique with rock cliffs that look as if they were torn apart or Chong Pha Kad. Look through the cliff gate and when the waves of mist dissipate, you can see the Mekong River and Laotian valleys down below.

Like Phu Chi Fa, Doi Pha Tang is painted in pink from December to January with wild Himalayan cherry blossoms.

10. Yun Lai Viewpoint in Mae Hong Son, Northern Thailand

You might not know the name Mae Hong Son, but it’s actually where Pai is. Anyway, there are good reasons why Mae Hong Son is nicknamed the City of Three Mists. Among its numerous viewpoints for the sea of mist, Yun Lai Viewpoint in Pai is one of the most beloved. Treat yourself to hot Chinese tea while watching the mist roll by above the local village and fields.

11. Pang Oung in Mae Hong Son, Northern Thailand

Mist floating so close to the crystal clear lake surrounded by verdant pine trees. Black and white swans quietly swimming by. The golden light glistening off the lake surface at the break of dawn. Tranquility in the air. Everything about Pang Oung is dreamy.

12. Ban Jabo Village in Mae Hong Son, Northern Thailand

Ban Jabo, a Black Lahu hill tribe village, is a journey of nature and culture (authentic!) rolled into one. Stay overnight in one of the local homes and you won’t regret it.

But the biggest highlight of all is probably having noodles in the sky. The simple noodle shop is situated on a mountain and you can sit down on the terrace, dangling your feet. For a very cheap price, you get to enjoy a very tasty bowl of noodles and million dollar views of mist and mountains.

13. Doi Samer Dao in Nan, Northern Thailand

Camp close to the stars and then wake up to the sea of mist. At Doi Samer Dao (translating to where you can reach the stars) in Sri Nan National Park, the last thing you see before falling asleep and the first thing you see in the morning are just so beautiful.

After the sunrise, walk along the nature trail to Pha Hua Singh or Lion’s Head Cliff and enjoy the panoramic view of forests and river below.

Discover other things to do in Nan, Thailand.

14. Phu Lang Ka in Phayao, Northern Thailand

Peeking above the white fluff are giant limestone mountains. Just like islands in the sea of mist and clouds. Combining with the trees that sprinkle the vast meadow below, Phu Lang Ka looks as if it came straight out of a painting.

15. Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei, Northeastern Thailand

This is one of the most classic mountain adventures in Thailand. Thai lovers dream of conquering Phu Kradueng together, testing their patience and love as they make their way from the base to the summit. The hike takes about 4-5 hours one way. It’s also a popular place to pop the question.

Apart from the sunrise over the sea of mist and clouds at Pha Nok Aen (Swallow Cliff), Phu Kradueng has lots of other wonderful viewpoints, flora and fauna. Visit in December or January to view fiery red maple leaves, which contrast beautifully with the waterfalls and lush surrounding. Yes, we’re still in Thailand.

15. Phu Thok in Loei, Northeastern Thailand

This small mountain is only a few minutes away from Chiang Khan, a quaint village near the Mekong River where time seems to slow down. Make sure you go up there to enjoy the morning mist and the panoramic view of Chiang Khan and the Mekong River.

16. Pha Chanadai in Ubon Ratchathani, Northeastern Thailand

Be the first to see the sunrise in Thailand! People in this area welcome the new dawn before anyone else in the country. The cliff Pha Chanadai is a dramatic location that overlooks the vast sea of mist and after the mist clears up, you can see the forests and the Mekong River in the Laos.

Since Pha Chanadai is part of Pha Taem National Park, there are lots of other things to do. History buffs will love the cave paintings that date back to 3,000 years ago while nature lovers get to enjoy waterfalls, rare wildflowers and giant, weird rocks called Sao Chaliang all in one place.

Welcome to Amazing Thailand – Open to the New Shades. This is your ultimate Thailand travel guide, off-the-beaten-track edition. Go local and explore Thailand through new perspectives. Open your heart and mind… to the shades of Thailand that you never knew exist!

The post Best Places to View the Sea of Mist in Thailand (Other than Chiang Mai) appeared first on Amazing Thailand.