Thoed Thai was formerly known as Hin Taek (Broken Stone) because of a large cracked rock lying in the Mae Kham river which flows through the village.
Thoed Thai is located 24 kms north-west of Doi Mae Salong, 13 kms from the Thai-Myanmar border at Mae Moh. Surrounded by majestic mountains, the town is accessible by good all-weather steep, winding and spectacular mountain roads.
Thoed Thai is actually two villages on opposite sides of the Mae Kham river, and the valley runs up towards the Shan State like an “ear” sticking out from this remote upper corner of Thailand.
The surrounding hills, which 20 years ago cultivated massive volumes of opium poppy under the watchful eyes of a 15,000 man, heavily-armed private army, now host peaceful tea and coffee plantations (above).
Once the headquarters of Khun Sa, the opium / drug warlord Thoed Thai is a very interesting little town. Khun Sa died in Burma on 26 October 2007 and his old camp is now a museum. A memorial service for Khun Sa was held in Thoed Thai on the 7th November 2007. The camp and the museum is well worth visiting as either a day trip from Doi Mae Salong, or better still as an over night trip from wherever.
The Rim Taan Guesthouse beside the Mae Kham river is a wonderful clean guesthouse to stay at in Thoed Thai & is a favourite of the GT Riders.
The Ting Ting restaurant next door to the Rim Taan guesthouse is unbelievably clean and has superb fresh food. The vegetables are incredibly good. You have not done the Golden Triangle until you’ve done a night in Thoed Thai!
Diverse Ethnic peoples: Akha, Shan, Lahu, Lisu, Hmong, Thai.
November: Sunflower & Hill tribe Cultural Festival at Hua Mae Kham.
Poi Sang Long Buddhist Novice Monk ordination ceremony every April.
The Traditional Morning Market with various tribal peoples.
See also 6 nights 7 days in the Top North for more info & photos.