Samoeng

Samoeng (สะเมิง) is in Chiang Mai Province, about 50 kilometers west-northwest of Chiang Mai.

Samoeng Halal Travel Guide

Samoeng is a small farming community of perhaps 5,000 inhabitants roughly 50 kilometers from Chiang Mai. It lies in a lovely valley with the valley floor at an elevation of about 550 meters. Its claims to fame are its strawberries, for which it is justly acclaimed, and the so-called Samoeng Loop, a 100 kilometers circuit through the mountains from Chiang Mai, well-known to both bicycling and motorcycling aficionados. The town is about as (Thai) as feasible, with only the occasional Westerner in sight.

There is no particular reason to visit Samoeng as it contains little of interest (aside from its authenticity) for the tourist with little time to spare. Overwhelmingly, Western visitors come here on their orbit around the Samoeng Loop. Five kilometers off the loop itself, it is roughly the halfway point, thus a good spot to rest, refuel, and relax for an hour.

Travel to Samoeng

With rare exceptions, you will drive into Samoeng on Route 1269, one of three ways into the town. At the bottom of a long grade, you will come to the valley floor and a T-junction. This junction serves as a navigational reference point. You can go left or you can go right from this point. Either direction will allow you to make a 5 kilometers circuit of the town along a road that skirts the mountains that frame the valley floor.

Turning to the left:

• ...and continuing straight: will lead you to the 7-Eleven (ATM), Bangkok Bank (ATM); Thailand Post; and the (no name) Bed and Breakfast (500 m), and gasoline (1.5 kilometers). Beyond this and the road continues until it devolves into an unmarked dirt road (4.5 kilometers) that is best left to the local residents.
• ...and making an almost immediate right (25 m): the town market will be on your left. Straight will take you to the BAAC Bank (ATM) (200 m from the T-junction); gasoline vending machine (300 m on the right); Internet cafe (400 m on the right); Samoeng Guesthouse (900 m on the left); Forest Guesthouse (1.8 kilometers on the left); and Samoeng Resort (2.6 kilometers on the left). At the Samoeng Resort there is a junction with 3 forks. Taking the first right will take you back to Samoeng.

Turning to the right: this direction is signposted Route 1349 to Pai (170 kilometers). It will lead you to the police station (200 m on the right); Samoeng Massage (600 m on the left); Strawberry Samoeng Farm (1.7 kilometers on the left); PT Gas Station (2.2 kilometers on the left); road junction where Route 1349 diverges (2.4 kilometers). At this crossroads, Samoeng Resort (2.5 kilometers) is directly in front of you. Turn left at this junction to continue back to Samoeng. The Forest Guesthouse will be on your right at 3.3 km; the Samoeng Guesthouse at 4.2 km. Signposts there will indicate that Route 1349 (to Pai, 170 kilometers) is to the right.

A yellow songthaew from Chiang Mai (Chang Phuak Bus Station) costs 60 Baht and will take roughly 90 minutes to reach Samoeng. You can catch the songthaew Chiang Mai-Samoeng from Chang Phuak Bus Station at 09:00, 10:25, 11:50, 13:15, 14:30, and 16:00. Yellow songthaews to Samoeng also depart from Warorot Market.

Get Around

You must rely on your own transport in Samoeng. Although there is songthaew service to neighbouring communities it is difficult to figure out.

What to See

• The Royal Agricultural Station Pang Da | Pang Da Road, Samoeng Tai, Samoeng 50250 on Route 1269 between km3 and km4 Opening Hours: Daily Free Specializes in temperate crop propagation. Focus on tropical fruit trees, flowers, beans, vetiver, and rapid-growth woods. Career development out-reach to local farmers. Visitor amenities limited.

Things to Do

Samoeng1 - |Street view

• Pong Kwao Hot Springs Resort & Spa | ☎ +66 86 0123771 - 150 Baht for use of private bath house, towel, sarong Wonderful thermal spas (Muslim Friendly). 150 Baht gets you towels, a wrap, and admission to a small, private bathhouse of your very own enclosing a rock-walled swimmingpool of hot water, about the size of a hot tub. Stay as long as you want. The grounds are lovely, with a restaurant/bar on-site and what appears to be a nascent cooking school with lodgings (vacant by the look of them) adjacent. Almost thirty kilometers from Samoeng, over a road that is intermittently great and then terrible. Tents for rent for camping on-site, 350 Baht.

• Samoeng Loop - Strawberry Loop - The Samoeng Loop, is a rollicking mountain circuit of about 100 kilometres, famous among bicyclists and motorcyclists. The starting point is typically Chiang Mai. From there, head to either Mae Rim or Hang Dong (depending on whether you want to do the circuit clockwise or counter-clockwise) and then head for the town of Samoeng, roughly the midpoint of the journey (although Samoeng is 5 kilometers off the circuit). It is commonly called the "Strawberry Loop" as the region is famous for them, as numerous roadside stands will demonstrate.

• Samoeng Massage - right at the T-junction, go 600 m, on your left Opening Hours: 09:00-21:00 1 hours (Thai) massage, 150 Baht; 1 hours foot massage, 200 Baht

• Samoeng Strawberry Festival | Samoeng, Chiang Mai Province ☎ +66 84 3632781 +66 52 080806 - The biggest strawberry festival in Thailand. The yearly festival coincides with Valentine's Day and a couple of days either side of it. Parade (Saturday), music, dancing, vendors galore (food and otherwise), crowning of Ms Strawberry. Your basic small town fete.

• Teach English - Samoeng's Pittayakhom School is always in need of native English speakers to assist their foreign language staff. Two school terms run from November - Mar and May-October. Volunteers are placed via the Swiss-Thai NGO, Child's Dream. Contact them for details

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Samoeng

• ATMs. There are 4 ATMs in town:

1. Bangkok Bank (main street, across from 7-Eleven)
2. Government Savings Bank (at 7-Eleven, across from Bangkok Bank)
3. BAAC (left at T-junction, first right turn, on right 100 m)
4. Krung (Thai) Bank (right at T-junction, sign 25 m on right. Machine in front of neighborhood office).

• Numerous small shops—look for them on the right as you enter town—sell products made in Samoeng. These include everything strawberry: fruit cocktail, brandy, jam, dried fruit, and, of course, fresh strawberries in season. There is also a banana chip enterprise in town that makes barbeque banana chips, sweet banana chips, and more flavours.

• Fresh Market - ตลาดสด dtà~làat-sòt - left at the T-junction, on your right about 50 m Opening Hours: Daily, peters out as the day progresses Variety of fresh and prepared foods. There is a public toilet at the left rear as you face the market from the high street.

• Morning Market - ตลาดเช้า dtà~làat-cháao - Opening Hours: Monday - only, 07:00-12:00
• Every Monday morning in the centre of town there is an morning market selling new items: clothing, household items, DVDs, etc.

• 7-Eleven - left at the T-junction, on your left about 150 m Opening Hours: 24/7 A reminder that 7-Elevens sell alcohol only between 11:00-14:00 and 17:00-24:00, although neighbouring shops pay no attention to this restriction.

Halal Restaurants in Samoeng

There are many small restaurants in Samoeng. Entering town, take a left at the T-junction and go about 100 meters. Here you will find the fresh market (talat sot), open daily, selling prepared foods, fruits and vegetables, and the like. In the vicinity of the market there are several small restaurants.

• Ban Rabiang Lom - บ้านระเบีงลม - As you come into town on Route 1269, between km2 and km1 ☎ +66 81 1120420 | Opening Hours: 11:00-23:00 39 Baht; Blue Hawaii, 89 Baht; Latte, 39 Baht; 2 plates of khao pat gai and a large Leo 119 Baht Spiffy clean restaurant on stilts just as you come into Samoeng. Menus in (Thai) and English. Strong Wi-Fi. Food good and affordable, but portions small. Order two of everything. The gorgeous owner is named Oi. In low season does not seem to open until about 17:00.

• Supanee Restaurant - สุพรรณี | Just short of the T-junction coming into town, on the right side of the road, just up from the strawberry stands. Big sign, but only in (Thai). Opening Hours: 07:00-16:00 Serves up what is reputed to be great cashew Chicken and garlic Beef in gigantic portions at unfairly fair prices.

There are no cafes per se in Samoeng. Drinking takes place in restaurants, at home, or at some karaoke joints, location unknown.

• Strawberry Samoeng Farm - ไร่สตรอเบอรี่สะเมิง | Turn right at the T-junction and travel about 1.7 km. Strawberry Samoeng is on your left, a two-storey bamboo sala. ☎ +66 86 4267468, +66 53 378112 You can get a good cup of coffee at Strawberry Samoeng. Recently have added a restaurant. They sell strawberry drink, strawberry fruit cocktail, other local products. Free Wi-Fi.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Samoeng

Samoeng - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Samoeng, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Samoeng. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Samoeng and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Samoeng. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Samoeng. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSamoeng: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Samoeng.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Samoeng: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Samoeng, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Samoeng.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Samoeng, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Samoeng, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Samoeng and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Samoeng, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Samoeng, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Samoeng without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Samoeng is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Samoeng.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Samoeng is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Samoeng, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Samoeng Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Baan Lhong Doi Lodge and Restaurant | 18.85207, 98.75931 coming into town on Route 1269 on your right between km4 and km3 ☎ +66 84 4813358 - Geared to a (Thai) clientele. Nice-looking bungalows just off the road. Attractive restaurant.

• Doi Nok Strawberry Resort - resort 191 M1 T Samoengtai, A Samoeng 18.85527, 98.69388 See map on Facebook - Doi Nok Strawberry Resort ☎ +66 53 487289 Checkin - flexible / Check-out: flexible 3,000 Baht/night - The lodges are in traditional (Thai) style, but to GCC standards and situated in a large traditional terracotta brick wall with views over the strawberry/sunflower field and forest. They have air conditioning, Wi-Fi, refrigerator, flat screen televisions, large beds, hot shower and restaurant. The resort has handouts about things to do in the area. Visitors, including those not staying at the resort, may arrange to pick organic strawberries in the field, in season. The manager speaks English/French/Thai.

• Forest Guest House 1 8.85718, 98.72511 1.3 kilometers from T-junction ☎ +66 84 3715055 +66 84 3715055 300-3000 Baht Funky collection of rustic cabins on a hillside on the west side of Samoeng Valley. Proprietor is the inimitable Kanita. Everything about staying here is negotiable: price, check-in, check-out, meals. She is prepared to offer (Thai) cooking lessons, act as your local guide, and do other things to enhance your stay.

• Lhong Khao Samoeng - หลองข้าวสะเมิง | 241 Moo 9 18.84357, 98.73170 in Samoeng. Turn left at the T-junction. Straight on past the 7-Eleven, for ~300 m, on your right hand said, well signposted ☎ +66 86 977 1719 - 1,700-5,000 Baht depending on room and season Calls itself a bed & breakfast, but it is so much more than that. Bills itself as an "organic homestay", whatever that is. 30 cute rooms of varying sizes (Thai northern style), all with super bath facilities. All beds have mosquito nets that lend the beds a romantic aura. On 12 rai of gardens, strawberry patches, and Rice fields stretching away to the nearby hills. Free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is (Thai) puri Rice with Beef. Host is an engaging young lady named "Khun Taew" who speaks excellent English.

• Rai Napa-Phupa Guesthouse | 203 Moo 10 coming into town on Route 1269, between km3 and km2, about 100 m off the road. Signposted. ☎ +66 53 378414-5, +66 81 6039800 - Again, (Thai) clientele mostly. Appear to have bungalows. They advertise their coffee shop.

• Samoeng Guesthouse 1 8.85053, 98.72670 900 m from T-junction. At T, turn left and then an almost immediate right turn, continue around the loop till you see it on your left ☎ +66 53 487069
• Samoeng Resort - 79 Moo 2, Samoengtai 18.8635, 98.7230 Turn right at T-junction, continue for 2.5 kilometers to an intersection. Resort is right in front of you. ☎ +66 85 2540271 - Samoeng Resort and Nature Observation Centre is an eco-adventure lodge and retreat centre located in Samoeng Valley near Khun Khan National Park.

Telecommunications in Samoeng

• Pum Pai Internet 400 m from T-junction: left, first right, on right ~300 m Opening Hours: 10:00-22:30 on school days, 24:00 on weekends Frequented mostly by young village boys addicted to Internet gaming. It is feasible to pop in to read email.

• Thailand Post - ไปรษณีย์ไทย - Left at the T-junction coming into town, down the road ~150 m on the right Opening Hours: Monday - F, 08:30-16:30

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Gasoline/petrol

There are at least 4 places to buy gas in Samoeng, and probably more. Prices are in excess of 50 Baht per litre:

1. Station coming into town on Route 1269, on the left, roughly km3.
2. Gas vending machine on first secondary road heading west from main street.
3. Station on left of Route 1349 towards Pai. At the T-junction, turn right, travel ~1.5 km.
4. Hand-pumped gas about 1.5 kilometers down the high street on your right after turning left at the T-junction.

Laundry

• Laundry Service - left-rear of the fresh market square in one of the shop fronts that define the border of the square. As you stand on the primary street facing the market, head for the shop in the back, furthest left, in the neighbourhood of the public toilets - Inexpensive.

Travel Next

Pai—Via Route 1349. This road leads ultimately to Pai, although the road is terrible. Locals almost never take this route to Pai. They backtrack to Mae Rim and proceed from there. If you are intrepid, plan on a full, long day.

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