Former opium plantation in northern Thailand transformed into tea plantation

In fact, the project has worked so well that the area in the northern part of the country is now being promoted for agro-tourism.

Just 30 years ago, the same area in northern Thailand's Chiang Rai Province had been used to grow opium.

But now, Doi Mae Salong is being touted as one of the world's best tea plantations.

Three types of tea are grown here - the Nang Ngam Tea, the soft-type Oolong Tea and Oolong Tea number 12.

Besides the success of growing tea, the Doi Mae Salong village is set to make its mark as an agro-tourism destination.

It was specifically chosen by Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports because of its untouched beauty.

Visitors can also enjoy local activities which includes trying their hand at picking tea leaves.

Another attraction there is the market-place which has a street for the Chinese community.

That is because the people of Mae Salong share a common lifestyle with the Yunnanese community in Southern China.

The area is where visitors get to sip some of the world's finest tea, and try tea-related delicacies such as eggs boiled in herbal tea and steamed dumpling, stuffed with green tea.